Dorothy Wire – 2025 Illinois Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer, from Stephenson County
Dorothy Wire: A Legacy of Dedication to Illinois 4-H
For nearly 40 years, Dorothy Wire has been an exceptional volunteer and steadfast champion of Illinois 4-H. Her unwavering dedication has enriched the lives of countless youth—not only in Stephenson County, but across the state.
Dorothy’s impact reaches far beyond the club level. She has long served as the Stephenson County Superintendent for Natural Resources projects, sharing her expertise in beekeeping, entomology, forestry, and geology. At the county 4-H fair, Dorothy is a familiar and welcoming presence—assisting judges, recording awards, and handing out ribbons with genuine pride in each young participant’s accomplishments.
Her commitment doesn’t stop there. For more than 20 years, Dorothy has played a vital role on the Stephenson County Leadership and Awards Committee and judged award applications at the State level for nearly 10 years. Her advocacy for youth development is especially evident in her passion for teaching members how to complete their 4-H records—an essential life skill that prepares them for future college applications, scholarship opportunities, and employment. Long before it became a formal initiative, Dorothy embodied the values of the Beyond Ready program, recognizing early on the importance of preparing youth for lifelong success.
In the mid-1980s, Dorothy also lent her talents at the state level, serving nearly a decade as a judge for 4-H Record Books—bringing both fairness and encouragement to the process.
Dorothy’s legacy lives on not only in the youth she has mentored, but also in her own family. As a proud mother of four sons, she celebrates the rare achievement that each of them earned the Top 4-H’er Award in Stephenson County and attended National 4-H Congress—a testament to her commitment to excellence and the values of 4-H.
Those who know Dorothy speak of her helpful nature, unwavering integrity, and the high standards she brings to every endeavor. Her life’s work reflects the very heart of the 4-H mission: "To Make the Best Better." Dorothy’s influence is profound and enduring—an inspiring example of what it means to lead with passion, serve with purpose, and invest wholeheartedly in the future of youth.
