4-H members from across the state were honored for their lifetime 4-H achievements at the Illinois 4-H Celebrating Excellence Award Program held on October 5th in Champaign.  The Illinois State 4-H Award recognizes exemplary work in five major areas, including communications, community service, leadership, personal growth and project mastery.  

Winners received either a trip to National 4-H Congress, $1,000 toward the cost of another national 4-H event, or a $1,000 college scholarship as their prize.   This year, Logan County 4-H members selected as Illinois Award winners include Miranda Nelson, daughter of Melanie Nelson of Middletown and Don Nelson of Springfield, selected in the Project Mastery award area; Ruthie Ruhl, daughter of Scott & Gena Ruhl of Mt. Pulaski, selected in the Project Mastery award area; and Sarah Starasta, daughter of Mike & Leslie Starasta of Lincoln, selected in the Personal Growth award area.  All of the award recipients will be attending National 4-H Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia this coming November.

Legacy of Leadership Scholarships of $1000 were also presented to youth based on their achievements in the Illinois 4-H program. The Illinois 4-H Foundation presented these scholarships to 4-H teens who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership.  Logan County 4-H member Molly Schempp, daughter of Darin & Cindy Schempp of Atlanta, was honored as a scholarship recipient.

“Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities, but also Illinois and the nation,” said Lisa Diaz, U of I Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “As we look ahead to the future, we are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.”

All Illinois State 4-H awards and Legacy of Leadership Scholarships are supported through donor gifts to the Illinois 4-H Foundation.