Dahinda, Ill. – National 4-H Council has named Ellis Rogers of Knox County a national runner up for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Award. Rogers, 18, is recognized for her achievements and leadership in equine science. Ellis is a 10-year member of the Williamsfield Town and Country 4-H Club.
Rogers’ 4-H journey began with the Knox County 4-H Horse Team, where she discovered a passion for animal science and built skills that carried her from local competitions to state and national arenas. Along the way, she mentored younger members, developed confidence in her abilities, and earned her veterinary assistant certification. She plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
“The growth Ellis has shown through 4-H is inspiring,” said Shelby Carlson, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. “Her dedication to equine science, her leadership among peers, and her commitment to mentoring younger youth show the very best of what 4-H offers.”
The 4-H Youth in Action Awards, launched in 2010, recognize 4-H’ers who apply the knowledge and skills gained through 4-H to create lasting impact in their communities.
“Ellis represents the power of 4-H to help young people discover their passion and turn it into a lifelong path,” said Kevin Carey, interim Illinois 4-H director and senior program lead. “Her recognition on the national stage is a testament not only to her hard work but also to the impact of 4-H programs across Illinois.”
To learn more about the 4-H Youth in Action program and the 2025 runners up, visit 4-H.org/YouthInAction
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.
For Further Information, Contact:
Carissa Nelson, Illinois 4-H 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.