SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Gregg family’s 4-H story began more than 70 years ago when Virgil and Edith Gregg organized 4-H clubs in Shelby County and inspired generations of young people to learn and lead. Today, four generations and 17 family members have contributed more than 120 years of membership, along with 64 years of club leadership and 27 years of volunteer service.
In recognition of this continuing legacy, the Gregg family was honored during the Illinois State Fair as the 2026 Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award winners. The award is presented by the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association and Illinois 4-H program on behalf of the University of Illinois.
From county fairs and 4-H camp to community service and leadership, the Gregg family has carried the values of the 4-H pledge into every aspect of their lives. Their commitment to youth, family, and community continues to inspire future generations and demonstrates that 4-H truly is a family tradition.
“The Gregg family exemplifies all the things we value in 4-H,” said Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H alumni and constituent engagement manager. “Their story is a testament to the lasting impact of 4-H and the power of families who dedicate themselves to making the best better.”
The Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award, established in 2002, recognizes an Illinois 4-H family that has substantially benefited from and continues to advocate for the Illinois 4-H program over at least three generations. To be eligible, a family must also have at least 15 different family members (including in-laws) as 4-H members, leaders, or volunteers, and a minimum of 100 cumulative years of 4-H membership or volunteerism.
Nominations for the 2027 Illinois 4-H Family Spirit Award will be open October 1, 2026, through March 15, 2027. More information can be found at 4h.extension.illinois.edu/alumni/alumni-awards-and-recognition.
Source: Tina Veal, Illinois 4-H Alumni and Constituent Engagement Manager, vealt@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.