Logan County Extension announces retirement of Amy Hyde

 

[May 03, 2022] 

University of Illinois Extension in Logan County announces the retirement of long-time 4-H Program Coordinator Amy Hyde. Amy officially retired after 20 years of service with Extension on May 1 and served as a 4-H Program Coordinator in Logan County. In her position, she worked with countless youth, volunteers, teachers, and community members. Amy assisted with 4-H Shooting Sports, Teen Teachers, 4-H Ambassadors, and the 4-H shows. She was also especially well known and loved by students and teachers alike for the engaging lessons she taught at area elementary schools through the Ag in the Classroom program. She had also spent many years assisting the Logan County Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs and volunteers.

Amy grew up on a family farm in Macon County with her parents and two older sisters. Amy was always involved in 4-H when growing up which she believes influenced where she is today. After high school, she worked at the Clinton Power Station for 17 years before coming to work for the Logan County Extension 4-H program. In her position with 4-H, she saw a need for agriculture education in the community and made that the focus of much of her work.

When talking about her career, Hyde said “Introducing kids to agriculture has been very important to me. Because of where we live, we assume that kids understand agriculture, but so many kids have never been exposed to ag which is unfortunate.” She adds “I love to see their enthusiasm and the kids love the hands-on learning experiences and are proud of what they can then teach others, which in turn is building leadership skills. Seeing these children excited to learn about ag and seeing that I am having an impact on them is the most rewarding part.”

Terri Miller Casey, Extension County Director, stated that “Amy truly loves what she does, and is passionate about educating youth. When she walked into the classroom the children lit up because they knew they were going to do a fun hands-on activity. She went above and beyond to assist 4-H members, families, and volunteers. Her years of dedicated caring have helped many local youths learn about agriculture, discover their talents, and accomplish their goals. She is great at what she does and will be deeply missed by all who have worked with her. We thank her for her dedication and wish her all the best in retirement.”

When asked to describe Amy, Hollander's 4-H Club volunteer John Coers said “Amy is one in a million. It is hard to find someone with as big of a heart or the passion to work with kids as Amy has.

Amy Hyde (center) with Mt. Pulaski Grade School Kindergarten Class Mrs. Jones (Earth Day and Water Cycle)

"There aren't too many kids in the communities that don’t know Amy whether it be from Ag in the Classroom program or her involvement with 4-H. And because of that, she was a great role model. She was a huge asset to the 4-H program, and I will truly miss having her in that role. I will definitely miss her interaction at the 4-H sheep show, but I would hope that she wouldn’t be a stranger. I wish her the best of luck on her retirement and new adventure. She will be missed and hard to replace.”

Jim Birge, Sangamon County Farm Bureau Manager, added that “Amy has demonstrated her love and commitment to teaching agriculture in the classrooms around Logan County. Talk to any teacher that she has worked with, and they will tell you a story of how Amy has connected to teachers and students alike on a personal level, which is rare these days. Most of the success of Ag in the Classroom in Logan County is the direct result of Amy. I know that I’ll miss having her in the classroom as often and working with the Menard-Logan-Sangamon Ag Education Partnership.”

Hyde’s advice for those wanting to go into an ag-related career is to “Go for it; there are so many career opportunities in agriculture, and we need the next generation to get involved and make a difference.”

Casey summed it up by saying, “Amy always went about her work diligently and humbly, shying away from the limelight or applause, so it was not surprising that she wanted no fuss and little fanfare made to mark her retirement. However, knowing Amy’s passion, I doubt this is truly ‘good-bye’ as I am sure she will continue to find ways to share her gifts with the youth of Logan County even after her retirement.” Casey invited all those wishing to express their thanks and gratitude for her service to send cards and well wishes in care of the Logan County Extension office, 980 N. Postville Dr., Lincoln, IL 62656.

[Terri Miller Casey, MPA
County Director]