Michelle Marck, a Freeport Fantastics 4-H Club member in Freeport, is being recognized by University of Illinois Extension’s State 4-H Office in Champaign for her 4-H accomplishments in Project Mastery. “Michelle has shown the dedication to her craft and her fellow 4-H members to be successful with these important life skills,” said Becky Gocken, Program Coordinator- 4-H Youth Development.
Michelle is a 9 year 4-H member and is currently a junior at Freeport High School. She is a member of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, IL-IMEA District Chorus, Freeport High School Speech Team, Thespian Club, Orchestra, Chorus and Cheerleader. Michelle additionally is a Stephenson County 4-H Ambassador, 4-H Buddy, Junior Leader and currently serves as their club Treasurer. After high school, Michelle plans to study music therapy at Illinois State University and want to explore becoming a creative writer.
Michelle was recognized as a State 4-H Award Application winner in Project Mastery for her Foods and Nutrition projects. Michelle plans to travel to Atlanta, GA in November as part of the IL State 4-H Delegation during the annual National 4-H Congress. When discussing 4-H Michelle states, “In 4-H, I grew as a leader and a person. 4-H is a great place to get basic life skills, become a leader, make friends and have fun!” Michelle and her family celebrated her accomplishment on a local level on March 14 with a luncheon at This Is It Eatery and beautiful bouquet of flowers provided by Stephenson County Extension.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation provided $20,000 in national conference travel scholarships this year. “Our donors are generous and believe that higher education changes lives,” said Angie Barnard, Foundation executive director. Donors include Nann Armstrong, Patricia Clickener, Lila Jeanne Eichelberger, Keith and Lissa Parr, Donna Mueller, Dee Murray, George Obernagel, Legacy of Leadership endowment contributors, LA-CO, Barbara and George Clark, Barbara and George Clark, Ryan and Elaine Ruwe, Marvin and Elizabeth Schnitzler, Carrie Francis, Jason and Andrya Smith, Auxiliary to the Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
“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, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “We are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.”