NICOLE VANDEWALKER
State Award: Creative Performing Arts & Communication McHenry | Cougars, Federation, Ambassadors Nicole has learned many skills through projects like health and cooking and has gone to State Fair twice with her photography project, placing second in addition to receiving other merits and blue ribbons. She helps other 4-H members with their projects and volunteers in her community. “4-H is where I learned many valuable skills that will help me not only now but also in the future.” EDUCATION & CAREER: Nicole plans to attend college to earn a degree in the arts, majoring in either fine art or TV and film. She hopes to have a job in a creative field like photography or TV and film.
MICHELLE WANG
State Award: Leadership Jackson | Jackson County Computing Club, Murphysboro Archery Club, Illinois YLT, 4-H in Space Mission Command Team Michelle is an active member of the Youth Leadership Team, helping to plan statewide events. She was awarded a grant to purchase 10 mini drones which she has used to lead a local 4-H drone club and a workshop at Junior Leadership Conference. She also led a 5-county virtual STEM club with 33 members. Michelle enjoys archery and placed third in last year’s state shoot. “4-H is a fun place to explore and grow new interests in the company of many awesome people. 4-H also taught me leadership skills and the importance of service.” EDUCATION & CAREER: Michelle hopes to attend college to study Engineering.
BETH WARDEN
Retiring Illinois Youth Leadership Team Cass | River Valley 4-H, Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team, Speaking for Illinois 4-H, Cass County Federation During her 11 years as a 4-H member, Beth was on the State 4-H Youth leadership Team from 2017 to 2021, serving as the chair in 2021. She was also a Teen Teacher, Speaking for Illinois 4-H member, and leader in her local and county 4-H organizations. In addition to her memberships, Beth attended National 4-H Congress as a recipient of the State 4-H Award in Leadership and was a National 4-H Conference Delegate. “To me, 4-H is a community of leaders and learners who constantly support and challenge each other.” EDUCATION & CAREER: Beth will graduate this spring with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education with a Spanish minor. She plans to pursue a career teaching mathematics.
MOLLY WARNER
Youth Education in Agriculture Committee Knox | Williamsfield Town & Country 4-H, Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team, Speaking for Illinois 4-H, Knox County Federation Molly’s favorite projects in 4-H included Consumer Education, Leadership and Scrapbooking. She developed her leadership skills being president of the Knox County Federation and as a member of the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team. As a YEA Committee member she enjoys working with the Illinois Farm Bureau and its family of companies to improve FFA and 4-H events throughout Illinois. “4-H is the youth organization where I can be myself and help lead members throughout Illinois. It is a place to serve others, develop relationships and find your passion.” EDUCATION & CAREER: Molly will be attending Iowa Wesleyan University to study Agribusiness. She will be playing volleyball and track.
PETER WIDINSKI
Emerald Project Learning Experience Award Will | Willing Wilton Workers 4-H Peter has led workshops to teach others how to use SCRATCH coding and he went to State Fair this year with his SCRATCH coding project. He also enjoys entomology, geology, and service learning and has completed many service projects with his club such as police appreciation bags, food donations, Wreaths Across America, and sending cards to local veterans’ homes. “4-H means meeting new friends and helping others. I enjoy teaching people new project skills through workshops and completing community service projects with my 4-H club.” EDUCATION & CAREER: Peter hopes to have a career as an engineer.
SHILOH WILLIS
Emerald Project Learning Experience Award Hamilton | Funny Farmers President, Federation Treasurer, Teen Teachers Shiloh has trained as a Teen Teacher and has volunteered her time to help her community with several service projects. In the past year, she has participated in cake decorating, heritage, photography, small engines, and cooking in addition to raising chickens and goats. “4-H means opportunities to explore, unlimited things to learn, and most of all a chance to have fun while doing both.” EDUCATION & CAREER: Shiloh plans to attend high school next year, after which she will go to college to pursue a career in oncology.
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