URBANA, Ill. — The career achievements of University of Illinois Extension 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Three local youth from Manhattan, Grant Park, and Orland Park, respectively, were recognized as statewide winners of the scholarships, which are awarded based on merit and a demonstrated standard of 4-H excellence.
“We are incredibly proud to see local youth recognized at this level,” said Emilia Elabed, Extension 4-H youth development educator serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. “Avery, Isabela, and Peter represent the best of what 4-H is all about: curiosity, leadership, and the confidence to pursue their goals and make an impact in their communities.”
Forty-five young adults were chosen as scholarship winners in one of nine divisions of the State 4-H Award. Each winner receives a $1,250 scholarship.
Local award winners were:
Avery Edler, Animal Sciences Award
Avery Edler of Manhattan received the Animal Sciences Award, which recognizes youth who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery in their animal science projects.
This award was sponsored by Dave & Lisa McMurtry, Karen Moore, in memory of her husband, Jimmy Moore, Keith & Lissa Parr, the estate of Linda Hiltabrand, and George Obernagel.
Isabela Barnas, Personal Growth Award
Isabela Barnas of Grant Park received the Personal Growth Award, which recognizes youth who have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program.
This award is sponsored by George & Barbara Clark, Dr. Janice Seitz, Jim and Cheryl Wormley, and Don & Karen Wettstein.
Peter Widinski, Healthy Living & Nutrition Award
Peter Widinski of Orland Park received the Healthy Living & Nutrition Award, which recognizes youth who are helping their communities make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles.
This award is sponsored by John & Leta Anderson, Donna Mueller, Dee Murray, Kevin & Janette Rhoades, in memory of Kevin’s parents, Norman and Mary Ann Rhoades, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
State scholarships highlight 4-H pathways to college and careers
Research continues to show the long-term impact of 4-H experiences on youth success. In a recent statewide survey of graduating 4-H members, nearly 9 in 10 respondents said their 4-H experience helped them feel ready for the workplace and adulthood, while 83% reported feeling prepared for college. In addition, 98% said they gained skills they can use in a future job.
“Through the Illinois 4-H scholarship program, we are investing in young people who have demonstrated commitment, growth, and a strong foundation for the future,” said Melissa Irwin, Illinois Extension 4-H club support and awards associate. “These awards help open doors while reinforcing the career-ready skills youth gain through 4-H.”
For more information about 4-H, visit go.illinois.edu/About4Hgkw.
SOURCE: Emilia Elabed, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Illinois Extension; Melissa Irwin, 4-H Club Support and Awards Associate, Illinois Extension; Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, Illinois Extension.
IMAGE CAPTION: "Isabela Barnas of Grant Park received the Personal Growth Award, which recognizes youth who have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program. Image by: University of Illinois Extension." Download image for media use.
WRITER: Anthony Warmack, Communications and Marketing Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension; Sophia Schneider, 4-H Communications Intern.
INTERVIEWS: Contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, to request specialist interviews on this topic.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.