Natural Resources & Environmental Science

This award recognizes youth who have focused on environmental stewardship.

Fenley Lopez Champaign County

Sadorus 4-H All-Stars

Fenley’s 4-H Geology and Beekeeping projects sparked their initial interest in the natural world, in addition to attending a Circular Economics Forum. In their 10 years in 4-H, Fenley has held numerous leadership positions for their club. In addition to being a Junior Leader since 2020, they were the clubs’ reporter, Teen Teacher, and the organizer of several workshops, fundraisers, activities and celebrations.

Fenley plans to attend Lewis and Clark College in Oregon and major in Environmental Science to enable them to be part of the movement to save our natural environment.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has always been a huge part of my life. It gave me skills in public speaking and leadership, and inspired me to pursue a career in Environmental Science.

Emilee Cox Hamilton County

- Barbwire Gang - Hamilton County Federation - Teen Teacher

- Junior Leader - IL Healthy Living Ambassador

Emilee spent the last year focusing on our environment, learning how to protect/preserve it, and teaching lessons about how to grow your own clean food at her local GIFT Garden in McLeansboro. As an 8-year member, Emilee held all officer positions, hosted many events, and tried many project areas, including visual arts, interior design, sportfishing, photography, and more, some even resulting in Superior awards at the Illinois State 4-H Show.

Emilee plans to attend University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign and major in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences to work as an environmental engineer, focusing on renewable energy sources.

What does 4-H mean to you?

To me, 4-H represents having leaders and friends that will be by my side no matter what, encouraging me to be my best self. This ultimately helps me grow as an individual and become a great role model for the future.”

Seward Kids and Critters 4-H Club; Kendall County Teen Federation; DuPage, Kane, and Kendall County Science Ambassadors.

Emily has helped with water conservation and protection efforts through the DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Science Ambassador Program. Emily is a 10 year 4-H member, holding various officer roles in her club and her county’s Teen Federation. She has also served on the DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Science Ambassador’s Leadership Team and as a youth representative on the Unit 5 Extension Council.

Emily is currently attending Joliet Junior College and will graduate with an Associate of Arts and an Associates of Applied Sciences in Digital Media Production in May. In the fall, Emily will be transferring to DePaul University to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Television Production.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has given me opportunities for personal growth which has led to life-long connections.

William Weber

Livingston County

Flanagan Town & Country

William’s project focused on removing invasive species of plants as well as created better fish structures to improve fish habitat. As a 12 year 4-H’er, William held the offices of President, Vice President, and Treasurer in his 4-H club and was also crowned the 2022 Livingston County Fair King. He loves to volunteer by helping to set up the swine barn and clean up the fair ground property.

William is currently at the University of WisconsinStevens Point majoring in Fisheries and Water Resources. He hopes to become a Fish Biologist to help maintain healthy water and fish populations.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H gave me the opportunity to develop my professional interests in the livestock industry and more importantly develop lifelong friendships with fellow 4-H members.

Madison Schneider

Monroe County

Monroe County 4-H Federation

Moonlight Boys & Girls 4-H Club

Monroe County- Shotgun Monroe County- Archery Monroe CountyPistol Monroe County Teens As Teachers

Madison researched and learned more about environmental science through a variety of activities. Through Agriculture in the Classroom lessons, she was able to help teach younger students about her passion. Madison has also been very involved with her county’s Federation helping with all of their community service activities. She has also taken the lead on organizing Fair Tours at the county fair for local daycare students.

Madison plans to major in Crop and Soil Science with Agribusiness at either Southeast Missouri State University or Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

What does 4-H mean to you?

To me, 4-H is an organization that helps to develop the leaders of not only today but the future also while allowing members to make friendships that will last a lifetime.