ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational workshops and cultural experiences.
Delegates are selected to attend National 4-H Congress based on their exceptional 4-H accomplishments, leadership and community involvement.
Illinois delegates included Alyssa Elliott of Madison County, Andrew Todd of Champaign County, Carter Joiner of Macoupin County, George Kapasouris of DuPage County, Immanuel Arellano of Ogle County, Kendra Heidtke of McHenry County, Lydia Hardy of Bureau County, Myracle Johnson of LaSalle County, Shiloh Willis of Hamilton County, and Therese Krysciak of Kendall County.
National 4-H Congress is one of the premier educational experiences in 4-H, designed to inspire teens and prepare them for future leadership roles. Throughout the conference, Illinois delegates participated in hands-on workshops focused on leadership, team development, diversity, advocacy and cultural awareness. Youth also connected with peers from across the United States and learned from nationally recognized speakers.
In addition to educational programming, delegates took part in a large-scale community service experience, cultural excursions throughout Atlanta, and celebratory events highlighting the impact of 4-H nationwide.
Support for Illinois delegates’ participation was provided by the Illinois 4-H Foundation and Nann Armstrong.
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 Youth Development Specialist, pilcher3@illinois.edu
Writers: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.