BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – 4-H youth from across Kankakee County put their passion and hard work on display at the Kankakee County 4-H General Projects Show last month on July 27 in Bourbonnais.
“4-H brings together youth from all walks of life to showcase their accomplishments and compete against themselves and each other,” says Barbara Dubravec, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator serving Kankakee County, “In 4-H, youth are allowed to explore their interests in a safe and supportive environment, surrounded by peers and strong adult partnerships.”
In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interests them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career development, enjoyment, and belonging.
According to Dubravec, project shows serve as learning opportunities for youth to interact with subject matter experts who serve as judges and provide guidance as youth work toward mastery in their project area: “Through discussions with our volunteer judges, youth explain the work they took to complete their projects. The judges then provide valuable feedback to help youth improve and innovate in the future.”
Youth who were awarded state fair ribbons were given the chance to compete at the Illinois State Fair last week – this important accomplishment helps youth continue to grow and move toward even larger goals.
This year’s State Fair delegates from Kankakee County include:
Aerospace
George Helwich, Grant Park LLSS
Animal Science
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Lavinia Helwich, Grant Park LLSS
Civic Engagement
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Aaron Ramirez, St. George Dragons
Clothing and Textiles
Leah Grider, Momence Troopers
Charlotte Grubbs, Cabery Specials
Kylie Maas, St. George Dragons
Magaly Marin, St. George Dragons
College and Career Readiness
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Computer Science
Leslie Grider, Momence Troopers
Crops
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Arthur Bauer, Kids With Kids
Electricity
Arthur Bauer, Kids With Kids
Alex Lyle, Momence Troopers
Foods and Nutrition
Clara Chappell , Momence Troopers
Leah Grider, Momence Troopers
Grace Grubbs, Cabery Specials
Emily Lyle, Momence Troopers
Lilian Unger, Chebanse Ag
Fiona Walsh, Grant Park LLSS
Kimber Lynn Ziegle, Momence Troopers
Forestry
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Geology
Dominic Michalek, Manteno Best Pioneers
Health
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Horticulture: Floriculture
Cheyenne Robey, Herscher Hustlers
Nathan Trucano, Town & Country
Intercultural
Emily Lyle, Momence Troopers
Interior Design
Tate Goers, Herscher Hustlers
Emily Lyle, Momence Troopers
Natural Resources
Leah Grider, Momence Troopers
Kaleb Lanoue, Manteno Best Pioneers
Caisen Ohrt, Herscher Hustlers
Photography
Elizabeth Voigt, Grant Park LLSS
Annie Rodawold, Grant Park LLSS
Delilah Sexton, Grant Park LLSS
Public Speaking
Kylie Maas, St. George Dragons
Robotics
Leah Grider, Momence Troopers
Small Engines
Cole Lemenager, Herscher Hustlers
Tractor
Deegan Thurston, Herscher Hustlers
Veterinary Science
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Visual Arts
Hailey Vaughn, Kids With Kids
RaeAnna Buente, Limestone Leaders
Elizabeth Denault, Herscher Hustlers
Ashlyn Goers, Herscher Hustlers
Evelyn Goers, Herscher Hustlers
Zakkary Lux, Independent Member
Austin Lyle, Momence Troopers
Kylie Maas, St. George Dragons
Magaly Marin, St. George Dragons
Macy Meyer, Chebanse Ag
Cheyenne Robey, Herscher Hustlers
Daphne Sexton, Grant Park LLSS
Taggart Thompson, Grant Park LLSS
Hope Thurston, Herscher Hustlers
Megan Tibbetts, Herscher Hustlers
Welding
Isabella Barnas, Grant Park LLSS
Taggart Thompson, Grant Park LLSS
Woodworking
Kylie Maas, St. George Dragons
Aaron Ramirez, St. George Dragons
To learn more about 4-H experiences in Kankakee County, contact the Illinois Extension office at 815-933-8337.
Writer: Anthony Warmack and Carissa Nelson
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.
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. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.