4-H Illinois 4-H challenges youth to try new things, experiment in project areas that interest them, and explore opportunities around the state and country.
The 4-H Experience Award, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, recognizes youth for their learning experiences, leadership, and service. Local honorees for 2021 include: Abigail Munar of Kendall County - Diamond Level and at the Emerald Level - Krish Nangia of DuPage County and Julian Heidrich, Sofie Heidrich, Lydia Oker, Emily Reppy, and Sydney Reppy, all of Kendall County.
Nangia explained why he is so active in 4-H. “From a young age, I have had a deep passion for STEM, with a curiosity of why things work the way they do and a desire to teach and help others. I am grateful there is a program like 4-H Science Ambassadors where teens like myself cannot only advance our knowledge, but also enhance our leadership skills. I love learning activities and teaching younger youth in our community. That is how we build a better world through 4-H.”
In addition to awards, 4-H teens were awarded scholarships based on the area they excel in. Six local members earned $1,000 scholarships: Civic Engagement and Global Living – Lydia Oker and Sydney Reppy of Kendall County; Food Systems - Emily Reppy of Kendall; Leadership - Justin Gergen of DuPage; Natural Resources and Environmental Science - Matias Habib of Kendall County; and Personal Growth - Elizabeth Melton of Kane. Habib also received one of ten Illinois 4-H Sustaining the Future Awards, sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates Youth Education in Agriculture Committee.
Kendall 4-H Member Attends National Congress
Ten teens from Illinois, including Kendall County’s Lydia Oker, attended the 2021 National 4-H Congress. Selected for her outstanding 4-H accomplishments, she attended workshops focused on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, and team development, and networked with 4-H members from across the United States. Delegates also had the opportunity to listen to and learn from nationally recognized speakers.
“I was inspired by the speakers each day because they all have accomplished so much, even when setbacks occurred,” said Oker. “They inspired me to take risks and use my four Hs to get far in life, while serving individuals I encounter along the way.”
Opportunities like this one allow 4-H members to build leadership abilities and bring back new skills that will help them impact their club, community, country, and world. The Illinois 4-H Foundation and Nann Armstrong provided support for the award-recognition trip.
To learn more or connect with our staff by completing a short survey, visit go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk
