MARION, Ill. – Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they have done over the past year.

The evening kicked off by recognizing 4-H members who served as an officer in one or multiple Williamson County 4-H clubs. Those honored were:

• Secretary – Vivianna Burkett, Dominic Burkett, and Nick Sloan
• Treasurer – Vivianna Burkett, Selphie McCann, and Ethan Womble
• Vice President – Elisha Burkett, Keaton Clodi, and Nick Sloan
• President – Dominic Burkett, Khygan Clodi, and Nick Sloan

Cloverbuds
The youngest members were also recognized for their participation in 4-H. Williamson County Cloverbud members are Jael Ditch, Carter Lewis, Raelynn Lewis, Simon McCann, Luca Ottolin, Peyton Pulley, and Emma Smith.

Retiring Members
All retiring 4-H members receive a certificate and 4-H alumni pin. Elisha Burkett and Sam Trammell were honored for their participation in 4-H.

Overall Achievement Award
Formerly known as the Leadership Award, the Overall Achievement awardees must achieve performance standards within their age group and complete the Experience Award application. The top member in each age category received a certificate and a $150 activity award to use for 4-H camp or other 4-H experiences.

• Junior Award – Vivianna Burkett
• Intermediate Award – Nick Sloan
• Senior Award – Dominic Burkett

Experience Award
Each member is recognized for their engagement in various 4-H activities throughout the year. Members were honored with a medallion to reflect their level of achievement.

• Gold – Vivianna Burkett
• Diamond Clover Award – Dominic Burkett and Nick Sloan

Forward-Looking Award
This award is offered to any member who completes their Williamson County 4-H record book and submits it for review. Nick Sloan was honored with this award.

Community Service, Leadership, and Project Learning Awards
Nick Sloan was honored with this award which is given to members who completed the Williamson County 4-H Record Book and reflect strength in their respective dimensions, reflect clear goals, perceived mastery, and a strong plan for the future in the respective dimension’s resume.

4-H empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Through 4-H, youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and citizenship in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. To learn more about how to get involved with 4-H in your community, visit 4h.extension.illinois.edu.

WRITER: Helen Parks, marketing and communications staff, helenmp@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

SOURCE: Ramona Girtman, 4-H program coordinator, girtman@illinois.edu, (618) 993-3304