SAVOY, Ill. — As 4-Hers from all over Champaign County gathered on November 19 at the Golden Clovers, the annual 4-H Award Celebration, three 4-Hers were recognized for their passion and how they treat their fellow 4-Hers. Champaign County 4-H recognized Josh Dilger, Grace Iluyomade, and Vyom Mehta this year.

The Live Like Luke Award is a special award created in memory of Luke Miller, an eight-year All School 4-H Club member who tragically passed away in 2017. Luke was an officer and passionate about his photography, geology, art, and sportfishing projects. He was instrumental in mentoring younger 4-Hers in their projects and encouraging them to participate in other 4-H activities. Each Champaign County 4-H club is encouraged to nominate one club member to receive this special award based on the qualities shown in his everyday life. These qualities include love, understanding, kindness, and encouragement.

When nominated for the award, Josh Dilger’s leader and nominator, Paula Zwilling, said, “Kindness is one of Josh’s finest qualities. He is always gracious to all and always wears a smile to make you feel comfortable and at ease. He subtly shows his kindness, whether wearing his vast knowledge with others or that simple smile that lights up a room.” Josh is a member of the Fantastic 4-Hers of Fisher.

Roberta Pruski, leader of the Centennial Charger 4-H Club, said of Grace Iluyomade, “She is a quiet leader but is one of the kindest people I know. She always makes everyone feel welcome and speaks from the heart. She gives her time, even when stressed out with work for other classes.”

Linda Thiele, the Champaign Mixed Clovers leader, spoke about her 7-year 4-Her, Vyom Mehta’s help at the club’s annual sew-a-thon. “While tying the fleece blankets for the hospital neonatal isolates, he taught a boy new to Champaign and the US to tie the blankets and create comfort animals while explaining 4-H. The boy decided to join our club at the next meeting. Vyom is a loving person who is always willing to assist if someone needs help.”

We are proud of all three of our Live Like Luke Award winners and are grateful to call them members. Josh, Grace, and Vyom more than exemplify the qualities that Luke lived and brought to 4-H every day. We can’t wait to see what they do in the future.

To learn more about 4-H in Champaign County, visit go.illinois.edu/CFIV4H, contact Mynda Tracy at mynda@illinois.edu, or call 217-333-7672.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth 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 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.

Photo Caption: Winners of the Live Like Luke Award were Vyom Mehta (left), Josh Dilger (right) and Grace Iluyomade (not pictured)—photo by Claire Zorns.