Champaign, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held on April 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Illinois 4-H Foundation awarded $45,000 in scholarships to exceptional 4-H youth.

“We are thrilled to offer these scholarship opportunities to empower our 4-H youth in pursuing their dreams and broadening their knowledge,” says University of Illinois Extension Illinois 4-H club support & awards associate Melissa Irwin. 

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

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: Olivia Shike from Champaign County, Audrey Curtin from Christian County, Drew Mickey from Christian County, Taylor Crouch from Macon County, and Victoria Zwilling from Richland County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Dave & Lisa McMurtry, Karen Moore, Keith & Lissa Parr, and George Obernagel.

The Civil Engagement & Global Living award recognizes youth that have focused on 4-H work in service to/for others. The winners are: Jenna Clemmons from Champaign County, Ross Vancil from Henderson County, Johnathan Tauchen from Lake County, Eliza Engelhardt from Marion County, and Tara Gutzmer from McHenry County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Nann Armstrong, Ron & Melanie Warfield, and Mark & LeeAnn Gossett.

The Creative & 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: Hailey Bohn from Bond County, Elinor Ellingson from Boone County, Rylee Waters from Bond County, Nathaniel Wiesbrook from Champaign County, and Karl Hubb from JoDaviess County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Dr. Janice Seitz and Kevin & Janette Rhoades.

The Gardening, Ag, and Food Systems award focuses on youth who have focused on food production, processing, distribution, and access. The winners are: Dylan Zwilling from Champaign County, Cole Paulek from Christian County, Emilee Cox from Hamilton County, Libby Larkin from Livingston County, and Hunter Kirk from Wayne County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Andy Edwards, Karen Moore, Dr. Larry Hageman, Chicago Farmers, and Bill & Jane Wyffels.

The Healthy Living & Nutrition award focuses on youth who are helping their communities make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles.  The winners are: Hayley Lair from Adams County, Justin Gergen from DuPage County, Anna Cyrocki from Lee County, and Kohen Stolte from Montgomery County.

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

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: Andrea Schaffnit from Adams County, Saralynn Joiner from Macoupin County, Ojas Shah from McLean County, Paige Lemenager from McLean County, and Amanda Niemann from Montgomery County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Dave & Lisa McMurtry, Pat Clickener, Donna Mueller, Dee Murray, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Science award recognizes youth who have focused on environmental stewardship.  The winners are: Sydney Gragert from Livingston County, Braylee Gilmore from Macoupin County, Logan Goerks from Stark County, and Callysta Borders from Union County. 

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Art & Sharon Tenhouse, Mark & MaryAnn Kaufman, Stu & Barbara Hawbaker, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

The Personal Growth award recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program.  The winners are: Lilliana Bernabei from LaSalle County, Katelyn Owens from St. Clair County, and Alex Paul from Wayne County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Pat Clickener and George & Barbara Clark.

The STEM & Robotics award recognizes youth who have focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The winners are: Kiersten Lampe from Clinton County, Julia Gergen from DuPage County, Christopher Corrigan from Livingston County, Calvin Hamill from McHenry County, and Madeline Trannel from McHenry County.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Art & Sharon Tenhouse, Dr. Janice Seitz, Lisa Woessner Memorial 4-H Science Endowment, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

Scholarship support allows students to continue to follow their learning pathways for post-secondary education.

“Through their remarkable engagement in 4-H leadership, community service, and project work, they have gained invaluable experiences that will propel them toward success at the next level.  We are honored to provide financial support as they embark on their promising journey,” says Irwin.

A video slideshow is available on the 4-H YouTube channel and a full ceremony program is available on the 4-H Awards and Scholarships website.

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. 

Source:  Melissa Irwin, 4-H Club Support & Awards Associate, mmirwin@illinois.edu

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