Animal Sciences

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Cole Paulek Christian County

Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, Christian County Youth Leadership Team, Christian County Livestock Judging Team

Cole’s projects revolved around his livestock operation involving cattle, goats, and swine. He has shown, judged, and worked with livestock nationally. He enjoys helping younger 4-H’ers start their own livestock projects. Over the past 8 years, Cole has been President and Vice President of his club, helped run multiple county wide youth workshops, and have helped his county fair and 4-H Project Auction.

Cole plans to major in Animal Science at Butler Community College. He plans to be an animal nutritionist and start his own show pig operation after graduation.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has helped me become a more independent and driven person. It has opened up multiple opportunities for me that I will be able to capitalize on for the rest of my life.

Braylee Gilmore Macoupin County

Crazy Clovers, Macoupin County Top Shots Shooting Sports, Macoupin County 4-H Federation, Unit 18 Youth Leadership Team, Illinois 4-H Teen Teacher, Speak for IL 4-H, Macoupin County 4-H Committee

Braylee has taken an animal related project every year of her 11 year 4-H Career. These have included Rabbits, Poultry, Dog, Cat and Small Animals. All of these projects relate to the study of Animal Science in their own unique ways, and allowed her to increase the depth and diversity of her study. One of the best choices Braylee made in 4-H was participating in public speaking, qualifying for State multiple times. That experience has helped her excel in other areas of life –as a 4-H club officer, FFA Club officer, and academically, as well as communication in the work force and as a teammate.

Braylee plans to turn her 4-H animal project areas into a career and start a business. She is currently an Agribusiness Major in college and plans to study Animal Behavior after completing her Ag degree.

What does 4-H mean to you?

The 4-H organization means growth to me. It has allowed me to explore many leadership roles and project areas through the years. These growth opportunities have taught me responsibility and an eager work ethic. 4-H has also helped me network in countless ways to be able to give back to my community.

Paige Lemenager McLean County

Hudson Ag

Through Paige’s animal science projects, she learned how to be a reliable communicator and strong public speaker while maintaining respect and patience in a conversation. As a 12 year member of the Hudson Ag 4-H Club, Paige has held most leadership positions in her club, as well as serving on the Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team. She was a member of the 2022 Illinois State 4-H Livestock Judging Team.

Paige attends Lake Land College in the Ag Transfer Program, studying Agricultural Economics. She plans to run her family farm and become an Agricultural Attorney focusing on rural estate issues.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has shown me the power of leadership and civic engagement. My Beef Cattle projec area specifically has taught me to work hard towards my goals and to never be afraid to learn from others in the process!

Amanda Niemann Montgomery County

Montgomery County Clovers 4-H Club, Montgomery County Youth Leadership Team, Unit 18 Youth Leadership Team, Illinois State Youth Leadership Team

Growing up, Amanda watched the 4-H Dairy show, and as she got older, showed cattle with her cousin. She has learned a lot about dairy cattle through 4-H, giving presentations for her club, and showing animal science projects at the fair. She enjoys competing in the Illinois State Dairy Judging Contest every year. Amanda has served in various leadership positions in 4-H and helps with community service projects. She also loves to plan and lead workshops.

Amanda aspires to mentor tomorrow’s agricultural leaders by becoming an impactful high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.

What does 4-H mean to you?

Through 4-H, I have gained confidence, made new friends, and built a foundation for my future. 4-H has also taught me skills like leadership and communication.

Jacqueline Schertz Woodford County

Eastside Producers, Woodford County Ambassadors

Jacqueline first started animal science projects at eight years old with chickens and a poster. Fast forward ten years later and her projects have advanced to meeting with professionals to learn about diseases she chose to study each year and by designing and leading miniworkshops for her 4-H club, leading embryology lessons for elementary students. Jacqueline also is part of her club and county leadership teams, and serves on her local Extension Council.

Jacqueline currently attends Lake Land College and plans to transfer to a university to finish a degree in Agricultural Education. Her dream job would be teaching at the high school level, leading an FFA chapter, advising a 4-H club and helping run her family’s farm.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has impacted my life in so many different ways. 4-H initially opened my eyes to fun projects like making rice crispy treats. Which then turned to shaping my character and outlook on life. From cooking and sewing my interests soon led to investing in livestock to showing at the county fair. 4-H and the experiences that I have gained from it have taught me everything I know about being a leader, speaking in front of crowds and most definitely in learning to try new things.