SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The recent Illinois State 4-H Dog Show was a triumph for several Champaign County 4-H members, who showcased their exceptional skills and dedication in various categories. Held annually, this prestigious event brings together young dog handlers from across the state to demonstrate their abilities in obedience, showmanship, and agility, among other disciplines.
Youth Development Educator Mynda Tracy praised the hard work and commitment of the local 4-H members. "It’s incredible to see our 4-H kids excel at the state level," Tracy remarked. "Their achievements are a testament to the hours of training, learning, and the strong bond they’ve developed with their dogs. It’s a joy to witness their success and the pride they take in their work."
Tracy also emphasized the broader impact of participating in the Dog Obedience Club. "Programs like the Dog Obedience Club provide valuable opportunities for youth to develop important life skills such as responsibility, patience, and perseverance. These are lessons they carry with them beyond the competition, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals."
The Champaign County 4-H program is proud to announce the following members who achieved outstanding results at the Illinois State 4-H Dog Show:
- Hansley Spitz – State Champion, Senior Showmanship; 2nd Place, Rally Novice Senior Class; 1st Place, Rally Intermediate Class.
- Claire Hartman – 1st Place, Preferred Novice Class.
- Morgan Perez – 4th Place, Rally Intermediate Class.
- Jarvis Gunderson – 5th Place, Rally Novice Junior Class; 6th Place, Junior Showmanship.
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of the University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement and puts them in the driver's seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to be civically active, and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
ABOUT EXTENSION: University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.