URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of 4-H excellence.

“These youth exhibit excellence and mastery in these interest areas,” says Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and 4-H director. “These awards celebrate the hard work, dedication, growth, and leadership these youth have exhibited.”

The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds to support the Illinois 4-H program. “Our donors deeply value education,” says Angie Barnard, Foundation executive director. “Their support of not only our program, but also the future education of 4-H members is so valuable.”

State 4-H Award Winners

Forty-five young adults were chosen as scholarship winners in one of nine divisions of the State 4-H Award. Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.

The Animal Sciences award recognizes youth who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery in their animal science projects. The winners are: Cole Paulek, Christian County; Braylee Gilmore, Macoupin County; Paige Lemenager, McLean County; Amanda Niemann, Montgomery County; Jacqueline Schertz, Woodford County.

This award is sponsored by Dee Murray, George Obernagel, Keith and Lissa Parr, and Mark and Lee Ann Gossett.

The Civil Engagement and Global Living award recognizes youth that have focused on 4-H work in service to/for others. The winners are: Andrea Schaffnit, Adams County; Sophia Stierwalt, Champaign County; Jeremiah Todd, Champaign County; Molly Warner, Knox County; Gracie Prose, Ogle County.

This award is sponsored by Nann Armstrong, Ron and Melanie Warfield, and Dee Murray.

The Creative and Performing Arts & Communications award recognizes youth that have focused their 4-H work on the arts and the art of communicating with others. The winners are:  Haven Henry, Logan County; Sophia Schneider, Logan County; Reagan Parks, McLean County; Alexa Salverson, Peoria County; Victoria Zwilling, Richland County.

This award is sponsored by Dr. Janice Seitz and Kevin and Janette Rhoades.

The Food Systems award focuses on youth who have focused on food production, processing, distribution, and access. The winners are: Lilie Perry, Clark County; Madeline Schulz, DuPage County; and Halie Kohl, Kankakee County.

This award is sponsored by Donna Mueller, Karen Moore, and Dr. Larry Hageman.

The Healthy Living and Nutrition award focuses on youth who are helping their communities make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles.  The winners are: Elaina Smith, Adams County; Jenna Haas, Jo Daviess County; Avani Rai, McLean County; Elaan Bader, Montgomery County; Hunter Kirk, Wayne County.

This award is sponsored by Pat Clickener, Belinda and Tim Carey, Kevin and Janette Rhoades, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation Legacy Endowment.

The Leadership award recognizes youth that have focused on the development of leadership skills, including offices held, committees served on, programs led, and public presentations given on behalf of 4-H.  The winners are: Krish Nangia, DuPage County; Ross Vancil, Henderson County; Libby Larkin, Livingston County; Emma Hughes, Montgomery County; Emma Coursey, Warren County.

This award is sponsored by Pat Clickener, Donna Mueller, Dave and Lisa McMurtry, and Chicago Farmers.

The Natural Resources and Environmental Science award recognizes youth who have focused on environmental stewardship. The winners are:  Fenley Lopez, Champaign County; Emilee Cox, Hamilton County; Emily Reppy, Kendall County; William Weber, Livingston County; Madison Schneider, Monroe County.

This award is sponsored by Sharon and Art Tenhouse, Walter Lynn, Mark and Mary Kaufman, Dee Murray, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation Legacy Endowment.

The Personal Growth award recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program. The winners are: Caleb Zwilling, Champaign County; Dylan Zwilling, Champaign County; Sarah Rossi, Grundy County; Lauren Carlson, Ogle County; Jorgi Dupureur, Tazewell County.

This award is sponsored by Pat Clickener, Barbara and George Clark, Dr. Janice Seitz, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation Legacy Endowment.

The STEM and Robotics award recognizes youth who have focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The winners are: Paige Siegmund, Champaign County; Justin Gergen, DuPage County; Sydney Reppy, Kendall County; Ojas Shah, McLean County; Callysta Borders, Union County.

This award is sponsored by the Sharon and Art Tenhouse, Dee Murray, Lisa Woessner Memorial 4-H Science Endowment, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation Legacy Endowment.

Recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony in Champaign on April 1.

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. 

Source:  Katie Duitsman, 4-H Leadership Youth Development Extension Specialist, pilcher3@illinois.edu

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu