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Donald Sealing

Because of his commitment and dedication to our fairs, our youth and agriculture, Donald Sealing was named the Maryland Association of Agricultural Fairs and Shows Fair person of the year during the 2006 Convention.

Don has 45 years of continuous volunteer service in Howard and Garrett County 4-H programs and is known for his knowledge in sheep production. In 2001, as age 82, Don served as a chef for several fundraisers, walked the roadway with 4-H youth cleaning up trash, worked all week at the county fair moving chairs and fixing things, and still found time to ask if there was anything else he could do.

Sealing is an 85 years young 4-H All Star. He is proud to have started the 4-H Agricultural Program in Howard County, started the Lamb Exchange Program for Youth in Howard County and stays involved by working with the Tractor Program for Youth at the Garrett County Fair. “The 4-H youth in the area are all aware of Don’s selfless acts. He teaches citizenship and character by example,” says a close friend.

He began his career as a fair executive beginning in Howard County in 1957. Don served as Director of the fair board for 19 years, started the Howard County Sheep Breeders Association, and was a founder of the Sheep and Wool Festival. Garrett County also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Sealing as he was a Director of the fair board for 30 years, sheep superintendent and a member of the Garrett County livestock Association. Don also served as a sheep judge with the Eastern National Sheep Show in Maryland and West Virginia.

His many awards show his dedication not only to agriculture but extend deep within the community. He has received:
Outstanding Citizen Award from the Woodmen of the World
Gold Clover 4-H award for 40 years of service
Garrett County 4-H family of the year, 1990
Inducted into the Fireman Hall of Fame, 1992
Fireman of the Year 1993
Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival’s “Shepherd of the Year”, 1997
Certificate from Farm Safety Committee, 1998
Certificate for Service to Crime Solvers, 1998
Honor Plaque from Garrett County Livestock Association, 1998
Nominated for Lifetime Volunteer Award for 4-H, 2001

Note: we are saddened to report Mr. Sealing’s passing in October 2006. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family.