BOURBONNAIS, Ill – Youth from across Kankakee County came together on Sunday at the county fairgrounds for a night of celebration and recognition at the Kankakee County 4-H Awards Night. The event was an opportunity to honor the hard work, dedication, and commitment that define the 4-H program.

“We want to say congratulations to every single 4-H member for all that they’ve accomplished.  Youth throughout Kankakee County made a difference in their communities and accomplished amazing things during the last 4-H year,” says Barbara Dubravec, 4-H youth development program coordinator serving Kankakee County, “it’s important to gather together and recognize the amazing accomplishments of these young people.”

Various awards were presented, including the “I Dare You” award – one of the more prestigious awards which is presented to 4-H members who exhibit exceptional development in leadership, scholarship, and character.  Recipients of these awards are:

• Kylie Adams, Chebanse Ag 4-H Club
• Chase Hummel, Cabery Specials 4-H Club             
• Magaly Marin, St. George Dragons 4-H  Club
• Lilian Unger, Chebanse Ag 4-H Club
• Elizabeth Voigt, Grant Park LLSS 4-H Club

Further awards include:

Special Awards:

• Showman of Showmen – Kylie Saathoff
• Champion Beef Rate-of-Gain– Drake Foltz
• Food Science Award - Clara Chappell
• Outstanding Secretary Award - Kylie Maas (SGD) and Samantha Ramirez (MT)
• Outstanding Treasurer Award - Magaly Marin (SGD)
• Outstanding Reporter/Scrapbook - Momence Troopers -Clara Chappell, historian
• Alumni Award- Amy Krone

Experience Awards:

Bronze Clover Award

• Mariana Torres
• Emily Voigt
• Aaron Ramirez
• Damian Ramirez
• George Helwich,
• Elizabeth Voigt 

Silver Clover Award

• Zoe Buza
• Landon Hertz
• Elliott Cox
• Abigail Zirkle
• Virginia Torres
• Megan Tibbetts
• Hope Thurston
• Pippa Dunnill
• Colten Hertz
• Leah Grider
• Kaitlyn Costello
• Tate Goers
• Kylie Maas

Gold Clover Award

• Caisen Ohrt

Emerald Clover Award

The Emerald Clover Award is the highest state award in Illinois 4-H

• Aidan Knobloch
   

Even more awards were given for achievement in projects, state fair delegates and more.

Facilitated by the Kankakee County 4-H Federation, who are 4-H members themselves, the event is meant to be a way to showcase the great work of 4-H members throughout the county:

“We are here to celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H Members. Congratulations to all of you for your accomplishments,” said Federation President Aidan Knobloch (16 ), “Sometimes it seems that the world is spinning a hundred miles an hour. As we prepare for the new 4-H year, look back at what we have given, and been given:  good friends, caring and skilled leaders, great volunteers, family and most of all, opportunity, to explore, to learn by doing.”

Illinois 4-H is the largest youth development program in the state and has a mission of inspiring kids to find their spark.  For more information about the Kankakee County 4-H program and its upcoming events, please visit go.illinois.edu/gkw or call the Extension Office at 815-933-8337.

SOURCE:  Barbara Dubravec, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator

WRITER:  Anthony Warmack, Communications & Marketing Program Coordinator

PRESS ACCESS:  The image included in this release along with a complete gallery of award winners are available to download for media use.

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.