Congratulations to our staff members who were honored with Excellence Awards and a chance to share a newly implemented program with other staff throughout the state.

Ten staff members who serve in our counties were honored at Illinois Extension’s Annual Conference held on Nov. 15-16. The Extension Excellence Awards celebrated the outstanding achievement and exceptional teamwork displayed by talented staff members, from leading innovative projects to leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Other staff members implemented a program, Hometown Leaders, which was also selected to be presented to others in a workshop setting during the conference.

Judy Hodge, Boone County Program Coordinator, won the Inclusive Excellence Award for her ongoing efforts and program delivery to our partner, Belvidere Park District, which is part of Northlands Association for Special Recreation, whose programs are open to any individual with disability-related special needs.

Our five office support staff members received the Excellence in Innovation Office Support Award for excelling in innovative collaboration and coordination. This empowered the team and improved their engagement with their tasks, commitment to their jobs, and teamwork, which fostered a stronger bond and understanding between them. The team members are Jenny Kvamme, Ogle; Amy Miller, Ogle; Kelli Morrow; Boone; Lydia Nickels, former DeKalb; and Teresa Schwarz, Ogle.

Kathy Dombek, 4-H Program Coordinator; Heather Coyle, County Director; Mike Delany, Community and Economic Development Educator; and Melissa Irwin, 4-H Program Coordinator, presented a workshop about the program, Hometown Leaders, that was implemented with 4-H youth and our partners, the Boone County Board and Boone County Government. This program is targeted to help the younger generation become more familiar with local government functions, learn more about the political roles and career paths reflected in local government, and encourage them to become involved in local government.