Personal Growth

This award recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through their participation in the 4-H program.

Caleb Zwilling Champaign County

Fantastic 4-Hers of Fisher, Champaign County 4-H Federation

Caleb attended National 4-H Congress and learned many new leadership skills and how to be a better person. He has also served the president of his 4-H Club. Caleb has participated and organized many different community service projects, while serving on various committees.

After graduating high school, Caleb plans to attend a four year college majoring in some sort of engineering.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H is a place of belonging and a place to learn new things. The community 4-H offers is unlike any other.

Dylan Zwilling Champaign County

Fantastic 4-Hers of Fisher, Champaign County 4-H Federation

During his time in 4-H, Dylan has been diligent and participated in as many activities as possible to get the best experience. His hard work and dedication has helped him succeed beyond 4-H, in school, work, and FFA. As a 10 year member, Dylan has held most officer roles, attended leadership conferences, and helped plan and lead numerous community service projects. He loves to get younger members involved and teach them more about what 4-H has to offer.

Dylan plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and major in Agricultural Mechanics. After graduation, he hopes to work as an agricultural mechanic and return to the family farm.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has developed me into a better leader and has helped connect me with members across the country. It also has taught me many valuable life skills that will be beneficial in the future.

Sarah Rossi Grundy County

Homes Cool Kids 4-H Club, Grundy County 4-H Federation, Teen Teacher, Speaking for Illinois 4-H

Using the leadership, communication skills, and project knowledge Sarah developed through 4-H, she became a King Conservation Science Scholar at the Brookfield Zoo. Her 4-H experiences have helped her be a confident interpreter at the zoo, and support her interest in biology. Sarah is a County Jr. Leader and serves as secretary for her club and the Grundy County 4-H Federation. As a Teen Teacher, Sarah has planned and teach many workshops, as well as participated in several 4-H service projects.

Sarah plans to attend college and pursue a degree in zoology or botany.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has supported my interest in biology-related fields and developed my communication skills, allowing me to share my knowledge with others. I am grateful for the opportunities that 4-H has given me.

Lauren Carlson Ogle County

By-Y-Badgers 4-H club

In 4-H, Lauren found a place of personal growth, expanding communication skills, and leadership development through her club and projects. She has shown woodworking, floriculture, horticulture, foods, cake decorating, photography, visual arts, interior design, and citizenship at both the county and state levels. As a 13 year 4-H member, Lauren has served as a club officer for nine years, and on a variety of different committees and community service projects.

Lauren plans to attend either UW-Platteville or Southeast Missouri State in Fall 2023 to study Environmental Horticulture with a Landscape Design Emphasis.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H is not only full of many learning opportunities, but also a place of personal growth, expanding communication skills, and leadership development. In the years to come, I will always remember my 4-H journey as a major stepping stone of my life as both a person and a forever alumni.

Jorgi Dupureur Tazewell County

Tazewell Country Club, Officer Board, Tazewell County Federation

Jorgi has showed poultry her entire life, along with a variety of other 4-H projects. Over the years, she has worked hard to improve each year, leading to where she is now. Jorgi has been President of her Club for two years and has served as an officer since sixth grade. She has been in her county’s Federation throughout high school, and fair time is the highlight of her summer every year.

Jorgi hopes to play volleyball in college, earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business or Communications, and go on to get a law degree. She hopes to govern and serve our country professionally someday.

What does 4-H mean to you?

I would not be who I am today without 4-H. I have built so many skills in communications, work ethic, servitude, and problem solving that I feel confident that I can accomplish anything.