SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois 4-H empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Fifty-three volunteers were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program and inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by county University of Illinois Extension staff.

“Volunteers are the heart of the Illinois 4-H youth development program, embodying the spirit of dedicated service that nurtures the growth of our future leaders,” says Patricia McGlaughlin, University of Illinois Extension 4-H specialist. “Their unwavering commitment and selfless contributions empower our youth to learn, thrive, and make a positive impact on their communities. Volunteers help youth find their spark and help build our next generations.”

The 2023 Hall of Fame class includes: Tom Brookens, Christian County; Cartha Gustafson, Clark County; Brad Clark, Clay County; Jennifer Smith, Crawford County; Carl Heide, DeKalb County; Darra Walker, Edgar County; Alan Kollmann, Effingham County; Toby Probst, Jasper County; Ron and Lori Moore, Jersey County; Ron Alms, Kane County.

Tom Anderson, Kendall County; Kathy Anderson, Kendall County; David Dunham, Livingston County; Amy Hyde, Logan County; Jane Lee Carney, Macoupin County; Jeanne Parks, McLean County; Joyce Knodle, Montgomery County Gretchen Johnson, Ogle County; David Mendenhall, Sangamon County; Doug Bunting, Edwards County; John Davis, Grundy County; Benda Brokaw, Henderson County; William Van Wassenhove, Kankakee County.

Mary Beth Bowman, Knox County; Steven and Carrie Potts, Lawrence County; Monica Torrance, McDonough County; Jennifer Wittum, McHenry County; Heidi Ruwald, Monroe County; Mark Steber, Richland County; Cheri White, Saline County; Russell and Maxine Stewart, Warren County; Burton “Gary” Torrens, Washington County; Melinda States, Wayne County; Amy Hildebrandt, Boone County; Kenn and Lora Corban, Bureau County; Mary Green, Carroll County.

Brad and Paula Zwilling, Champaign County; Mary Ellen McClure, Ford County; Janis Blout, Fulton County; Angela Jones, Iroquois County; Betsy Muehleip, Chad Wilson, LaSalle County; Erin Odle, Lee County; Dinah VanDelinder, Mason County; Steve Ausmus, Mercer County; Cathy Ludolph, Peoria County; Karl Ziegler, Putnam County; Lynne Schroeder, Rock Island County; Jim Hampton, Shelby County; Julie Miller, Stephenson County; Duane Lessen, Tazewell County; Nikki Duffy, Vermilion County; and Elizabeth Russo, Winnebago County.

Ceremonies were held over a three-day period to match up with each county’s exhibit days at the 4-H General Project Show. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion at the Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration events.

For Further Information Contact:

News Source: Patricia McGlaughlin, Volunteer Specialist, University of Illinois Extension, patm@illinois.edu

News Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and 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 then 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.