Illinois 4-H recognized outstanding members during its annual awards banquet held April 10th in Champaign, with two area youth earning top honors.
Owen Kocher, a Richland County 4-H member, and Alex Paul, 2025 vice president of the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team and a former member of the Wayne County Enterprisers 4-H Club, were both named recipients of Illinois 4-H State Award Scholarships.
The program offers nine scholarship categories based on various 4-H experiences, with five $1,250 scholarships awarded in each category. Kocher received recognition in the natural resources and environmental science category and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Paul earned a scholarship in the leadership category and is currently attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“Alex Paul and Owen Kocher exemplify what true leadership looks like in Illinois 4-H,” said Samantha Gaither, 4-H youth development educator. “As Illinois 4-H state scholarship recipients, they have not only excelled academically but have also strengthened their communities through service. Their dedication reflects the very best of our unit and our state’s future.”
University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties congratulated both recipients and thanked them for their leadership during their time in local 4-H programs.