Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame inducts 3 from Tri-County area

In August, more than 1,000 supporters watched the induction of 66 new members into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, including three representatives of the Tri-County area of DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.

This year celebrated the 10th anniversary of the award, said Angie Barnard, director of the Illinois 4-H Foundation. All but 10 inductees were in attendance for the ceremony held Aug. 9 on the Director of Agriculture's Lawn on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

"These longtime volunteers fully embody what 4-H strives to instill in youth," Barnard said. "They are caring, dedicated, generous leaders, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to each and every one of them to thank them for their service to this wonderful organization."

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Nominations for the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame are made by University of Illinois Extension staff. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

"As a result of these volunteers' years of service and leadership to Illinois 4-H," Barnard said, "the program they love will continue to create brilliant futures for the young people whose lives it touches."

Area winners include: Laura Bennett, DuPage County; Carol McKellar, Kane County; and Mary Ann Petersen, Kendall County. Each brings unique perspective, talents and assets to our 4-H Youth Development Programs:

• DuPage County - Even though Laura Bennett of DuPage County was not a 4-H member, she has been a volunteer with the program for 16 years. Bennett became a Robotics SPIN club leader in Elmhurst and serves on the Expansion and Review Committee. She also advocates for the 4-H program at both local and state levels. She has a track record of exemplary service to the club and committees that she is associated with.

• Kane County - Though Carol McKellar wasn't a 4-H member herself, her contribution to Kane County is immeasurable. She currently serves as the organizational leader for two Kane County SPIN Clubs: Got Robot? and the 4-H Programming Club. She is the leader of Fanatix SPIN Club. Members of this club had the honor of being recognized and got to show off their robots in Ask. McKellar was chosen as an Illinois representative to the National Youth Summit on Robotics at the 4-H Center in Washington D.C.

• Kendall County - Kendall County nominee Mary Ann Petersen not only influences youth but also adults. She is Kendall County's 4-H Floriculture Superintendent and a huge help during the fair. Her dedication is a great example to co-workers and 4-H members, demonstrating the value of being prompt and consistent. She serves as a mentor, leader, and, as she would say, when asked if she was a 4-H member - I'm a lifer!

Each year, the Illinois 4-H Foundation annually recognizes one 4-H volunteer per county as a Hall of Fame honoree for exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H program.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds that are invested in Illinois 4-H programs that provide meaningful, positive development experiences for Illinois youth to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. To learn more, visit www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu.

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.