Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud to announce the state’s delegation of 26 teen leaders selected to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place Mar. 25 - 29 in Washington, D.C. This premier national event brings together high school-aged youth from across the country to build leadership skills, explore career pathways, and engage in hands-on learning in STEM, agriscience, animal science, healthy living, community activism, and emotional well-being.
“Ignite can be a very positive experience for young leaders,” said Mark Becker, University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist. “It’s about more than just learning, it’s about getting inspired, expanding perspectives, and building the skills needed for success in work and life.”
During the four-day summit, participants will engage in interactive workshops, hear from national experts, and collaborate with peers from across the U.S. to develop actionable plans to bring positive change to their communities. The summit also offers opportunities for career exploration and professional skill-building, empowering teens to take their 4-H experiences to the next level.
Illinois’ 2026 delegates will represent the state across a variety of focus areas.
In the Agriscience Track, delegates include Louis Barnes of Pike County; Kaden Ambers of Cook County; Lailah Smith of Cook County; Grace Griffin of St. Clair County; and Heaven Morgan of St. Clair County.
Representing the Animal Science Track are Morgan Davis of DeKalb County; Anna Bremer of Johnson County; Alexandra Bruinius of Will County; and Haley Ramirez of Cook County.
Delegates in the Community Activators Track include Paige Simpson of Lake County; Alyssa Elliott of Madison County; Carmen Jackson of Cook County (RYLAT); and Monteal Harper of St. Clair County.
In the Healthy Living Track, Illinois delegates are Aniyah Burke of Cook County; George Kapasouris of DuPage County; and Kavin Karthikeyan of DuPage County.
Representing the STEM Track are Devin Joseph of Cook County; Kieran Edwards of Kane County; Peter Widinski of Will County; Myeisha Tucker of Cook County; Trinity Clay of Cook County; and Daniel Molina of Cook County.
With a total of 1,300 teens from across the nation attending, the Illinois delegation is eager to share ideas, gain new perspectives, and return home ready to make a difference.
“Ignite is a great place for students to network with the next generation of leaders,” Becker added. “These young people come home inspired, equipped, and ready to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”
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.
For Further Information Contact:
News Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, University of Illinois Extension, carissa7@illinois.edu
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.