CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program. 

Jennifer Peterson, 4-H educator serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark counties said, “We are only as strong as the volunteers who give their time and talents to help local youth develop their citizenship, leadership and life skills through the 4-H program. We are pleased to honor these four tremendous 4-H volunteers from our unit in 2022”:

Henry County’s Angela Reed-Angiewas was a 10-Year member of both the Rural True Blues and Rural Go-Getters 4-H Clubs. She has been the leader of the Cambridge Champs for 17 years and has been a driving force for the club. Angie makes sure kids get the true 4-H experience, from community service, to project learning, to life-long skill building. She is a true asset to the organization and very deserving of this honor.

Mercer County’s Mike Peterson was a 10-year 4-H member and has dedicated his time and talent to the Mercer County Extension program and the youth of the county. His volunteerism runs deep, serving on the Ag Extension Council, the Executive Council, the 4-H Auction committee, and the Youth Auction committee. He has mentored many 4-H members over the years and is an inclusive leader. Mike is a forward thinker, committed to success and sincere in his leadership.

Rock Island County’s Julie Derrer, a 5 year 4-H member, is a valued 4-H volunteer. She began as a 4-H parent and became more involved over time, leading the Rockridge Royals 4-H Club for the past 9 years. Julie is also a key volunteer when preparing for fair week. She ensures her club is informed, assists in preparing exhibit areas, announces at the 4-H beef show, and helps clean up after a long week. Julie is also a board member of the Rock Island County Extension & 4-H Education Foundation which provides grants and funding support for the program. Julie gives selflessly for the betterment of her club and community. 

Joseph Tracy was a 9 year 4-H member who gives his time to all aspects of the Stark County 4-H program. He is a founder of the Stark County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. He is also a devoted 4-H grandparent. Whether it is leading shooting sports or installing heaters in a new building on the fairgrounds, Joe can be depended upon to help. He is a constant support to 4-H and its members.

For more information about 4-H in your county, in Henry County contact Teresa Kirwan at (309) 513-3100 or email tkirwan@illinois.edu; for and for Mercer County contact Tracy Fowler-Pestle at (309) 513-3100 or email tfowlerpe@illinois.edu for Rock Island County contact McCala Crawford at (309) 756-9978 or email mmmille@illinois.edu, and for Stark County, contact Jennifer Peterson at 309-932-3447 or email Jpetersn@illinois.edu