ROCKFORD, IL- On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Winnebago County celebrated it’s 4-H members and volunteers at the annual Recognition Event.  This event was held at The Twisted Tulip in Machesney Park, which is owned by a 4-H alumni.  The Machine Shed provided appetizers and desserts.  The 4-H Recognition Event is an annual occasion where 4-H members and volunteers are awarded for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Winnebago County 4-H program.

National finalist for Nexstar’s Remarkable Woman 2023 contest, Carrie Brockway shared her experiences that led her to finding joy in the field of education while conquering stage 4 cancer.  She referenced the BIG-M philosophy that 4-H incorporates into their programming.  BIG-M stands for belonging, independence, generosity and mastery.  Brockway spoke about “practice makes permanent” in reference to project mastery.

Winnebago County 4-H Youth Leadership Team members assisted with setting up the event, registrations as well as passing out awards to participants as they were read by 4-H Program Coordinator, Becky Gocken.  YLT members recognized for their service to the 4-H program this year included Owen Cordell, Campbell Russo, Oscar Pagles, Robert Dady, Meredith Dady, Claire Hopkins, Bailee Olson and Amelia McCray-Grotto.  “Our 4-H YLT members always go above and beyond the expectation during our events throughout the year.  They set a wonderful example for our younger 4-H members, “ states Gocken.

The Recognition Event also celebrated the over 55 adult volunteers for their continued service to help our youth succeed.  Dr. Heidi Olson, a 4-H alumni of the Stars, Stripes and Clovers 4-H Club and Horse Bowl Team had the privilege of introducing her former 4-H leader, Mary Ann Arenson.  Mary Ann celebrated 50 years of volunteering with 4-H and received a standing ovation for her dedication and service.  Mary Ann additionally serves as the 4-H Cat Show superintendent and horse show committee.

Highlighted award winners include: 

• Winnebago County 4-H Shooting Sports Team received first place overall at the State 4-H Shoot for Small Bore Rifle
• Liadan Gray- First place, .22 Small Bore Rifle at the State 4-H Shoot
• Corbin Gray, Second place, .22 Small Bore Rifle at the State 4-H Shoot
• Kevin York, Sixth place, .22 Small Bore Rifle at the State 4-H Shoot
• Robert Lund Memorial Award for Best Overall Promotion during National 4-H Week:  Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H Club
• 4-H Club Banner Contest Winner:  Clover Crusaders 4-H Club.  People’s choice winner:  Owen Blue Bonnets
• Winnebago County 4-H Honor Clubs:  Clover Crusaders, Midway Marvels and Owen Blue Bonnets
• 2023 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee:  Elizabeth Russo of Midway Marvels 4-H Club
• Junior 4-H Member of the Year:  Kateri Beck of Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H Club
• Senior 4-H Member of the Year:  Clarie Hopkins of Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H Club
• Secretary of the Year:  Rachel Bageanis of Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H Club
• Treasurer of the Year:  Addison Pollard of Winnebago Wide Awakes & Jack Harrington of Clover Crusaders 4-H Club
• 4-H Club of the Year:  Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H Club
• 2023 Program Book Cover Artist:  Cheyenne Mech of Owen Blue Bonnets
• 4-H Alumni Awards:  Sara Dady & Amy Berg, both of Guilford Gainers 4-H Club
• Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Recipients:  Tyler Lee & Allyson Zimmerman
• Illinois Holstein-Friesian Association Award:  Lily Ernst-Hilton, Emma Lenkaitis, Thea Mitchell,, Tianna Mitchell, Addison Pollard, Blake Perrot, Addison Perrot, Alaina Warkentien, Kaydence West, Allyson Zimmerman, Makenzy Zimmerman, Luke Zimmerman
• 10 Year 4-H Members:  Ingrid Arvesen, Jonathan Claerbout, Meredith Dady, Tyler Lee, Nathan Lyons, Mia Nelson, Ryan Sherman, Ava Viel
• 11 Year 4-H Members:  Ella Anderson, Sadie Ramos, Allyson Zimmerman
• 12 Year 4-H Member:  Cambell Russo

In addition to the county awards, Illinois 4-H has an Experience Level Recognition program for 4-H members ages 8-18 can achieve.  Members complete different experiences at the individual, club, county, state, national or international levels within the four dimensions of participation, community service, leadership and project learning.  The medals that can be earned at the county level are bronze, silver and gold.  Medals that are promoted to the state level include emerald and diamonds.  Our bronze medal winners included Evan Cordell, Mary Hopkins and Annabelle Paggi.

Our silver medal winners were:  KT Beck, Owen Cordell, Beckett Garrison, Thomas Nestler, and Maximilan Vogrinc.  These youth had to complete two experiences in each of the four dimensions, with at least two of those experiences being beyond the individual and club level.

Our gold medal winners had to complete four experiences in each dimension and two of those experiences must be outside of their club and county.  Our gold medal winners were Nicolette Caccia, Abbigail Combs, Cecilia Higdon, Claire Hopkins, Emma Johnson, Nautica Marchese, Amelia McCray-Grotto, Cheyenne Mech, Lily Nestler, Lela Pagles, Oscar Pagles and Amalia Vogrinc.

A special award between two 4-H members was presented by Addison Pollard to Alaina Warkentien for “Bestie in the Showring.”  Addison shared her story from during the 4-H dairy show this past summer.  Her animal was startled and Addison was caught underneath her.  Alaina took the halter and continued showing the animal, earning Addison a Grand Champion award.  It was a wonderful display of sportsmanship and setting the example for our younger 4-H members.

The event concluded with the announcement of the silent auction baskets.  4-H Clubs are asked to create baskets in a theme of their choosing.  The themes this year included a handmade garden tool work box, lottery ticket bouquet, Christmas wrapping, Relax Spa basket, Disney basket, Fishing Time, Cozy Christmas, IceHogs basket, 4-H Goodies Box and a Hunter’s Dream box.  Our 4-H clubs raised over $430 to benefit the Winnebago County 4-H program.