Posted: April 8, 2022
Kathryn Dix is the 2021 recipient of the Pennsylvania 4-H Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer award.
Dix has been a 4-H volunteer in Wayne County for more than 40 years as the main dairy project leader in her county. Dix’s work also follows a long family tradition of 4-H leadership. Dix’s parents were 4-H leaders until 2013 with nearly 100 years of service combined.
Aside from her work as the dairy project leader, she is involved in many other 4-H initiatives. She serves as the leader of the Pleasant Mount Go-Getters 4-H Community Club, as a Wayne County Extension board member, as the leader of the local Dairy Judging Team, as the 4-H Dairy Camp organizer, as a District Dairy planning committee member, and as a member of the 4-H Advisory Committee and Program Development Committee.
As a youth, Dix also was involved in 4-H as a member. Her main project focus was dairy cattle, but she also participated in horse, rabbit and a variety of other projects.
As the leader of one of the largest clubs in her county, Dix focuses on supporting 4-H families and welcoming and mentoring members. With a variety of ages within her club, Dix encourages older members to become mentors to the younger or newer members, allowing all members to make new friends and making them and their families feel more comfortable.
As Wayne County 4-H Educator Jessica Scull explained, “She goes out of her way to welcome every single member as they enter the meeting place. She facilitates and encourages discussion with the members no matter the event she is leading.”
As a strong supporter of community functions, Dix often combines some of her volunteer activities with 4-H. She recruits 4-H members to participate in local events such as the Pleasant Mount Independence Day Parade, Emergency Services dinners, breakfasts, community cleanups and other community service efforts. Club meetings typically are held at the Pleasant Mount Emergency Services building where the club gives back with many beautification projects throughout the year. Dix is an advocate for all community functions and appreciates the importance of giving back.
“Kathy is always ready to take on the day, Scull added. “She is very knowledgeable about the 4-H program and her leadership roles within the program. Kathy’s work ethic is unmatched by many including those half her age. She loves helping people, especially 4-H members. Knowing she has helped a younger 4- H member grow or learn something new is all she needs to complete her day. She will forever keep track of current and past 4-H members and loves to see their accomplishments.”
Outside of her work with 4-H, Dix is carrying on the dairy legacy of Wayne County. The Dix family operates a long-standing dairy farm. This is one of the last remaining dairy farms in Wayne County; in the past there were hundreds. She also is involved in a variety of other local organizations, including Pleasant Mount Emergency Services, Mt. Pleasant Township leadership, Pleasant Mount Emergency Services Ladies Auxiliary, and much more.
