A large crowd gathered Monday evening, October 13th at COUNTRY Financial Hall in Albion to celebrate the accomplishments of Edwards County 4-H members, leaders, and clubs during the 2024–2025 4-H year. The annual Achievement Night recognized outstanding youth for their dedication, leadership, and community involvement.
The Ellery Panthers 4-H Club was named Club of the Year, with the award sponsored by Wayne-White Electric Cooperative and presented by Alyssa Parrot.
Aleya Bare received the prestigious 4-H’er of the Year honor, sponsored by Farm Credit Illinois. Gracie Fenton was recognized as Novice Member of the Year, and Hannah Perry received Junior Member of the Year, both awards sponsored by the Edwards County Farm Bureau.
Two members were presented with “Cream of the Crop” awards, recognizing positive attitudes and a willingness to help others outside of record book achievements. The recipients were Parker Biggs and Brook Greathouse, with awards sponsored by the Edwards County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Kamryn Trowbridge, of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, received the Best Club Secretary Award.
Emily Spray was honored with the “I Dare You” Award, presented by the University of Illinois Extension. The award recognizes members who strive to “achieve their highest potential and live lives of leadership and service.”
Seven members earned Alumni Pins: Zoie Ankenbrand, Campbell Biggs, Wyatt Johnson, Maverick Moore, Caesyn Nelson, Alyson Williams, and Gabe Wyatt.
Trophy winners included Aleya Bare, for Best Constructed Garment in the Clothing and Fashion Revue, and Kelly Hinderliter, for the 4-H Speech Contest – Formal Speech (Ages 8–13). Edwards County Extension sponsored the trophies.
Other awards presented included:
Clean Sheep Pen Award: Aly Williams
Clean Beef Stall Award: Chase and Hallie Shelton
Clean Swine Pen Award: Landon Loyd
Clean Goat Pen Award: Brooklyn Kitchene
(Sponsored by Farm Credit Illinois)
Additional honors included the Electricity Award to Landon Loyd, Leadership Award to Aleya Bare, and Community Service Awards to Aleya Bare and Chloe Iles.
Hannah Bare received a certificate and gift card from The Chicagoland Food Science Foundation for having the best Food Science Project in Edwards County.
Jo Rector was named Volunteer of the Year.
Longtime leaders were also honored for their dedication to the local program. Derra Williams, leader of the Yankees 4-H Club, received a pin and certificate for 20 years of service, while Neil and Debbie Fearn, co-leaders of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, were recognized for 35 years of leadership.
Addison Anderson and J.W. Simms-Reisner received the Jan Schuh Scholarship.
Twenty-four members received Experience Awards, which recognize accomplishments in four dimensions of 4-H involvement: participation, community service, leadership, and project learning. Members must apply and document their achievements to be eligible.
The evening concluded with congratulations and gratitude to all award winners, parents, leaders, and donors who make the 4-H program a success in Edwards County.
Comments