The Marshall-Putnam University of Illinois Extension recently recognized outstanding achievements by 4-H members across Marshall and Putnam counties during an award ceremony held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Henry Presbyterian Church. This event highlighted the dedication of 4-H youth to community service, leadership, and personal growth, with special thanks to the Henry Presbyterian Church for providing the venue.

4-H members engage in various projects and activities to develop valuable skills and build stronger communities. While 4-H is a rewarding experience on its own, the annual ceremony provides an opportunity to formally acknowledge the hard work and commitment of its members.

Standards of Excellence Awards

The Standards of Excellence Awards recognize members who demonstrate commitment at different age levels:

Project Achievement (Ages 8-11): Recipients met requirements by planning and reporting on a project, attending club meetings, and presenting a talk or exhibit.

Service Achievement (Ages 12-14): Recipients completed Project Achievement criteria and also served on a committee, participated in community service, and assisted with club activities.

Leadership Achievement (Ages 15-18): Recipients fulfilled Service Achievement criteria and also participated in county or state learning experiences, provided leadership, and helped organize programs.

Clover Awards

The Clover Awards recognize members based on their levels of achievement across various experiences:

Bronze Clover: Minimum of one experience in each of four dimensions.

Silver Clover: Minimum of two experiences per area, with two at the county level or beyond.

Gold Clover: Minimum of four experiences per area, with two beyond county level.

Diamond Clover: Minimum of six experiences in one area, with four beyond county level; recognized at a State Ceremony.

Emerald Clover: Minimum of eight experiences in one area, including state or national levels; recognized at a State Ceremony.

Award Recipients

Project Achievement

Bell Plain Hustlers: Ava Ehnis, Mace Miller, Lucy Stivers, Emery Oglesby

Bennington Go-Getters: Beau Barrow, Noah Miles, Kellen Conroy, Parker Flanigan, Lily Lutz, Alexis Matter, Reese Conroy, Madison Hahn, Brody Lutz, Grace Miles

PC Progressors: Ike Heckman, Madison Knapp, Eden Johnson, Reese Lenkaitis, Hunter Heckman, Carter Keller

Saratoga Leadaways: Anastasia Catton, Josephine Heeley, Bennett Bogner

Steuben Rangers: Erika Irelan, Ben McGlasson, Avery Schaer

Service Achievement

Bell Plain Hustlers: Trandon Kays, Eliza Ehnis, Anna Rinaldo

Bennington Go-Getters: Kaitlyn Palm, Brady Palm, Lucas Palm

Lostant Leaders: Cadence Breckenridge

PC Progressors: Jacob Brown, McKlay Gensini

Saratoga Leadaways: Hayden Meachum, Braden Bogner

Steuben Rangers: Jack McGlasson, Jacey Endress, Kaitlyn Schaer, Anna McGlasson

Leadership Achievement

Bell Plain Hustlers: Joseph Vinyard, Colton Ehnis, Gracie Vinyard

Lostant Leaders: Salina Breckenridge, Sarah Daugherty

PC Progressors: Kade Gensini, Sophia Brown

Saratoga Leadaways: Waylon Lindstrom

Clover Awards

Bronze: Jackson Nauman - Henry Guys & Gals

Silver: Hayden Meachum - Saratoga Leadaways, Samantha Nauman - Henry Guys & Gals

Gold: Daphne Heeley, Gwen Heeley, Josephine Heeley - Saratoga Leadaways

Emerald: Ryan Carlson - Henry Guys & Gals, Kiryn Schaer - Steuben Rangers

Cloverbud Graduates

James Alexander, Maddux Bell, Brecken Biggar, Annabell Boggio, Raylen Campbell, Willow Coleman, Garretson Dean, Shaw Dean, Miranda Foster, James Hohulin, Kinzley Keller, Noah King, Kameron Kolb, Keelan Moutray, Rory Smith, Luke Vaessen, Ben Vinyard, Daniel Whirrell

Club Awards and Special Recognition

Outstanding Secretary: Ryan Carlson

Best Kept Record Book: Junior - Madison Knapp, Senior - Ryan Carlson

Junior Leaders: Braden Bogner, Ryan Carlson, Salina Breckenridge, Sarah Daugherty, Daphne Heeley, Waylon Lindstrom, Emery Oglesby

Holstein Award

Reese Lenkaitis, Mikenna Boyd

Leader Anniversaries and Parental Support

 1-Year: Joy Ehnis (Bell Plain Hustlers), Angie Heckman (PC Progressors), Ashley Stivers (Bell Plain Hustlers)

20 Years: Lisa Palm (Wenona Highlighters)

Special thanks to the following parents for their exceptional support: Amanda Biggar, Josh Biggar, Lindsay Bogner, Tracy Daugherty, Gage Kammer, Gwen Vincent.

Spirit Stick Award

The Lostant Leaders were this year’s Spirit Stick winners for their creativity and teamwork.

Refreshments

The evening concluded with refreshments hosted by Bell Plain Hustlers and Henry Guys & Gals. Congratulations to all 4-H members for their achievements this year!

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.