“University of Illinois Extension serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark Counties is pleased to announce several awards that were recently received by 4-H members in our unit.” said county director Jenny Garner “4-H helps build citizenship, leadership and life skills in our members and these teens are shining examples of this mission in action. Congratulations to each of them for their service to our local communities!”
Mercer County 4-H member Mariah Conaway of North Henderson, Ill. was presented with a prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award during the Saddle Teens 4-H Club’s Achievement event on November 14th. She received a certificate and a letter from President Donald J. Trump. Her award is based on the number of volunteer hours and recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.
Four members received their awards at a state 4-H reception held Oct. 5 in Champaign, they were:
Henry County 4-H member Lindy Couch of Geneseo, Ill. received an Illinois 4-H Key Award which recognizes youth leaders who mentor and serve their community. She was one of 8 teens in the state who were honored. Lindy taught nutrition workshops and advocated for those facing food insecurity in her community as a 4-H Hunger Ambassador. She assisted with state events as a member of the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Lindy studies elementary education while working in Walt Disney World. “4-H is the place where I not only grew as a person, but where I found my love of teaching. I credit 4-H for helping me find my confidence, ambition, and enthusiasm for making an impact on the world. 4-H is my home.”
Mercer County 4-H Member Gwen Fowler of Aledo, Ill. received a Legacy of Leadership Award in recognition of her lifetime achievements in 4-H. She was awarded the Illinois 4-H Foundation Legacy of Leadership $1,000 college scholarship. Protecting the environment motivates Gwen. She started her own recycling company. She participated as a citizen scientist with the River Watch project in an effort to understand and correct the weak points of our ecosystem. She said that she feels like a superhero taking out the bad guys of the environment to save waterway creatures. Gwen comes from a family of community advocates and knows that they have worked together to make their world a better place.
Rock Island County 4-H member Bryn Callahan of Moline, Ill. received an Emerald Level Leadership Award in the communication division honored in the area of community service. 4-H youth who excel in the highest levels were recognized. For his award, Bryn may choose either a $1,000 scholarship or a trip to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. Bryn’s service projects relate to alleviating hunger in his community and include planning, prepping, and serving meals; organizing food packaging events; making weekend snack packs; and preparing meals for the homeless shelter. He coordinated a club project which improved the Black Hawk Historic Site. As a participant of Speaking for Illinois 4-H, he introduced urban youth to food production. Bryn wants a career in law. Bryn said: “4-H has provided me a way to not only learn about different areas but to actually DO the work of the project, whether that’s making furniture for my family, wiring a room, speaking with legislators, or organizing and implementing plans to help those who experience hunger in my community.”
Stark County 4-H Member Kaley Rouse of Toulon, Ill received an Emerald Level Leadership. It is recognizes youth who excel in the challenge to try new things, experiment in project areas that interest them, and explore opportunities around the state and country. Kaley is a past president of both the Stark County Century Clovers and the Stark County Federation. She just retired as a member of the State 4-H Youth Leadership Team and is now continues to share her passion for 4-H as the leader for the Century Clovers 4-H Club She is currently pursuing a nursing degree at Methodist College of Nursing in Peoria.