Logan 4-H member attends National
4-H Congress
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[December 13, 2018]
Thirteen teens from Illinois attended a five-day national conference
in Atlanta, Ga. Nov. 23 – 27 including Logan County 4-H member, Abi
Steffens of Lincoln, daughter of Jason & Beth Steffens and a member
of the Chester 4-H Club. Abi received a trip in the Project Mastery
Award area. Illinois delegates to National 4-H Congress are selected
on their outstanding 4-H accomplishments, said Lisa Diaz, University
of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H.
If 4-H club meetings are the training grounds for leadership
development, National 4-H Congress is the pep rally that inspires
the members to excel. In addition to trainings and nationally
recognized speakers, members network with 4-H members across the
United States.
“It is amazing what you can do when you say yes to a cause that is
bigger than you,” said speaker Manny Ohonme, founder of Samaritan’s
Feet, a worldwide organization which provides shoes for impoverished
children.
John Beede, who has climbed some of the world’s tallest mountains,
including Mount Everest, challenged the delegates. “The mountains
will never lower themselves to your level; you must rise up to the
demands presented to you by the climb.”
After returning from her trip to National 4-H Congress, Abi stated
“National 4-H Congress was an unforgettable experience. I made many
new friends from all over the country and got to listen to many
amazing speakers. My favorite speaker was John Beede, an
inspirational speaker who talked about how he reached his goal of
climbing the tallest mountain on every continent. He encouraged us
to work to achieve our dreams, instead of expecting them to come
true easily without effort. I also got the chance to attend many
workshops. One workshop was a service learning workshop which
prepared me to offer better service to our community. Volunteering
at an Atlanta school alongside other 4-Hers was especially
rewarding.
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Abi Steffens - back row fourth
from left
In addition, there were a lot of fun events too. One night we enjoyed an
International Dinner/dance. We dined on food from all over the world and were
entertained by Hawaiian and Puerto Rican dancers. I was able to tour the World
of Coca-Cola and several famous Atlanta landmarks. The last evening everyone
dressed up & were honored at a gala offering a wonderful meal & an evening of
more dancing.
This trip will forever be one of my most memorable experiences. I am thankful
for the support I’ve received from my parents, my club and my community. I
appreciate this opportunity and would encourage other 4-Hers to strive to attend
National 4-H Congress.”
The Illinois 4-H Foundation and its donors provide support for the
award-recognition trip. “Through gifts from our generous donors, we are grateful
for the opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment these young people
have put forth,” said Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director.
For more information on local University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth
Development programs visit the Logan County 4-H website at go.illinois.edu/
logan4h
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success.
University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in
Illinois, affecting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained
learning clubs, groups and short-term programming.
[Patty Huffer
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension]
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