Fourteen teens from Illinois attended a five-day national conference in Atlanta, Ga. Nov. 29 – Dec. 3 including Logan County 4-H members, Miranda Nelson, daughter of

Melanie Nelson & Don Nelson and a member of the Middletown 4-H’ers club; Ruthie Ruhl, daughter of Scott & Gena Ruhl and a member of the Topper 4-H Club in Mt. Pulaski; and Sarah Starasta, daughter of Mike & Leslie Starasta and a member of the Cloverdale 4-H Club in Lincoln.   Illinois delegates to National 4-H Congress are selected on their outstanding 4-H accomplishments, said Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H.

If 4-H club meetings are the training grounds for leadership development, National 4-H Congress is the pep rally that inspires the members to excel. In addition to trainings and nationally recognized speakers, members network with 4-H members across the United States.

National 4-H Congress offers states an opportunity to provide these outstanding 4-H youth with an expanded educational experience through seminars, community service projects, and tours sponsored by local and national 4-H program donors.

Miranda stated “National 4-H Congress was an amazing experience. I had so much fun, learned new things, and met so many new people from across the country. I got the opportunity to listen to speakers, take a tour of CNN, learn about other cultures, and make new friends.”  Ruthie added “I enjoyed meeting other 4-H members from across the country and listening to amazing speakers. I learned so much about setting goals, being a better leader and giving back to my community.  I highly recommend going to Congress if you ever get the chance!”  Sarah concluded “4-H Congress was a wonderful experience! I was able to meet many people and hear from several incredible speakers. The capstone speaker, who had presented the closing speech for 25 consecutive years, really helped to put the experience of 4-H National Congress and the importance of 4-H into perspective. “

All Congress delegates participated in special cultural programs during the International Dinner and a night of programming at the Atlanta History Center. Other experiences during National 4-H Congress included delegate participation in workshops focused on health, communication and connection, science & technology, inclusion, and service learning. Delegates also had the opportunity to tour locations around Atlanta, such as CNN, College Football Hall of Fame, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, The Jimmy Carter Presidential Center, and the birthplace and home church of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation and its donors provide support for the award-recognition trip.  “Through gifts from our generous donors, we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment these young people have put forth,” said Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director.

For more information on local University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development programs visit the Logan County 4-H website at go.illinois.edu/logan4h