Healthy Living & Nutrition

This award recognizes youth who are helping their communities make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles.

Elaina Smith Adams County

Burton Flyers 4-H, Adams County 4-H Federation,

Elaina designed, implemented, and led a healthy living challenge in her community utilizing online apps and personal encouragement. Participants initiated small steps, or habits, over 6 weeks to show real improvement is possible for all! A member since kindergarten Cloverbuds, Elaina loves new projects, community service, and building friendships. She has served as club treasurer, secretary, and vice president; she is currently serving as club president.

Already employed as a CNA, Elaina plans to earn her nursing degree in college. She is excited about nursing opportunities that will allow her to travel and see different parts of the country.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H gives me, and all members, the opportunity to learn a wonderful variety of project skills. I love that it incorporates community service and fosters youth leadership opportunities.

Jenna Haas Jo Daviess County

Chelsea Busy Bees, Jo Daviess County Federation

Jenna has contributed many hours to northwest Illinois food banks to aid in limiting food insecurity within her community. As an 11 year 4-H’er, plus cloverbud years, Jenna’s achievements include having held every club office. She has taken part in her county fair every year and has been a 4-H Memorial Camp counselor the past 2 years.

Jenna plan to pursue a career in animal nutrition, aiding farmers in providing optimal nutrients for their animals.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H means expanding my knowledge alongside my peers, while making connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Avani Rai

McLean County

McLean County Teen Teachers Illinois Healthy Living Ambassadors

Avani served as a National representative for 4-H by speaking at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in Washington D.C. as a young changemaker in the area of healthy living and food insecurity. She also assisted in several projects throughout the year to strengthen Illinois’ food systems. Avani serves as a leader on the Illinois Healthy Living Ambassadors Team and the McLean County Teen Teachers SPIN Club. She’s a 7-year competitor at Illinois’ State Fair and loves to volunteer at the local and state levels of 4-H.

Avani plans to pursue law school after finishing her undergraduate education. After serving as a prosecutor for the state, she hopes to advocate for and strengthen public policy through government.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. It provided me with the greatest arena to explore, learn, and serve to my greatest capacity.

Elaan Bader

Montgomery County

Teen Teachers Club, National Pollinator Ambassador, Montgomery County YLT, Unit 18 YLT, Montgomery County Straightshooters, Sewing Club, Carbon Footprint Teen Teacher, Hunger Ambassador, Speaking for Illinois, Illinois 4-H Food Advocacy Team, Ag Innovators Teen Teacher, and International 4-H Spin Club ‘Clube Solo Fertil’

Elaan loves being a Teen Teacher—for Insect Pollinators, Ag Innovations, and Carbon Footprint—because I get to help others learn and grow. She enjoys the diverse viewpoints of fellow delegates at National 4-H Congress last fall and served as the official Illinois state flag bearer. She was also the Illinois nominee for the National 4-H Youth Leadership Team. She also shares her 4-H stories to inform and inspire at Speaking for Illinois and Legislative Connection. Learning by doing has helped me realize that if I can dream it, I can do it because 4-H has prepared me well.

Elaan currently attends Washington University in St. Louis, studying environmental and public policy and conservation with the ultimate goal of becoming an agricultural lawyer.

What does 4-H mean to you?

To me, 4-H means incredible, hands-on opportunities to learn invaluable skills, to become a leader and grow new leaders, and to help your community and world. 4-H has given me so many great opportunities to get a head start on life! I can’t think of one thing 4-H does not have a project, workshop, or program for. There are endless opportunities to take advantage of for 4-H members, and I’m proud to call myself one of them!

Hunter Kirk Wayne County

Country Kids Wayne County 4-H Shooting Sports 4-H Buddy

Hunter’s Healthy Living project was a blend of an award-winning science fair project and her desire to help young athletes develop healthy eating patterns. Her favorite activity was helping young wrestlers decide the best shakes for gaining, losing, and maintaining weight. Currently, she is the treasurer of her 4-H shooting club, a 4-H Buddy to younger members, and enjoys planning and creating 4-H Main Street display and parade floats.

Hunter would like to play softball at the collegiate level and then coach youth sports, along with obtaining a Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Math and Science.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has taught me that being young does not mean you can’t be a strong leader, but that you have the ability to empower those around you no matter your age. 4-H is not only a community group, but it is a family that would do anything for anyone in need!