Lewistown, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Janis Blout, after a 40-year career with University of Illinois Extension (retired) in Fulton County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for her selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

In 2023, 53 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.

Janis’s attention to detail and making sure that each 4-H member and their family had a wonderful 4-H experience during her tenure as 4-H Extension program coordinator in Fulton County is second to none.

Illinois 4-H programs in Fulton County reach nearly 300 youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, educational programs, workshops, and conferences held in communities, schools, parks, and homes. Volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state.

“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 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.”

For Further Information Contact:

News Source: Patricia McGlaughlin, Volunteer Specialist, University of Illinois Extension.

News Writer: Krista Gray, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, Fulton County

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.