LINCOLN, Ill. – Illinois 4-H has honored Logan County’s own Deanna Voyles for her remarkable 40+ years of service, inducting her into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame during the Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration.
Voyles, a leader of the Beason Ag 4-H Club and longtime general projects superintendent, has been a steady force in Logan County 4-H for more than four decades. She has guided generations of youth with patience and a commitment to helping them succeed—whether organizing exhibits, mentoring, or lending a hand at the Illinois State Fair.
“Deanna’s passion for youth education is evident through her actions,” said University of Illinois Extension staff. “Her leadership and generosity have left an indelible mark on our program and the people it serves.”
Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame inductees are celebrated for their exemplary service to 4-H or for outstanding career and community achievements. Honorees are nominated by county University of Illinois Extension staff and each receives a commemorative medallion.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Illinois 4-H Youth Development program, embodying the spirit of dedicated service that nurtures the growth of our future leaders,” said Patricia McGlaughlin, University of Illinois Extension specialist. “Their unwavering commitment empowers our youth to learn, thrive, and make a positive impact on their communities.”
Through more than 40 years of service, Deanna Voyles has done just that—helping young people find their spark and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
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.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.