“It was very inspiring to see so many local youth from across the county gather in Joliet to showcase the projects they’ve been working on throughout the year” says Mia Truhlar, 4-H Summer Program Coordinator serving Will County, “This year’s show allowed youth to demonstrate excellence in project areas ranging from woodworking to scrapbooking, to photography and robotics.”

In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to career development, enjoyment, and belonging.  Project shows serve as learning opportunities for youth to interact with subject matter experts who serve as judges and provide guidance as youth work toward mastery in their project area.

“Fostering a healthy competition environment is something that 4-H excels at,” says Truhlar, “When youth have a safe environment among their peers to succeed, try new things, and be their best self, they are moved to push forward and strive for excellence.”

Youth who are awarded state ribbons will have the opportunity to exhibit and compete at the state level during the Illinois State Fair 4-H General Project Show, August 12-14 in Springfield.

This year’s State Fair delegates from Will County include:

Aerospace
Peter Widinski

Animal Science
Vanessa Edler

Child Development
Rori Hertsberg
Corin Leyburn
Julia Muschetto

Civic Engagement
Avery Edler
Peter Widinski

Clothing and Textiles
Allison Jacobs
Emily Jacobs
Isabella Garcia

Communications
Emily Rog
Gianna Jaramillo

Computer Science
Seth Gilmore
Peter Widinski

Electricity
Peter Widinski

Entomology
Peter Widinski

Entomology-Beekeeping
Mitchell Hocker
Samantha Merkel

ESports
Matthew Selucky

Family Heritage
Logan Burmaster

Floriculture
Avery Edler
Vanessa Edler
Lillian Makowski

Foods and Nutrition
Luke Gilmore
Abigail Henning
Emily Rog
Abigail Stewart
Hayley Stewart
Raegan Tang
Kenzie Thompson

Forestry
Avery Edler

Geology
Vanessa Edler
Peter Widinski

Intercultural
Vanessa Edler
Jonas Blom
Simon Blom
Alexandra Bruinius
Seth Gilmore
Rori Hertsberg
Tiag Hertsberg
Lucy Jaramillo
Kathryn Miller
Brigid Reiter
Peter Widinski
Avery Edler

Interior Design
Julia Muschetto
Corin Leyburn

Leadership
Peter Widinski
Vanessa Edler
Avery Edler
Alexandra Bruinius

Maker
Peter Widinski

Natural Resources
Avery Edler
Vanessa Edler
Austin Hundley

Photography
Avery Edler
Brooke Simanis
Rachel Tang

Robotics
Peter Widinski

Shooting Sports
Avery Edler

Tractor
Benjamin Mills

Vegetable Gardening
Collin Boudreau
Julia Muschetto

Veterinary Science
Avery Edler

Video/Filmmaking
Peter Widinski

Visual Arts – 3-D Design/Mixed Media
Jade Atieh

Visual Arts – Chalk/Carbon/Pigment Division A on Canvas, Paper or Glass
Simon Blom
Rachel Tang

Visual Arts – Chalk/Carbon/Pigment Division B on Wood, Metal or Textiles
Julia Muschetto

Visual Arts – Clay
Reganne Price

Visual Arts – Computer-Generated Art
Elena Mason

Visual Arts – Fiber
Avery Edler

Visual Arts – Food Decorating
Vanessa Edler
Brigid Reiter

Visual Arts – Heritage Arts
Vanessa Edler

Visual Arts – Leather
Vanessa Edler

Visual Arts – Metal
Weston Boudreau

Visual Arts – Nature
Lyra Wilcox

Visual Arts – Paper
Raegan Tang

Visual Arts – Quilting
Isabella Garcia

Visual Arts – Scrapbooking
Emily Jacobs
Elizabeth Schreurs

Visual Arts – Wood
Collin Boudreau

Woodworking
Henry  Merkel
Josiah  Merkel

For a complete list of awards and recognition, check out the list online at https://fairentry.com/Fair/Results/16519.

4-H is the largest youth development program in Illinois - For more information about the 4-H program in our county, please visit go.illinois.edu/About4hGKW or call the office at 815-727-9296.

SOURCE:  Mia Truhlar, Summer 4-H Program Coordinator Extra Help

WRITER:  Anthony Warmack, Communications & Marketing Program Coordinator; Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager

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. 

ABOUT EXTENSION:  Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. 

PHOTO ACCESS: The photos in this article are available to download for media use.