Stephenson County 4-H proudly announces that Rita Koch has been inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, recognizing her 25 years of exemplary service and dedication to the poultry program and local youth.
The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame honors volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service to 4-H or notable career and community achievement. Rita has done both, leaving a lasting impact on youth in Stephenson County and beyond.
For the past 25 years, Rita has served as the 4-H Poultry Project Superintendent in Stephenson County. She has also hosted clinics to teach youth showmanship skills, ensuring members are well-prepared for success. As a Certified Pullorum Tester, she has tested birds for countless 4-H youth in both Stephenson and Ogle Counties.
Rita has also been a poultry project leader, assistant club leader for the Country Cuzins 4-H Club, and a poultry judge for neighboring counties for 15 years. In addition, she serves on the Stephenson County 4-H & Extension Foundation Committee, supporting the growth of 4-H programs countywide.
“Rita’s long-time commitment and passion for sharing her love of poultry have made a lasting impact on 4-H members in Stephenson County,” said Jen Schultz, Stephenson County 4-H Program Coordinator. “Her leadership and dedication make her a very deserving recipient of this honor.”
For more information about Stephenson County 4-H or how to get involved in future events, contact Jen Schultz at the University of Illinois Extension–Stephenson County office at (815) 235-4125 or js80@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.