Kankakee 4-H recognizes youth recipients of the ‘I Dare You’ award

BOURBONNAIS, Ill — University of Illinois Extension in Kankakee County announced this week the recipients of the 2025 Kankakee ‘I Dare You’ award. 

“The Kankakee County ‘I Dare You’ award recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, scholarship, and character in 4-H and the community,” said Marilu Andon, county director serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. “These young people will have a bright future in whatever their chosen career will be as they give back to the community and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Recipients of this award are high school juniors or older with at least three years of 4-H membership and may receive the award only once. 

Awards were presented by Zoe Buza, Kankakee County 4-H Federation Leader. The following individuals received the ‘I Dare You’ award this year:

Landon Hertz, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The first recipient is Landon Hertz of Bonfield.  Buza said:

“This member is the kind of individual whose character speaks louder than words. As a leader, he is both confident and composed. He doesn’t seek attention- he earns respect through his actions. As a leader in his club and on the county level as a federation officer, he steps up willingly, showing accountability and taking ownership of challenges, including running a rabbit business while working another job. He still finds time to take his knowledge and give back on a national level, serving as a director for multiple Holland Lop associations and ARBA, and hosting workshops on rabbits throughout the state. He has even donated rabbits to help youth looking to get started in the industry. 

His humility is shown by how he doesn’t wait for younger members to follow, but works alongside them and encourages them to also get involved. He is usually found behind the scenes, stepping up to make things happen. His achievements and quiet strength have served as a role model for the Herscher Hustlers club, an impact that will be seen for many years.”

Elsie Hoffman, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The second recipient is Elsie Hoffman of Reddick.  Buza said:

“This member demonstrates exceptional leadership through consistent service, initiative, and responsibility across multiple organizations. Her experience spans community service, youth development, and agricultural leadership, reflecting a deep commitment to teamwork and civic engagement. She has held key leadership positions in not just her local 4-H club, but also in her local FFA chapter, serving in roles such as secretary, treasurer, and president. She has also served for three years on her FFA Auction Committee, planning a major fundraising event, showing her strategic and collaborative spirit. 

She uses her strong coordination skills to give back to her community, planning tractor pulls, community clean-up days, Veterans’ Day flag disbursements, and assisting with religious education and fundraisers at her church. 

Her learning journey is rooted in hard work, service, and a deep respect for agriculture. Her experiences reflect a strong character shaped by responsibility, perseverance, and a desire to grow through every opportunity.”

Kasi Hughes, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The third recipient is Kasi Hughes of Cornell.  Buza said:

“This member has proven to be a thoughtful leader, a loyal teammate, and a compassionate citizen. She served as captain or co-captain in four sports (Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Softball), as well FFA chapter treasurer and Vice President, showcasing her ability to lead by example. She also has strong communication skills, serving as communications officer for her 4-H club.  Her willingness to learn in a hands-on way landed her a job as a Kennel technician. 

Even with these commitments, she continues to prioritize academic excellence. She is a 4-year member of the 4.0 club, and Salutatorian of her graduating class. She holds herself to high standards, not for recognition, but because she genuinely cares about doing things right.She is a rare blend of integrity, drive, and compassion”

Emily Voigt, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The fourth recipient is Emily Voigt of Grant Park.  Buza said:

“This member has a willing spirit,  a well-rounded approach to serving in her community, and is always willing to help younger members.

She served for 4 years as her club's treasurer to help manage this challenging role. She also helps younger members enjoy activities, serves on the Kankakee Beef Team board, assists youth, and helps to plan activities during the fair.

She has had multiple leadership roles, including 4-H Teen Teachers, student council, honor society, first chair in band, and a coach for a youth volleyball and basketball camps. She is also committed to personal excellence by enrolling in the forestry project for 5 years, taking AP classes in high school, and earning a spot on the high honor roll. She still finds time to go Christmas caroling and help with the Turkey Supper at her church.”

Sam Frey, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The fifth recipient is Sam Frey of Bourbonnais.  Buza said:

“This next member shows a willingness to try new things, exemplifying the 4-H “learn by doing” motto. He is an active participant in his club; turning in records every 4-H year, planning fun activities and fundraisers for his club and serving on leadership roles. He has tried and shown an array of different 4-H projects at the state fair and also participated in a 4-H robotics team, winning at the 4-H state robotics competition.

He has also used the skills he’s learned in Boy Scouts by designing community service projects such as a donation program for River Valley Animal Rescue. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, and was on the honor roll every semester. He balances academic excellence with travel baseball and will be able to graduate early due to his AP coursework load. He has been a steady positive influence among club members.

Aidan Knobloch, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The sixth recipient is Aidan Knobloch of Buckingham.  Buza said:

“This member’s discipline and dedication to his 4-H club and project areas show a work ethic that sets him apart.  He has worked his way up as a leader, starting from a young age as recreation officer to president of his 4-H club, Herscher Hustlers and the county Federation leadership club. Outside of 4-H he serves as a leader in other clubs and organizations as the Section 10 FFA Vice President, Herscher FFA chapter treasurer, Herscher National Honors Society President, and student council vice president He is currently ranked as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. He has also been selected to serve on the Illinois Junior Hereford Board of Directors the past 4 years, as well as the Kankakee County Beef youth executive board.

He shows teamwork, care and kindness to his peers, encouraging and mentoring younger members in the beef project area, serving as a peer math tutor, and participates in 3 different sports. He helps to organize the Cloverbud Olympics at the fair every year. He balances all this in addition to running a farm-to-freezer business. He also advocates for community issues, serving as a model of ambition by inspiring others to find their strengths and serve others. He leads with purpose and heart, reflecting a character rooted in service.”

Kadie Hummel, ‘I Dare You’ Award Recipient

The fifth recipient is Kadie Hummel of Cabery.  Buza said:

“This member exemplifies dynamic, service-driven leadership across athletics, academics, agriculture, and community engagement. In varsity volleyball and basketball, she earned top honors at All-Conference and Defensive Awards. She had a 4-year tenure as an FFA officer and student council member, and attended multiple leadership conferences, livestock judging CDE’s, and national conventions. Her awards- the FFA State Degree, Heart Award, and National Goat Placement Proficiency finalist- demonstrate her initiative and expertise at the highest levels.

She has achieved national success in the 4-H program as well, winning top awards at the 2024 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest, and a spot on the 2024 Illinois state 4-H Livestock Skillathon team. This team went on to become the winning 2024 National Champion 4-H Livestock Skillathon team at the North American International Livestock Exposition.

She still manages to balance this with her academics, achieving honor roll status. She gives back what she has learned, assisting at the 4-H state livestock Skillathon workshops and contest, and serving as a mentor for younger showmen by offering hands-on guidance and support. Her commitment to learning is rooted in connection, humility, mentorship, and personal growth.”

The 4-H Program is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois. 4-H grows true leaders who are ‘Beyond Ready’ for life. 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.  For more information about 4-H in your county, visit go.illinois.edu/About4HGKW

WRITER: Anthony Warmack, communications coordinator, Illinois Extension

SOURCE: Brooke Katcher, 4-H recruitment and engagement coordinator, Illinois Extension. Barbara Dubravec, 4-H program coordinator, Illinois Extension; Colleen Hoffman, office support assistant, Illinois Extension. 

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.