CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. The Illinois 4-H Foundation awarded $45,000 in scholarships to 4-H youth.

“Our Celebration of Excellence event honors an amazing group of young people who have made 4-H and their communities the focus of their time and talents,” says Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and 4-H director. “4-H youth are making a difference in their communities by growing gardens, packaging meals for the hungry, educating peers about healthy choices, designing technological solutions to today’s issues, and extending a compassionate hand to those who need encouragement and support.”

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.

“I personally look forward to the event every year,” says Illinois 4-H Foundation board member Jenny Webb of McLean County. “It is so energizing to see amazing youth in this room and what they are accomplishing.”

State 4-H Award Winners

Forty-five young adults were chosen as scholarship winners with each winner receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

Civil Engagement and Global Living

The Civil Engagement and Global Living award recognizes youth that have focused on 4-H work in service to others. The winner from Ogle County 4-H was Gracie Prose.

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

Personal Growth

The Personal Growth award recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program. The winners from Ogle County 4-H was Lauren Carlson, Byron.

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

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

“I’ve always had a love for natural resources and wanted to pursue education and a career with it,” says William Weber of Livingston County, natural resources and environmental science scholarship recipient. “Without the donors' help, I wouldn’t have been given the support to further my education.”

Gracie Prose of Ogle County, winner of the Deb Stocker Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team Scholarship, was also celebrated at the event. This award honors an exceptional member of the 4-H Youth Leadership Team.

The scholarship program is supported through private donors and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

“The Illinois 4-H Foundation works hand-in-hand with the statewide program, and our sole mission is to be able to provide private funding so that 4-H can do more,” says Webb. “We know that 4-H programming is leading the way nationally in a variety of ways, and we are so grateful for our donors’ support.”

The ceremony program is available on the Illinois 4-H 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:  Katie Duitsman, 4-H Leadership Youth Development Extension Specialist, pilcher3@illinois.edu