Illinois 4-H recognizes 4-H seniors

During 2020, Illinois 4-H youth faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic with school closures, 4-H cancellations and 4-H exhibitions being moved to a virtual format.

"We recognize the challenges our 4-H youth faced, especially our 4-H members that were in their senior year of high school and missing many milestones in their school and 4-H careers," said Tina Veal, 4-H Alumni & Constituent Engagement Manager with the Illinois 4-H program. "We wanted the opportunity to recognize those youth by creating a new 4-H memorabilia tassel to let 4-H youth know that we support them and are proud of the challenges they have overcome and to invite them stay connected to 4-H in their final years and as 4-H alumni."

This recognition was made possible with support from the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

All graduating 4-H members have been formally invited to join the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association. This association was established in 2016 to create a lifelong, statewide community of 4-H alumni and provide increased opportunities for meaningful engagement to increase awareness, pride, participation, volunteerism and philanthropic commitment to Illinois 4-H.

4-H continues to build responsible and caring adults who are more likely to give back to their communities. The Illinois 4-H program has a strong history of making an impact on youth, building leaders and preparing them for success.

Veal said, "We want to remain connected to our 4-H alumni to see the impacts they make in their future careers and communities."

For information on joining 4-H or about the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association, contact your local Extension office or Tina Veal at the Illinois State 4-H office at vealt@illinois.edu.

<h3 class="breakHead">New 4-H year</h3>

Sept. 1 marks the beginning of the new 4-H Year! As the 2019-20 year is ending on a rather unusual note, and there is some uncertainty for the new year, Saline County 4-H is poised to have a great, successful 2020-2021!

We have virtual programs and 4-H-At-Home in the works. We are also making plans for safe and socially distanced National 4-H Week activities. There are new guidelines around in-person 4-H Club meetings and a safety management plan for club meetings and events.

Current 4-H members are busy filling out records and county medal applications, which are due in the Extension office by Friday, Sept. 11, 2020. Also due on Sept. 11 are the club secretary's book, the treasurer's book, the club scrapbook, and the club paperwork packets which were mailed to 4-H Club leaders.

Leaders and individual members are encouraged to contact Nancy at nlambert@illinois.edu with any concerns about filling out or submitting records or end-of-year paperwork. I can meet you at the Extension office or you can use the white mailbox in front of the office to return the forms.

If you would like information on how to become involved in Saline County 4-H, please email Nancy at the U of I Extension office in Saline County at nlambert@illinois.edu.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.