The University of Illinois Extension Bureau, LaSalle and Marshall-Putnam 4-H honor the seniors of 2020. This week we highlight Lance Moritz. Lance Moritz is a member of the South Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club in LaSalle County.
Lance’s favorite project area in 4-H is Welding. He exhibited projects in this area for 5 years and has made items such as a sheep shearing stand, work bench and shop stool. The projects he have made and the skills that he learned will be used for years to come on his family farm.
Over the past 9 years in 4-H, Lance has exhibited projects in woodworking, welding, tractor safety, crops, sheep and swine at the LaSalle County 4-H Fair. In all of his 4-H projects, he has been given the opportunity to try new things and has always strived to learn as much as possible from the industry professionals he has been introduced to. The 4-H program has given him a great platform to exhibit his projects at the state and local levels and has been the highlight of his summers since he was old enough to remember. In addition to the skills he learned through these projects, he also acquired valuable knowledge and leadership skills while serving a two-year term as his club’s treasurer and participating in several community service projects and trips. Throughout the years, he learned that 4-H is more than just projects at the fair but more about the leadership skills, hands on training and friendships that will all make an impact on his future.
Lance has several great memories while being in 4-H! His favorite memory is probably helping paint and sign the demolition derby car that was sponsored by their 4-H club. He also really enjoy attending the derby and the tractor/truck pulls every year with my friends!
When asked what his advice is to younger 4-H’ers Lance replied, “My advice to younger 4-H’ers to be active and not be afraid to get involved! 4-H is a fun way to learn all kinds of new things! Don't be afraid to suggest an idea at a monthly meeting or sign up to attend a workshop so that you can learn a new skill that you didn't know that you had. The things you learn and the friends that you make in 4-H will last a lifetime!”
Lance plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College to pursue Associate Degrees in Agronomy and Welding. He plans to manage the 4th generation of Moritz Farms and the family business, Moritz Lawn Care, in the future.
He would like to thank Kit and Jen Passwater for their amazing leadership and guidance for our club.
They always go above and beyond in planning for our club/community activities, fair events and leadership activities! Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Passwater.
If you have questions or if you would like information about joining 4-H, email Anne Scheel for Marshall-Putnam, Danielle Gapinski for Bureau County or Toni Pienta for LaSalle County, or please call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit at 815-224-0889. 4-H is the Youth Development Program of University of Illinois Extension.
The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.
If you have questions or need more information please call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit at 815-224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.