“Our donors are generous and believe that higher education changes lives,” said Angie Barnard, Foundation executive director. Donors include Farm Credit Illinois, Nann Armstrong, Patricia Clickener, Lila Jeanne Eichelberger, the Nellie R. McCannon Trust, Keith and Lissa Parr, Dorsey Murray, George Obernagel, Legacy endowment contributors, LA-CO, Illinois Farm Bureau, Peter Johnson, Susan Moore, Katherine Razim, Ryan and Elaine Ruwe, Marvin and Elizabeth Schnitzler, Gerald and Linda Thiele, Lindsay Young, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
Illinois 4-H Foundation presents the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship to 4-H members who demonstrate and maintain a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure. Winners include Hannah Barger, Pope County; Emma Behrens, McHenry County; Xen Briggs, DuPage County; Megan Brown, Vermilion County; Alexander Ford, DuPage County; Gwen Fowler, Mercer County; Devin Koester, Jo Daviess County; Emma Konicek, Kendall County; Katherine Mueller, Peoria County; Josh Rossi, Grundy County; Molly Schempp, Logan County; Jaycie Schertz, Woodford County; Patrick Stephen, Kane County; Nalia Warmack, Grundy County; and Cooper Wilt, Knox County.
The foundation also awards scholarships to teens who concentrate efforts in animal science projects. These winners include Payton Erbsen, Carroll County; Maddie Hanson, Iroquois County; Emma Konicek, 4-H Foundation Scholarship Winners Kendall County; and Seth Mitchell, Richland County.
“Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities, but also Illinois and the nation,” said Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “We are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.”