Food Systems

This award recognizes youth who have focused on food production, processing, distribution, and access.

This award is sponsored by the generosity of Donna Mueller, Karen Moore, and Dr. Larry Hageman

Lilie Perry Clark County

Clarksville Co-eds Club, Clark County Federation, Livestock Judging Team, 4-H Jazz Band

As a grower of beef and a future dietitian, Lilie has a heart for food systems. Throughout her years as a 4-H’er, in addition to many foods and food science projects, she also studied small grains, floriculture, and vegetable gardening, taking many projects to the state fair. Lilie is helping to grow diversity in her county 4-H by inviting youth in minority groups to join clubs and attend special events. Lilie has held almost every office and is currently her club president and Federation treasurer. Besides Food Systems projects, she has loved showing beef cattle and her poodles in dog obedience and agility.

Lilie plans to attend the University of Illinois and major in Food Science and Human Nutrition to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has played a major role in who I am. If I had not been in 4-H since I was in 3rd grade, I would not have the social and networking skills that I have today. I love the relationships I have made through 4-H with people of all ages.

Madeline Schulz DuPage County

Roselle Go Gettems

Madeline’s 4-H career has centered around Foods projects. This sparked her desire to become a pastry chef. She has also worked with animals, participated in photography and visual arts, and health and child development projects during her time in 4-H.

Madeline plans to go into business/hospitality management and attend pastry school to become a pastry chef.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H means a lot to me, it has really helped me grow as a person. I’ve accomplished so much with being introduced to 4-H that it really makes a huge different in my life.

Halie Kohl Kankakee County

Cabery Specials 4-H Club

In May 2020, Halie established Halie’s Farmstand, where she market various agricultural products such as produce like cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkins as well as straw bales and chicken eggs. The stand fulfills the need for fresh produce within her community, is self-serve, and operates July through October. As an 11 year 4-H’er, Halie has served as Treasuer, Secretary, and now Vice President of her 4-H club. In addition, she enjoys volunteering with her 4-H club.

Halie is dually enrolled at Kankakee Community College and Illinois State University as an agribusiness major. She aspires to expand Halie’s Farmstand into a fulltime career with an emphasis on commercial tomato production.

What does 4-H mean to you?

4-H has provided me with a multitude of leadership experiences and knowledge through officer positions, livestock exhibitions, club activities, and community service opportunities. As a committed agribusiness major, I will undoubtedly use my leadership skills in my agribusiness career to guide future ag producers and hope to someday be able to give back at least a portion of what 4-H has been able to provide for me.