THE FOLLOWING IS A 4-H RELEASE
SPRINGFIELD, Ill – The best of the best was on display on August 12-14 at the 4-H General Project Show of the Illinois State Fair. Award-winning 4-H members from across Illinois competed at the county level before advancing to the state level. The 4-Hers from Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion County had a tremendous weekend at the State Fair. These four counties produced 37 champions, 22 reserve champions, and 15 Inspire Award winners.
Champions (4-Her – Winning Category – Club):
Alana Dolan – Weather and Climate 3 – Snider-Kickapoo, Inc.
Naomi Dolan – Geology Innovation Class – Snider-Kickapoo, Inc.
DJ Hayes – Leadership 1 – Bismarck Lucky Clovers
Grady Medlen – Junkdrawer Robotics 3 – A.C. Achievers
Reserve Grand Champions:
Lily DeAth – Animal Sciences 2 – Jamaica Flatlanders 4-H Club
Lucy DeAth – VA Quilting – Quilting Best – Jamaica Flatlanders 4-H Club
Owen Elmore – VA Plastic Block Art – Jamaica Flatlanders 4-H Club
Inspire Award Winners
Faith Beck – Woodworking 4 – Stoney Creek Ramblers
Haley Carlton – Welding – Jamaica Flatlanders 4-H Club
Grady Shepherd – Crops Innovation Class – Stoney Creek Ramblers
In 4-H, project areas represent the culmination of individual learning paths where youth can show off their skills and expertise in front of thousands of fairgoers. Youth also participated in conference judging as a part of the experience. This brings members and volunteer judges together to evaluate project exhibits. It involves one-on-one, face-to-face communication in which the volunteer judge and exhibitor talk directly. This technique provides a unique opportunity for 4-H’ers to learn from their experiences and knowledge of the volunteer judge.
To learn more about 4-H experiences in Vermilion County, please contact Mynda Tracy at Mynda@illinois.edu or our office at 217-442-8615
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement and puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illnois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
