Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, September 25, 2024
SHAW MEDIA
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CArroll, Lee and Whiteside county 4-H Results Riley Manon laughs as he pushes Micah Huisingh in the wheel barrel race at the Ag Adventure games during the Whiteside County 4-H Show. The Young Leaders group of the Whiteside County Farm Bureau volunteers and sets up a fun evening for all Whiteside 4-H Members.
Congratulations 4-H Participants and Award Winners As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp days of fall, I am delighted to reflect on yet another memorable 4-H fair season and to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our local youth. University of Illinois Extension is proud to highlight the results of the 2024 summer 4-H fairs in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties, showcasing the dedication and talents of our young participants. This year, visiting each of the county fairs was once again a highlight of my summer. I continue to be inspired by the passion, hard work, and creativity displayed by our 4-H members. Thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers, fair boards, and community partners, these fairs not only highlight the talents of our youth but also promote values like hands-on learning, leadership, and community involvement. Seeing these values in action reaffirms the incredible impact of 4-H on the lives of our young people. 4-H, a program of University of Illinois Extension, provides opportunities for youth ages 8 to 18 to “learn by doing” in a variety of formats, including community clubs, special interest clubs, workshops, afterschool programs, and summer camps. Youth ages 5 to 7 can join as Cloverbuds, where they begin to explore and develop their interests. 4-H offers a wealth of learning opportunities beyond the fair, providing pathways for growth at local, regional, state, national, and even interna-
tional levels. The 4-H fairs are the culmination of the 4-H year and offer youth a platform to showcase their hard-earned knowledge and skills. Project areas range from visual arts and photography to agriculture, STEM, cooking, and much more. Participants meet with judges to explain their projects and what they’ve learned, with top projects earning the chance to advance to the Illinois State Fair. Watching these interactions, I’m continually impressed by the poise and expertise of our 4-H youth. Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers. From club leaders and project superintendents to judges and donors, you are the backbone of our 4-H program. Your time, talent, and generosity ensure that our youth receive the support and guidance they need to succeed. I am deeply grateful to all of you for making this year’s fair season a success. To our donors, your financial support plays a critical role in sustaining 4-H. Whether through sponsoring awards, donating to our local foundations, or contributing directly to Illinois Extension, every gift helps create opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive. If you’re interested in supporting these efforts, please reach out to your local county Extension office. To prospective 4-H members: I invite you to discover all that 4-H has to offer. From fairs
to community service, leadership development, and lifelong friendships, 4-H provides experiences that will stay with you for years to come. To current 4-H members: We are incredibly proud of your achievements this fair season. Your hard work, commitment to learning, and contributions to your community make you the pride of Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. Continue to embrace the principles of 4-H and know that your efforts are laying the foundation for future success. As we close this chapter on the 2024 4-H fair season, let’s celebrate the remarkable potential within our youth and the bright future ahead. Thank you, 4-H members, for being an inspiration to us all. We look forward to watching you continue to soar. Sincerely Karla Belzer University of Illinois Extension Extension County Director