MONMOUTH, Ill. 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and
events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and Project Mastery. In
order to qualify for the award, 4-H members must have expanded their 4-H experience beyond
just the county level.
“4-H encourages and provides supports for youth to develop mastery in their chosen subject
area, but we also encourage youth to use those skills in leadership roles,” says Lisa Diaz,
University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and 4-H director. “These awards recognize youth
who have pledged to use their head, heart, hands and health to support their communities and
their world”
In order to qualify for the top levels of the award, 4-H members must have expanded their
experience beyond just the county level.
“4-H experiences take place at the community level, but there are opportunities to expand
experiences to the state, national, and international levels,” says Diaz. “These youth have
pushed themselves to new limits and expanded their worldview in order to qualify for these
awards.”
The Emerald Level award recognizes youth who completed eight or more experiences in one of
the three dimensions, with at least four of those experiences beyond the county level and at least
two at the state, national, or international level. The Emerald Level awards are sponsored by
Patricia Clickener, Dr. Lloyd Shaw, Jim and Cheryl Wormley and Pete Haselhorst.
Emerald Level Award Winners in Project Learning include Carlson Rozanas, Boone County;
Elijah Taylor, Champaign County; Julia Taylor, Champaign County; Lydia Heren, Champaign
County; Alex Barnard, Champaign County; Benjamin Diaz, Champaign County; Jenna
Clemmons, Champaign County; Palin Goebel, Grundy County; Ava Winternheimer, Hamilton
County; Courtney Lynn, Hamilton County; Emilee Cox, Hamilton County; Sarah Darnell, Hamilton
County; Shiloh Willis, Hamilton County; Emily Reppy, Kendall County; Sydney Reppy, Kendall County; Christopher Corrigan, Livingston County; Taylor Crouch, Macon County; Katelyn Barber,
Macoupin County; Makenna Harding, Macoupin County; Payton Harding, Macoupin County;
Braden May, Massac County; Anna Curley, McDonough County; Carina Engst, McLean
County; Reagan Parks, McLean County; Elaan Bader, Montgomery County; Emma Hughes,
Montgomery County; Nathan Brown, Montgomery County; Amanda Niemann, Montgomery
County; Katelyn Marley, Montgomery County; Lauren Carlson, Ogle County; Remington Curry,
Pope-Hardin County; Abagayle Britton, Pulaski County; Kevin Britton, Pulaski County; Bailey
Callahan, Rock Island County; Nicholas Gorbach, Rock Island; Delaney Nation, Shelby County;
Callysta Borders, Union County; Naomi Dolan, Vermilion County; Grace McCarty, White County;
Johanna Zieren, White County; Katelyn Allen, White County; Peter Widinski, Will County; Avery
Edler, Will County; Vanessa Edler, Will County; and Annsley Healy, White County.
These career achievements will be celebrated at a ceremony in Champaign on April 9. The
2022 4-H scholarship winners will also be celebrated at this event.
SOURCE: Katie Duitsman, 4-H Leadership Youth Development Extension Specialist
WRITER: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office