SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Through 4-H, youth have opportunities to explore their unique interests, try new things, and grow into future leaders. Families in Sangamon County will soon see new opportunities for their youth as Maddie Atterberry begins work as the Sangamon County 4-H Program Coordinator.
“We are excited for Maddie to join our 4-H team,” said Terri Casey, Illinois Extension county director for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. “She is bringing lots of creative energy and a fresh perspective that will help 4-H grow and thrive in Sangamon County.”
Atterberry comes to Illinois Extension after completing her master’s degree in museum studies at the University of Oklahoma. She received her undergraduate degree in finance from Creighton University, where she met her husband. The couple recently moved to her husband’s hometown of Petersburg, where they are raising their daughter. In her leisure time, Atterberry enjoys reading, walking her beagle Schmitt, cooking, and cheering for her hometown team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
“I am really excited about this opportunity to learn more about 4-H and how I can best support Sangamon County through everything 4-H has to offer,” said Atterberry.
Atterberry can be reached by calling 217-782-4617 or via email at mca12@illinois.edu. She is based in the Sangamon Extension Office at 700 S. Airport Dr. in Springfield. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but is closed between noon and 1 p.m. More information about local Illinois Extension activities can be found at extension.illinois.edu/LMS.
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.
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.