Stark, Henry volunteers inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame

CHAMPAIGN – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.

Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

Jennifer Peterson, 4-H educator serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark counties said, “We are only as strong as the volunteers who give their time and talents to help local youth develop their citizenship, leadership and life skills through the 4-H program. We are pleased to honor these four tremendous 4-H volunteers from our unit in 2022."

Henry County’s Angela Reed was a 10-Year member of both the Rural True Blues and Rural Go-Getters 4-H Clubs. She has been the leader of the Cambridge Champs for 17 years and has been a driving force for the club. Angie makes sure kids get the true 4-H experience, from community service, to project learning, to life-long skill building. She is a true asset to the organization and very deserving of this honor.

Joseph Tracy was a 9 year 4-H member who gives his time to all aspects of the Stark County 4-H program. He is a founder of the Stark County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. He is also a devoted 4-H grandparent. Whether it is leading shooting sports or installing heaters in a new building on the fairgrounds, Joe can be depended upon to help. He is a constant support to 4-H and its members.

Mercer County’s Mike Peterson and Rock Island County’s Julie Derrer also were recognized.

For more information about 4-H in your county, in Henry County contact Teresa Kirwan at (309) 513-3100 or email tkirwan@illinois.edu; for Stark County, contact Jennifer Peterson at 309-932-3447 or email Jpetersn@illinois.edu

This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Stark, Henry volunteers inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame