The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were celebrated at a virtual ceremony April 10 where $45,000 in scholarships were awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. With the unique circumstances of this past year, the award recipients overcame many challenges on the way to these achievements.
“This was a year that none of us could have imagined, and these young men and women did not allow even a global pandemic get in the way of achieving their goals,” says Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and 4-H director. “In fact, we saw the opposite; these 4-H youth pivoted, innovated, and rose to the occasion in a way that surpassed any and all of our expectations.”
The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private and corporate funds to support the Illinois 4-H program. “We are so lucky to have such a strong network of donors that deeply value education,” says Angie Barnard, Foundation executive director.
“These youth have demonstrated the 4-H spirit of service, dedication, and resilience throughout this past year,” says Diaz. “As new challenges presented themselves, they stepped up to rise to the occasion. These awards celebrate hard work and goals being attained.”
The celebration video aired April 10 for family and friends to enjoy. One may view the winners’ biographies on the 4-H awards website.
State 4-H Award Winners
Forty-five young adults were chosen as scholarship winners in one of nine divisions of the State 4-H Award. Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.
The Animal Sciences award 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 Dee Murray, George Obernagel, Keith and Lissa Parr, and Mark and Lee Ann Gossett. The winners are:
- Delaney Smith, Champaign County
- Katelyn Engel, Knox County
- Sara Timm, Marion County
- Lauren Mohr, McLean County
- Skye Schumaker, McLean County
The Civil Engagement & Global Living award recognizes youth that have focused on 4-H work in service to/for others. This award is sponsored by Nann Armstrong, Tim and Belinda Carey, Kevin and Kari Carey, and Ron and Melanie Warfield. The winners are:
- Annabelle Schaffnit, Adams County
- Brayden Caraynoff-Huber, Kendall County
- Emma Seiboldt, Knox County
- Megan Eppel, Lake County
- Caroline Ahrends, Logan County
The Creative & Performing Arts & Communications award recognizes youth that have focused their 4-H work on the arts and the art of communicating with others. This award is sponsored by Dee Murray and Janice Seitz. The winners are:
- Leah Rossi, Grundy County
- Grace Schumacher, Effingham County
- Emily Reppy, Kendall County
- Sydney Reppy, Kendall County
- Natalie Nelson, Knox County
The Natural Resources & Environmental Science award recognizes youth who have focused on environmental stewardship. This award was sponsored by Dee Murray, Sharon and Art Tenhouse, Mark and MaryAnn Kaufman, Walter Lynn, and Colleen Callahan-Burns. The winners are:
- Saulius Malik, Cook County
- Dalton Wachter, JoDaviess County
- DJ Cain, Knox County
- Cavit Schempp, Logan County
- Victoria Zwilling, Richland County
SOURCE: Katie Duitsman, 4-H Leadership Youth Development Extension Specialist
WRITER: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office
***Report Courtesy of the University of Illinois Extension***
