2019 Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Annual Impact Report

A 10 year partnership between Tractor Supply Company and National 4-H Council benefits 4-H members right here in Lee County. The Paper Clover Campaign raises money for scholarship funding for numerous state-level 4-H programs. Local Youth Benefits from Partnership

“All money raised in each state by the fundraiser benefits youth within the state it was collected and 100% of funds raised benefit 4-H,” said Janice McCoy, Extension county director. “We use the funds for scholarships to camps and leadership experiences like the annual Illinois State 4-H Leadership Conference.”

Nicole Hill from Dixon in Lee County attended the conference in 2017, and credits that experience leading to her being named to the Illinois Livestock Ambassador Team. “At the conference, I learned how important teamwork and leadership are and how they can tremendously help in school and work. The experience I had there introduced me to new methods of leadership. It helped me in my 4-H club, as well as school life,” explains Hill.

Last year, Hill took a big step and applied to be on the Illinois State 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team. She was accepted. “The best thing I have done in 4-H is to be on the Livestock Ambassador Team. It opened me up to countless new people who enjoy the same things I do. Not only did it help open me up to new opportunities, it has shown me what I love to do, which is educating people about agriculture,” says Hill.

Hill has loved showing her cattle at the county and state fair over the years. She liked learning about foods, photography, and swine throughout her 4-H career. She is the daughter of Jill and Dave Hill of Dixon.