3 McHenry Co. 4-H members win awards, scholarship in statewide program
Three teenage members of the McHenry County 4-H program recently won awards (one also won a scholarship), which they received in a ceremony downstate in Champaign, Ill.
McHenry County 4-H member Emma Behrens, from Huntley, received the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, given to 4-H members who demonstrate and maintain a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation provided $29,000 in college scholarships and awarded another $20,000 in national conference travel scholarships to 4-H members honored at the ceremony held last month. The annual celebration recognized more than 100 of the top participants in the state's most successful youth development program.
Behrens also won the 4-H Experience Award - Emerald Level Leadership Award, and the Illinois 4-H Key Award, given to recognize youth leaders who mentor and serve their community.
In their remarks, the 4-H Foundation noted that Behrens has expanded her leadership opportunities by speaking with youth from all backgrounds. Her work helped renew the county Federation program after a 30-year absence. She attended Citizenship Washington Focus and completed Speaking for Illinois 4-H Training. Behrens works to help urban youth understand livestock.
"4-H means opportunity," Behrens added. "It gives youth opportunity to explore different project areas. It gives us a platform to express our voice and helps us become well-rounded citizens."
4-H members Marlee Anderson from Cary, and Abby Zera from McHenry, both won the 4-H Experience Award - Emerald Level Project Learning Award. Illinois 4-H challenges youths to try new things, experiment in project areas that interest them, and explore opportunities around the state and country. The 4-H Experience Award recognizes youths who excel in that challenge.
Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H, said, "Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities, but also Illinois and the nation. We are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs."
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H prepares and empowers youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.
About Illinois 4-H Foundation: The Illinois 4-H Foundation's mission is to build relationship to generate financial resources for Illinois 4-H. Funding from individual donors, our Illinois 4-H Project Partners, companies, and friends of Illinois 4-H help the foundation support statewide programming initiatives along with scholarships, assistance to national events, grant opportunities, Teens as Teachers and assist in filling funding gaps.
The University of Illinois Extension McHenry County is located at 1102 McConnell Road, P.O. Box 1430, Woodstock, IL 60098, phone (815) 338-3737 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/lm. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the McHenry County Extension office at (815) 338-3737.