The University of Illinois Extension Bureau, LaSalle and Marshall-Putnam 4-H honor the seniors of 2020.  This week we highlight Madeline-Rose Mudge.

Madeline-Rose Mudge is a member of the Dimmick Braves 4-H club in LaSalle County.           

She has enjoyed showing horses and cows. Madeline-Rose has always enjoyed showing livestock and this is because of 4-H.  When she was little, she took photography and enjoyed that as well.           

Madeline-Rose has learned about how to be a leader. “I have always liked helping others and during our meetings us older kids have the opportunity to help the younger ones. I have also learned responsibility from taking care of our animals. I also learned that we should give back to the community and help people that need things more than us.”         

Her favorite memories from 4-H are always at the fair. “Every year I look forward to competing with kids that have the same interest as me. One memory I have is when I was showing horses for my first time and winning 3 classes. I remember how excited I was that I won 1st place.”

Madeline-Rose’s advice to younger 4-H’ers are to get involved. “Always try something new because you have the opportunity so don’t throw that away.”            

Next year Madeline-Rose will attending Illinois Valley Community College studying agriculture business. After IVCC she will be attending Iowa State.            

She would like to first thank her club leader Mrs. Rich. “She truly cares so much about the kids. Every year at the fair, she would try to watch all of the kids show and make an effort to take pictures for us. She is a club leader and even greater role model. I would also like to thank the 4-H board for putting on a great fair every year. This is an event I look forward to every summer. I could not thank you guys enough.”

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.