4-H members from across the state were recently selected as winners through the Illinois 4-H Awards program.  The Illinois State 4-H Award recognizes exemplary work in five major areas, including communications, community service, leadership, personal growth and project mastery.  

Winners will receive either a trip to National 4-H Congress, $1,000 toward the cost of another national 4-H event, or a $1,000 college scholarship as their prize.   This year, two Logan County 4-H members and two Sangamon County 4-H members were selected as Illinois Award winners.  Ariana Hinkle from Logan County was selected in the Project Mastery award area and will attend National 4-H Congress this Fall. Cavit Schempp from Logan County, was selected in the Personal Growth award area; Daniel Kloppe from Sangamon County was selected in the Project Mastery award area; and Rachel Fishburn from Sangamon County was selected in the Community Service award area – all three will be receiving $1000 scholarships.

Legacy of Leadership Scholarships recipients of $1000 were also named based on their achievements in the Illinois 4-H program. The Illinois 4-H Foundation present these scholarships to 4-H teens who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership.  Logan County 4-H member Abigail Steffens, and Sangamon County 4-H member, Rachel Fishburn, were  selected as a scholarship recipients.

“Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities, but also Illinois and the nation,” said Lisa Diaz, U of I Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “As we look ahead to the future, we are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.”

All Illinois State 4-H awards and Legacy of Leadership Scholarships are supported through donor gifts to the Illinois 4-H Foundation.