SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Outstanding 4-H volunteers were celebrated as part of the 2022 class of the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame at a ceremony held as part of the 4-H General Project Show at the Illinois State Fair Aug.12, 13, and 14. The official announcement of inductees was made during a virtual ceremony held May 20.

Eighty-four total individuals were inducted into this year’s Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame. While the official announcement takes place in May, the ceremony allows friends, family, and county staff to come together to celebrate their inductee. The ceremonies are held over a three-day period to match up with each county’s exhibit days at the 4-H General Project Show.

“Volunteers are key to a successful 4-H program,” says Patricia McGlaughlin, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame provides an opportunity to recognize volunteers at our largest state event, which reinforces the positive impact they have on the 4-H program.”

Members of the Youth Leadership Team served as emcees with Lisa Diaz, director of Illinois 4-H, providing additional remarks. Honorees were invited on individually stage for recognition.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

To learn more about the 4-H Hall of Fame and for a full listing of the 2022 class, visit the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame site.

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.

Source: Patricia McGlaughlin, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, patm@illinois.edu

Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu