Stephenson County 4-H has two youths who are being recognized for their outstanding achievements in leadership and project mastery at the state level. These achievements come from exploring pathways in 4-H that help the youths pursue a career they are passionate about.

Aliana Dinderman, from the Snappy Snazzers 4-H Club, has achieved the Emerald Award in Project Mastery. Alaina is an eight-year 4-H member who has chosen dairy as her main pathway in 4-H. She enjoys working with her dairy animals and taking them to shows. Besides showing her cattle, Alaina also shares her knowledge with youth in her 4-H Club and her local community by giving talks on dairy products, helping hand out ice cream, cheese, or yogurt for June Dairy Month, and leading demonstrations on different dairy topics. Alaina has participated on the local 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl team, the Louisville 4-H Quiz Bowl as a part of the Illinois State Team, and the North American International Livestock Exposition Dairy Quiz Bowl.  In addition, Alaina has shared her love for the dairy industry by giving speeches on topics related to both dairy and the agriculture community across the State.

Jordan Heimann, from the Lena Lucky Clovers 4-H Club, has achieved the Diamond Award in Leadership. Jordan is a nine-year 4-H member who has grown her leadership skills through the 4-H program and by being a three-year 4-H Ambassador member. Jordan has grown in her leadership skills by being an officer for her 4-H club, helping at community events with 4-H Ambassadors that allow her to promote and encourage youth to join and participate in 4-H, being a 4-H Camp Counselor, and being a committee member on her local fair committee.

“The 4-H program in Stephenson County allows youth today to challenge themselves by stepping out of their comfort zones and getting involved in their local communities, stepping into leadership roles, and advancing their skills through an individual 4-H project,” says Kelly Lafferty, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties 4-H Youth Development Educator. “We would like to congratulate these two youths on their hard work and dedication in their respective accomplishments. This is a wonderful example of Making the Best, Better.”

The Illinois 4-H program recognizes its 4-H members through an Experience Award. Youths who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and Project Mastery can qualify for the award.  Bronze, silver, and gold level winners are recognized at a county level only.  4-H members who exceed the county level must have expanded their 4-H experience beyond just their county.  These 4-H members can earn a diamond or an emerald award.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is 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.