Two Logan County 4-H members earn special state recognition

 

[October 23, 2018]  LINCOLN - 4-H members from across the state were honored for their lifetime 4-H achievements at the Illinois 4-H Celebrating Excellence Award Program held on October 20th in Champaign. The Illinois State 4-H Award recognizes exemplary work in five major areas, including communications, community service, leadership, personal growth and project mastery.

Winners received either a trip to National 4-H Congress, $1,000 toward the cost of another national 4-H event, or a $1,000 college scholarship as their prize. This year, Logan County 4-H member Abi Steffens was selected as an Illinois Award winner in the area of Project Mastery. Abi is the daughter of Jason & Beth Steffens of Lincoln and will be attending National 4-H Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Legacy of Leadership Scholarships of $1000 were also presented to youth based on their achievements in the Illinois 4-H program. The Illinois 4-H Foundation presented these scholarships to 4-H teens who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership. Logan County 4-H member Grace Skelton, daughter of Rusty & Stacie Skelton, of Middletown, was honored as a scholarship recipient. Grace was also honored with the Farm Bureau Leadership, Citizenship, and Professionalism Award and Key Club Award at the event.

The Illinois 4-H Key Award emphasizes community service and mentorship by 4-H members throughout their 4-H career.

The purpose of the LCP Award, given by the Youth Education Committee of the Illinois Farm Bureau and its affiliates, is to reward members exhibiting outstanding leadership, citizenship, cooperation, and professionalism during the past 4-H program year.

“Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities, but also Illinois and the nation,” said Lisa Diaz, U of I Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “As we look ahead to the future, we are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.”

All Illinois State 4-H awards and Legacy of Leadership Scholarships are supported through donor gifts to the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H aims to impact the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.

[Patty Huffer
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension]