Menard and Logan Counties, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers and supporters empower and prepare youth for success, with the program relying on thousands of dedicated individuals across the state to provide leadership, mentorship, and educational opportunities for young people. This year, local volunteers and supporters Ed Whitcomb, Jr. and Jared Whitcomb of Menard County, along with Bruce Davis of Logan County, have been selected for induction into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.
Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and supporters who demonstrate exemplary service and dedication to youth development. Inductees are nominated by county University of Illinois Extension staff and will be recognized during the 2026 Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration.
Honorees from Menard County
Ed Whitcomb and son, Jared Whitcomb, of Greenview exemplify lifelong dedication to 4-H, youth development, and the livestock industry. Their combined service reflects a family legacy rooted in mentorship, leadership, and creating opportunities for youth.
Jared Whitcomb, a former member of the Greenview Boosters 4-H Club, continues supporting local youth through his service on the Menard County Livestock Committee. He has served for many years as the Menard County 4-H and Fair Sheep Superintendent, providing guidance, organization, and encouragement to exhibitors. Jared and his wife, Lauren, also support livestock judging opportunities for youth, including the Menard County co-school livestock judging team for Greenview and PORTA Schools.
Ed Whitcomb serves as the Illinois State Fair Superintendent of Market Lambs and Assistant General Livestock Superintendent and is respected for his calm and knowledgeable leadership. He is a consistent presence at local sheep shows, ensuring youth have support when needed. Locally, he also serves as Chairperson of the Menard County Board of Commissioners and has been instrumental in supporting county 4-H efforts for generations of families.
Honoree from Logan County
Bruce Davis of Logan County has also been selected for the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame for his extensive volunteer service and dedication to youth across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. A Logan County 4-H alumnus and former 4-H parent, Bruce serves as the Goat Superintendent and head of the Goat Scramble Committee in Logan County and as Sheep Superintendent in Sangamon County. He has assisted with Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties livestock clinics, livestock events, and educational programming while also supporting environmental and outdoor recreation activities for youth in Menard County.
“Ed, Jared, and Bruce each represent the heart of Illinois 4-H through their commitment to youth and their willingness to serve wherever help is needed,” says Stacie Skelton, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Program Coordinator. “Their leadership and encouragement have positively impacted countless young people and families across our communities.”
Illinois 4-H programs in Logan and Menard counties reach hundreds of youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, workshops, and educational programs held in communities, schools, and after-school settings. Volunteers and supporters fill essential leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Illinois 4-H Youth Development program, embodying the spirit of dedicated service that nurtures the growth of our future leaders,” says Patricia McGlaughlin, University of Illinois Extension specialist. “Their unwavering commitment and selfless contributions empower our youth to learn, thrive, and make a positive impact on their communities.”
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.