Shawn Tait Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/29/2015)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Shawn Tait of Exline as an Iowan of the Day for the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Tait is best known for her work with her community's 4-H group, the Exline Ramblers. She leads the group through major projects, in addition to smaller workshops. One of her bigger projects was writing and submitting a grant for memorial benches on the Appanoose County Fairgrounds. After receiving the grant, Tait led her 4-H members in assembling and placing the benches. The program also taught an environmental lesson to the Ramblers. Each bench, made from recycled plastic, kept over 10,000 plastic bags out of landfills.

During past winters, Tait and her group of 4-Hers were able to spread some joy with their Christmas program at a care center in Seymour. The Ramblers decorated the center, shared dinner with them, provided entertainment and gave a blanket to each resident. Shawn Tait made the event a success by providing leadership and the gift of blankets for everyone staying in the care center.

"Shawn does so much with 4-H that it's hard to list it all," said Jodi McCoy, Tait's nominator. "She really engages with the kids. She leaves no child left behind."

In addition to her work with 4-H, Tait also teaches English at Seymour High School. She volunteers with Boy Scouts, FFA and Exline Recreation Committee. She was named Exline Citizen of the Year in 2013.

Tait's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 22 at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. She will be recognized with a ceremony on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at 2:15 p.m. Along with accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, she will receive a cash prize, Grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart.

Founded in 1997, the Iowan of the Day program allows the Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's most outstanding individuals. The program continues to honor Iowan's across the state who have made a difference in others' lives, while upholding the characteristics associated with Iowa-dependability, integrity, hard work and sense of community.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $110 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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Posted Wednesday July 29, 2015 at 11:37 am by Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation