Horse work helps Kewaunee couple be named to Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame

MADISON – Linda and Joe Pribek of Kewaunee were named among the 2020 laureates for the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Pribeks were honored not just for their 40 years of work with Kewaunee County 4-H but also for their work with the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Project. Each served as a State 4-H Horse Association director and officer during the early development of the program, and Linda Pribek has been its executive secretary since 1997.

"Linda and Joe Pribek are synonymous with the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Project," a press release from University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension/Wisconsin 4H said. "Each … continued to give key leadership throughout its growth and success … (and) helped the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Expo grow to almost 1,000 youth participants at its peak.

"In over 40 years, Linda and Joe helped many volunteers and parents realize the 4-H Horse program is about youth first and horses second. This is where the Pribeks have truly made a difference."

Wisconsin 4-H noted the Pribeks served as instructors and officials for 25 years for Area Animal Science Days, coached youths in educational activities ranging from hippology (the study of horses) to public speaking and training new judges, and assisted with regional and national 4-H competitive horse events. In 2000, the couple founded the 4-H Used Tack Sale, which since has raised thousands of dollars to support educational events for the 4-H Horse program.

The Pribeks were among nine inductees in this year's hall of fame class, which includes leaders and volunteers with local 4-H clubs, state staff members and volunteer leaders.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, inductions will be announced during the organization's virtual Fall Forum Conference on Nov. 7, with hopes to hold in-person ceremonies at the 2021 conference. For more on the 4-H Hall of Fame, visit fyi.extension.wisc.edu/wi4hhof.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or [email protected]

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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Horse work helps Kewaunee couple be named to Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame