Edwards County 4-H and Illinois Extension recently recognized outstanding members, club leaders, and volunteers for their achievements and dedication during the 2025-2026 4-H program year.
The annual awards recognize accomplishments in leadership, community service, agriculture, livestock, and general projects, along with the contributions of volunteers who help make the local 4-H program successful.
Among the top honors, Aleya Bare was named 4-H Member of the Year, sponsored by Farm Credit. Kylar VanMatre received Junior Member of the Year honors, while Kalesi Vallette was named Novice Member of the Year. Both awards were sponsored by the Edwards County Farm Bureau.
The Ellery Panthers 4-H Club was named Club of the Year, an award sponsored by Wayne-White Electric Cooperative.
Several longtime volunteer leaders were also recognized for their years of service. Jordan Duncan of the Little Wabash Ramblers received a five-year service award, while Jordan Root of the Yankees 4-H Club was honored for 10 years. Don and Kathy St. Ledger of the Ellery Panthers were recognized for an impressive 30 years of volunteer leadership.
In livestock competition, Clean Pen Awards sponsored by Farm Credit of Illinois went to Chase and Hallie Shelton in beef, Brooklyn Kitchene in goats and sheep, and Clay and Cole Smith in swine.
Several members were recognized for outstanding general projects. Zoey Bare received the Best Food Science Project Award, sponsored by the Chicagoland Food Science Foundation, while Gracie Fenton earned the Conservation Award, sponsored by the Edwards County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Illinois Extension also recognized Lucy Harrison for Best Constructed Garment, Aleya Bare for Fashion Revue, and Niyah Hawkins for her original works speech in the 4-H Public Speaking Competition.
Ten-year membership pins were presented to Zeb Ankenbrand, Aleya Bare, Parker Biggs, Cheyenne Duncan, Wyatt Greathouse, Allison Groff, Owen Lynch, Brayden Sanford, Chase Shelton, and Emily Spray.
Four members completing their 4-H careers received alumni pins. Those recognized were Aleya Bare, Cy Nelson, J.W. Simms-Reisner, and Chase Shelton.
Club secretaries recognized for their record-keeping efforts included Lillian Bare, Madison Miller, Hayley Perry, Hallie Shelton, Gracie Fenton, and Liam McKinney. Madison Miller received the Best Club Secretary Award, sponsored by Edwards County 4-H.
Hayley Perry was presented with the I Dare You Award, sponsored by Illinois Extension. The honor recognizes a young person who demonstrates leadership potential and is nominated by a club leader.
Leadership Awards were presented to Aleya Bare, Parker Biggs, Cheyenne Duncan, Wyatt Greathouse, Cy Nelson, Owen Lynch, Brayden Sanford, J.W. Simms-Reisner, and Emily Spray for their abilities to inspire and lead others.
Aleya Bare and Emily Spray also received Community Service Awards for their efforts in organizing and leading community projects throughout Edwards County.
The Cream of the Crop Award, recognizing members who exemplify 4-H values, was presented to Aleya Bare, Sarafina Henson, Hayley Perry, and Emily Spray. The award is sponsored by the Edwards County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Two members were also selected to receive the Jan Schuh Memorial Scholarship. Emily Spray and Parker Biggs received the scholarships, presented by the Yankees 4-H Club in memory of Jan Schuh, a former Edwards County 4-H leader.
The annual recognition highlights the accomplishments of Edwards County 4-H members and the dedication of volunteer leaders who provide educational opportunities, encourage leadership development, and promote community involvement among local youth.