STEM & Robotics

This award recognizes youth who have focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Paige Siegmund Champaign

County

Champaign Mixed Clovers 4-H Club Champaign County Federation/Teen Teachers

Paige’s lifelong interest in science and medicine has led her to research a variety of STEM topics like math, chemistry, and anatomy. She has explored this interest in 4-H through her projects in food science, electricity, and computer science. Paige is satisfied to round out her 10-year career in 4-H as President of her club and looks forward to returning to work at 4-H Memorial Camp this summer. She is immensely grateful for all of the opportunities to explore her passions, especially community service, leadership, visual arts, and cooking.

Paige plans to major in Biochemistry on a pre-medical track at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also hopes to minor in Spanish.

What does 4-H mean to you?

Having been involved since the age of five, I cannot remember my life without 4-H. Even so, it is hard to overstate what all 4-H has done for me.

Justin Gergen DuPage County

Trinity Trailblazers, Science Ambassadors

Justin has been on a high schoollevel robotics team for the last five years and was on a 4-H sponsored team for several years before then. He is now on a college-level team undertaking a NASA robotics design challenge. Justin is currently the president of his 4-H club and has recently been undertaking speaking roles on 4-H’s behalf. He attended the 4-H Ignite National Youth Summit as an Illinois Delegate this March.

Justin is currently a student at the College of DuPage on a pathway to transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is on track for mechanical engineering but may move to chemical engineering.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has given me the opportunity to explore what the world has to offer, and I learned about myself at the same time. I have learned what I want to do with my life and grow my skills along the way.

Sydney Reppy Kendall County

Seward Kids & Critters 4-H Club, Unit 5 Science Ambassadors, Kendall County Federation

Sydney was active in her unit’s Science Ambassador program, serving on the leadership team and helping as a teen teacher to teach STEM curriculum to youth throughout the year. Sydney has served as an officer in her 4-H club and county’s Federation, and as a teen teacher in Science Ambassadors. Sydney has also helped at her fair as a junior superintendent, and has served as a youth representative on the Unit 5 Extension Council.

Sydney is currently attending Joliet Junior College, and will graduate with an Associate of Arts this May. In the fall, she will be attending DePaul University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education.

What does 4-H mean to you?

Through 4-H, I’ve been able to grow by making friends and participating in learning and service projects. 4-H has helped me discover my love of teaching while giving me opportunities to volunteer in my community.

Ojas Shah McLean County

Silverleaf Teen Teacher Illinois Youth Leadership Team Illinois Teen Healthy Living

Since his first year in 4-H, Ojas has participated in the Robotics, Aerospace, and Computer Science projects. In recent years, he has won the Superior Award for UAV/Drones and 1st place for Robotics at Illinois State Fair. As an enthusiastic 4-H’er, Ojas is part of several groups within the organization including Youth Leadership Team, Healthy Living Ambassadors, and Teen Teachers. Outside of STEM, Ojas has participated in numerous project categories at the annual 4-H fair.

Ojas plans to attend a 4-year university and major in an engineering field.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has been a significant catalyst for my personal growth. It has provided me the opportunity and inspiration to participate in community service, improve my public speaking skills, and strengthen my self-confidence. I highly encourage every young person to get involved with 4-H!

Callysta Borders Union County

Lick Creek 4-H Union County Robotics Teen Teachers

Callysta has participated in robotics for 10 years, having mentored rookie teams as they figure out how to tread on their own wheels. This year she is working with her 4-H robotics team, Error Code, to compete at state. Callysta is an avid baker, loves to work with her community and mentor younger children through their 4-H journey. She has her eyes to the starry skies, finding her passions in creative writing, and building her general knowledge by trying a little of everything.

Callysta plans to get a degree in astro-biology, having her heart set on finding further life in the skies.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H means expanding my horizons, learning about anything and everything while teaching it to others along the way.