HENRY, Ill. – Marshall-Putnam University of Illinois Extension recently recognized the accomplishments of 4-H members from across Marshall and Putnam counties during its annual Celebration of Achievement and Excellence on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Henry Presbyterian Church.
The event celebrated the dedication, growth, and contributions of 4-H members who have demonstrated excellence through project work, leadership, community service, and personal development. Special appreciation is extended to Henry Presbyterian Church for generously providing the venue for this celebration.
Through 4-H, youth have opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, serve their communities, and grow as leaders. While these experiences and accomplishments are valuable throughout the year, the annual awards ceremony provides a special opportunity to recognize members for their hard work, commitment, and involvement in the 4-H program.
Standards of Excellence Awards
The Standards of Excellence Awards recognize members who demonstrate their growth and involvement in 4-H through project work, service, and leadership. Awards are based on age-appropriate expectations and accomplishments.
Project Achievement (Ages 8–11): Members plan and report on a project, attend club meetings, and share their learning through a talk or exhibit.
Service Achievement (Ages 12–14): In addition to meeting Project Achievement requirements, members serve on a committee, participate in community service, and assist with club activities.
Leadership Achievement (Ages 15–18): Members build upon Service Achievement requirements by participating in county or state learning experiences, providing leadership, and helping organize programs and activities.
This year’s Project Achievement recipients are…
Bell Plain Hustlers: Ava Ehnis, Lily Kuhl, Mace Miller, Milo Miller, Luke Schallhorn, Landon Schallhorn, Ben Vinyard
Benington Go-Getters: Emry Conroy, Kellen Conroy, Maverick Conroy, Reese Conroy, Miranda Foster.
L-W Achievers: Hayden Baugh, Ryder Baugh, Isaac Bierdeman, James Hohulin, Sandra Hussemann, Kallie Kennell, Braxton Schoon, Kole White.
PC Progressors: James Alexander, Samuel Alexander, Maddux Bell, Adlea Bence, Raylen Campbell, Davin Cioni, Garretson Dean, Shaw Dean, Ike Heckman, Kinzley Keller, Madison Knapp, Reese Lenkaitis, Anna Spanos, Luke Vaessen, Adylynn Weeks, Zoee Weeks.
Saratoga Leadaways: Brecken Biggar, Anastasia Catton, Josephine Heeley, Calvin Moberg, Jackson Nauman.
Steuben Rangers: Aubryn Eberle, Erika Irelan, Clara Keinath, Ben McGlasson, Tinley Miels, Avery Schaer.
Wenona Highlighters: Lorelai Cole, Reid Cole, , Beau Barrow, Emerson Jugovic, Riley Warner, Indiana Zulz.
This years’ Service Achievement recipients are: Bell Plain Hustlers: Emery Oglesby, Lucy Stivers
Bennington Go-Getters: Kameron Kolb
L-W Achievers: Aubrey Banuat, Avery Banuat, Knox Kennell, Arianna Martin, Avery Stange, Zane Womack
PC Progressors: Karson Actis, Madison Actis, McKlay Gensini, Hunter Heckman, Makenzie Horton, Carter Keller
Saratoga Leadaways: Gwen Heeley
Steuben Rangers: Cooper Hattan, Jack McGlasson
Wenona Highlighters: Tovah Jugovic
This years’ Leadership Achievement recipients are:
Bell Plain Hustlers: Eliza Ehnis, Anna Rinaldo, Gracie Vinyard, Joseph Vinyard,
Bennington Go- Getters: Grace Miles, Noah Miles, Brady Palm, Kaitlyn Palm, Lucas Palm, Jack Stokowski
L-W Achievers: Chloe Schoepke, Myles Stange
Lostant Leaders: Lilly Breckenridge, Cadence Breckenridge
PC Progressors: Kendra Story
Saratoga Leadaways: Ryan Carlson, Rachel Eckert, Daphne Heeley
Steuben Rangers, Norah Keinath, Kaitlyn Schaer, Kiryn Schaer
Experience Awards
The Experience Award program recognizes members for their involvement and accomplishments across the four dimensions of 4-H: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Members earn recognition by completing experiences that demonstrate personal growth, leadership, citizenship, and learning.
Award levels are based on the number and scope of experiences completed:
Bronze Clover: At least one experience in each of the four dimensions.
Silver Clover: At least two experiences in each dimension, with two at the county level or beyond.
Gold Clover: At least four experiences in each dimension, with two beyond the county level.
This years’ Experience Awards recipients are…
Jackson Nauman-Saratoga Leadaways—Bronze
Samantha Nauman _Saratoga Leadaways—Gold
The following members have been selected by their club leaders as Junior Leaders.
Karson Actis, PC Progressors, Madison Actis, PC Progressors, Aubry Banuat, L-W Achievers, Avery Banuat, L-W Achievers, Ryan Carlson, Saratoga Leadaways, Rachel Eckert, Saratoga Leadaways, Eliza Ehnis, Bell Plain Hustlers, McClay Gensini, PC Progressors, Hunter Heckman, PC Progressors, Daphne Heeley, Saratoga Leadaways, Makenzie Horton, PC Progressors, Tovah Jugovic, Wenona Highlighters, Carter Keller, PC Progressors, Knox Kennell, L-W Achievers, Arianna Martin, L-W Achievers, Emery Oglesby, Bell Plain Hustlers, Anna Rinaldo, Bell Plain Hustlers, Chloe Schoepke, L-W Achievers, Avery Stange, L-W Achievers, Myles Stange, L-W Achievers, Lucy Stivers, Bell Plain Hustlers, Gracie Vinyard, Bell Plain Hustlers, Joseph Vinyard, Bell Plain Hustlers
Cloverbud Grads
Wesley Biggar, Saratoga Leadaways, Hadley Campbell, PC Progressors, Dawsann Cioni, PC Progressors, Daisy Cole, Wenona Highlighters, Marie Foster, Bennington Go-Getters, Clara Gerdes, PC Progressors, Isaac Grieves, L-W Achievers, Aurora Heiser, PC Progressors, Rhett Kocher, Saratoga Leadaways, Kenzie Kolb, Bennington Go-Getters, Jennings Lenkaitis, PC Progressors, Kinzie Matter, Bennington Go-Getters, Rayna Scarberry, PC Progressors, Aurora Schmidt , PC Progressors, Chase Vaessen, PC Progressors, Emmett Weeks, PC Progressors, Alexandria Wigand, Steuben Rangers, Amethyst Zoss, Wenona Highlighters.
Behind every successful 4-H member is a network of people who encourage, support, and inspire them along the way. Marshall-Putnam 4-H extends a heartfelt thank-you to the parents, family members, club leaders, parent helpers, coaches, and instructors who give their time, share their talents, and provide opportunities for youth to learn and grow. Their dedication and commitment make the 4-H experience possible and help create an environment where young people can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and achieve their goals. 4-H is more than a youth program; it is a community effort, and we are grateful to everyone who makes it special.
Youth interested in joining the 4-H program can contact their local Extension office. Marshall-Putnam families can contact Anne Scheel at 309-364-2356.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.