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. Lonnie Van Pelt, a 14-year volunteer in Fulton County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.
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.
Lonnie Van Pelt is a 14-year Shooting Sports Instructor in the Fulton County 4-H program and since 2023 has held the title of State Instructor. Lonnie embodies what the 4-H Shooting Sports Program is all about; he is very knowledgeable and engages well with everyone he meets. Lonnie emphasizes safety to each youth participant and parent during safety meetings before the seasons start. He lets each person in attendance know that firearm safety is of utmost importance. When Lonnie is on the range and instructing these youth, they respect him and appreciate his vast knowledge of firearms. Lonnie makes learning fun! Parents enjoy attending these sessions as much as their children! Lonnie is an excellent teacher, caring and compassionate, but firm when warranted.
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.”
The ceremonies were held over three days during the Illinois State Fair, in conjunction with each county’s exhibit day at the 4-H General Project Show. Learn more about this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and other Illinois 4-H honorees in the 2026 Illinois 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Recognition video at go.illinois.edu/4-Hrecognition2026.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.