DECATUR, Ill. — Three Macon County 4-H members received state 4-H awards in recognition of their hard work, dedication, growth, and leadership. An award ceremony and celebration was held on April 9 in Champaign, Illinois.

Taylor Crouch, daughter of Cassie and Jeremy Crouch, was the recipient of the Emerald Level Award in Project Learning. Her sibling, Morgan Crouch, received the Emerald Level Award in Leadership.

The Emerald Level award recognizes youth who complete eight or more experiences in one of the following areas: community service, leadership, or project learning. Four of those experiences must be beyond the county level, and at least two must be at the state, national, or international level. The Emerald Level awards are sponsored by Patricia Clickener, Dr. Lloyd Shaw, Jim and Cheryl Wormley, and Pete Haselhorst.

Cole Rappe, son of Chad and Shelia Rappe, was the recipient of a $1000 scholarship in the category of Personal Growth. The Personal Growth scholarship recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program. Cole was one of five winners selected for the Personal Growth category. A total of forty-five youth were chosen as scholarship winners in nine categories.

ABOUT 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.

WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension