STERLING, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on over 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Four volunteers from Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.
In 2024, 70 individuals were 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. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion at the Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration events.
Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award- Whiteside County
Gordon Kelm
Gordon Kelm has been involved in 4-H for most of his life and has been a Volunteer Organizational Club Leader—among many other far-ranging roles—for over 50 years! His decades of leadership speak to his unwavering passion and steadfast dedication to the 4-H program, its ideals, and its participants. He lives and breathes this wonderful organization, stands by everything we believe in, and has positively impacted the lives of a conservatively estimated 2300 youth! Gordon grew up and still lives and works on his family farm, where he, his brother, and both of his parents were involved in 4-H. His parents even met and fell in love through a 4-H program. Gordon, as a successful grain and livestock farmer, respected community member, and honorable friend to many, is an exemplary role model. His focus has been, and continues to be, on giving youth the skills they need to be successful in life, providing them opportunities they may not otherwise experience, and inspiring them to excel. He cherishes the many friendships he has developed with 4-H members, fellow leaders, community members, and staff on his decades-long 4-H journey.
Hall of Fame 2024- Whiteside County
Christina Krum
Christina Krum's involvement in 4-H spans most of her life, including 29 years as a volunteer leader for Cottonwood 4-H Club, the same club she was a member of in her youth. Her dedication to 4-H is generational, and she now guides her children in this familiar setting. She has also volunteered at 4-H camp, led 4-H Ambassadors, helped with show judging, and served on the 4-H Support Fund. In addition to the many hours she devotes to 4-H and 4-H youth, Christina is a Fiscal Operations Officer at Morrison Tech, active in her church. She works on the family farm and within the family business, Krum Kreations, in Morrison.
Hall of Fame 2024- Lee County
Michelle Snode
Michelle Snode has been a 4-H club leader for over 20 years, getting involved when her (now adult) daughters were 4-H members. She currently leads the Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, which meets monthly in Steward. She avidly supports all 4-H youth in Lee County, helping them grow and progress in their project areas and assisting at 4-H Shows each year. Her hobbies include horseback riding, raising pygmy goats, and fostering dogs and puppies for the Tails Humane Society of DeKalb, IL. “4-H has given so many children a chance to learn and grow new skills and develop important life skills,” she said. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Hall of Fame 2024- Carroll County
Sandy Imel
Sandy Imel is a dedicated leader and mentor within the 4-H community, particularly known for her 11-year tenure as the leader of the Chadwick Achievers Club. She actively engages with and supports other club leaders, providing guidance and encouragement to foster their growth and success in the 4-H program. Sandy's commitment to mentoring reflects her passion for cultivating strong leadership and camaraderie among fellow volunteers.
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.
About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.