ELIZABETH, IL- Dalton Wachter, a Top Notchers 4-H Club member in Elizabeth, is being recognized by University of Illinois Extension’s State 4-H Office in Champaign for his 4-H related accomplishments this past year. “Dalton has had tremendous success this year. As a young 4-H member, Dalton set goals and has worked hard over his 4-H career to accomplish those goals. Dalton is a wonderful role model and mentor to our younger 4-H members,” said Angela Miller, Program Coordinator- 4-H Youth Development.
Dalton is a 10 year 4-H member and is currently a senior at River Ridge High School. Dalton plans to study forestry and wildlife management at Highland Community College, then transfer to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Dalton was recognized as a State 4-H Award Application winner in Personal Growth. Dalton traveled to Atlanta, GA in November as part of the IL State 4-H Delegation during the annual National 4-H Congress. When discussing 4-H Dalton states, “I have learned more about myself and made some great friends on this journey. 4-H offers many wonderful experiences. It has helped me grow into the person I want to be tomorrow.”
Dalton was also chosen as Key Award recipient. The Illinois 4-H Key Award recognizes youth leaders who mentor and serve their community. This year eight 4-H teens were honored with this award. The award is sponsored by the H. Richard and Sarah F. McFarland Endowed 4-H Youth Leadership and Character Development Support Fund through the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The late Richard McFarland was a 4-H and University of Illinois alum who experienced tremendous success in the food industry, agriculture, and real estate; and he shared the fruits of that success with the organizations he treasured, said Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation Executive Director. “When it comes to professional achievement, Dick believed that character and leadership development were just as valuable as formalized classroom education,” Barnard said. “Not only did he model entrepreneurial success, but he also made sure that Illinois 4-H youth and College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences students were afforded opportunities to build a similar path.”
Dalton has also been named as a Legacy of Leadership Scholarship recipient. The Illinois 4-H Foundation provided $25,000 in college scholarships. Illinois 4-H Foundation presents the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship to 4-H members who demonstrate and maintain a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure. “Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities but also Illinois and the nation,” said Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “We are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.
