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. Wendy Johnson, a nine-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.
Local Extension staff share the following about this Hall of Fame recipient, “Wendy Johnson finds joy in helping kids who may be shy and hesitant about speaking in front of other club members. Wendy has shared stories about standing beside these young 4-Hers at club meetings and asking them to ‘just talk to her’ about their project. This one-on-one relationship helps build trust with these young members who eventually gain the confidence to speak in front of 50 fellow members and their parents. Fulfillment as a club leader is seeing these shy young members grow into confident and articulate adults.”
Illinois 4-H programs in Fulton County reach nearly 500 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.”
Photo Cutline: Wendy Johnson, 2024 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame honoree for Fulton County
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. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.