Rockford, ILL [September 8, 2021]—Neva Ramos, club leader of the Machesney Pilots 4-H club in Winnebago County, was recently named to the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame for her leadership and mentoring role as a volunteer. The Hall of Fame honors volunteers and former staff members for their dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development program. Neva was nominated by Winnebago County Extension staff and is one of 71 individuals that were recognized during a virtual ceremony on August 17.
Neva has shown dedication to 4-H youth for decades. “Neva is fantastic and does so much for our club,” explains youth member Eloise Franklin. “During the pandemic, she found a way for us to continue our meetings and spend time with each other. She even put together monthly projects for each youth member and dropped them off at the beginning of the (4-H) year. She goes above and beyond for every youth member, making sure we understand everything, we are comfortable, and we get every opportunity to help better ourselves and the community.”
Neva’s youth club members appreciate her perseverance through the challenging times of keeping 4-H alive during the pandemic. Neva leads the Machesney Pilots 4-H Club in Winnebago County, which was founded in 1991. She juggles the busy 4-H life in balance with raising six children. She has been married for over ten years to her husband, William.
“Neva’s continued dedication to developing leadership in our youth is displayed through her positivity and continued dedication to pushing kids to be their best selves,” explains Becky Gocken, Winnebago County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator. “We are honored to nominate her for the 2021 4-H Hall of Fame for Winnebago County.”
Volunteers in 4-H share skills and experience to help 4-H youth become confident, young leaders. There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of young people through 4-H. Volunteers can lead clubs, teach a skill, judge projects, plan or help at an event, and serve on an advisory board.
For more information about 4-H in Winnebago County or volunteering, contact Becky Gocken, Winnebago County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension office by phone: 815-986-4357, email: rgocken@illinois.edu or by visiting go.illinois.edu/jsw.