Sally Schoenike, a retired 4-H Youth Development Educator from Dodge County who now lives in Oconomowoc, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Atlanta on Oct. 27. Nominated by fellow educator and National 4-H Hall of Fame member Donna Menart, Sally was recognized for her decades of leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
Schoenike began her 4-H journey at 9 years old in the Toland Troopers club, where she cultivated life skills through projects in knitting, nutrition, and leadership. Her early experiences laid the foundation for a 32-year career that would touch the lives of thousands of youth and volunteers across Wisconsin.
“4-H is an opportunity to work with adults and help them develop those skills over the years as well,” Schoenike said. “It’s the volunteers that help you build a strong project. I really believed in the youth-adult partnerships to get the job done.”
Throughout her career, Sally was known for her “we can do that” attitude, a motto that inspired collaboration and community involvement. She built a comprehensive 4-H program in Dodge County that annually engaged more than 4,000 youth and more than 300 volunteers. Her work extended beyond traditional club programming to include school enrichment, outreach initiatives, and innovative partnerships with local organizations.
“She worked really hard to expand 4-H to other audiences by working with other organizations in her own county,” said Menart. “Her slogan was ‘we can do that.’ She would team together with other people to get it done. She loved to work with others. The synergy of working with volunteers and other staff helped propel her to keep on going and do more.”
Among Schoenike’s many accomplishments:
- Friends Helping Friends Peer Education Program, reaching over 500 youth
- Farm-City Day, educating more than 800 fourth graders annually for 22 years
- Summer Day Camps, involving over 6,000 youth and 500 volunteers over two decades
- Special Emphasis Programs, replicated in multiple counties, connecting youth with civic issues such as recycling and government education
- Dodge County 4-H Endowment Fund, launched with over $100,000 in initial fundraising
- AmeriCorps/VISTA Program, providing career-building experiences for emerging professionals
“Throughout her career in Wisconsin’s Division of Extension, Sally provided exceptional volunteer support, high-quality 4-H programs, and thoughtful partnership with colleagues, adults, and youth in Dodge County and throughout Wisconsin. Her induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame is well deserved, and we are grateful for the meaningful chapter of 4-H Youth Development she led and the positive ripple effects it has had on countless people,” said Jessica Jens, Wisconsin 4-H State Program Leader.
Sally’s leadership extended to the state and national levels, where she helped develop programs like Space Camp Counselor Training and the American Spirit Leadership Program, both still active today. She served on numerous advisory boards and committees, including the Wisconsin 4-H Camp Upham Woods Advisory Board and the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Meats Auction Committee, which raised over $100,000 annually.
Her impact was not limited to youth; Sally was a mentor to countless staff and volunteers, helping them find purpose and confidence in their roles. Her work was a family affair, with her late husband Jim and daughters Laura and Kari actively supporting her efforts behind the scenes.
Sally’s legacy continues in retirement through her volunteer work with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Blue Zones, and her local church. She remains a 4-H leader and community advocate, embodying the values of service, leadership, and lifelong learning.
