SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two local community members have been inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of their decades of dedication to the program. Patty Huffer of Lincoln and Sharon Lounsberry of Oakford were both employees of Illinois Extension for many years.
Patty Huffer retired after almost 29 years with Illinois Extension as a 4-H Program Coordinator. During her time, she helped to form the Logan County 4-H Alumni Committee, spearheaded implementation of activities for National 4-H Youth Service Day, created a fair orientation program for new 4-H families and so many more instrumental efforts.
Sharon Lounsberry was employed by Illinois Extension for nearly 30 years, serving the 4-H program in Sangamon and Menard Counties. Through her work Sharon exemplified the 4-H motto, always striving to “Make the Best Better” by thoroughly managing program details and by developing creative solutions to ever evolving challenges. Thousands of youth have benefited from Sharon’s commitment to excellence.
“Sharon always went above and beyond to assist 4-H members, families and volunteers, and Patty was respected for her thorough and thoughtful organizing of 4-H programs and shows,” said County Extension Director Terri Casey. “Both were great resources to 4-H members, families and volunteers, as well as friendly and caring co-workers. Their many years of dedication to the mission of 4-H have helped generations of youth discover their talents and accomplish their goals. We thank them both for the many contributions they have made to the 4-H program.”
The Illinois 4-H Foundation annually recognizes 4-H alumni, staff, volunteers and former staff who demonstrate a record of extraordinary career achievements or exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H program with the Hall of Fame Award. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.
The 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony can be viewed at youtu.be/yFpu-n40FH8. Honorees from across the state will be recognized during the Illinois State Fair on August 12, 13 and 14 at noon in the Orr Building.
To learn more about the opportunities available to local youth through the 4-H program, please contact the Sangamon Extension Office at 217-782-4617.
WRITER: Amy Zepp, 4-H Program Coordinator, Sangamon County, azepp2@illinois.edu
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.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.