Deb Stocker 4-H Scholarship

For 38 years, Deb Stocker has been synonymous with Illinois 4-H. She began her Extension career in 1980 as assistant home economics advisor in St. Clair County, then worked in Clinton County for 10 years before joining the state staff in 1991. Stocker was responsible for many celebrated teen conferences, including Junior Leadership Conference, Teen Leadership Conference, Illini Summer Academies, Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Conference, and National 4-H Congress.

“I’ve always felt that youth should have a say in programming for their age group,” Stocker says. “Teens helped design Illini Summer Academies over 10 years ago. The Youth Leadership Team started the Jr. Leadership Conference for junior high youth in 2003. It continues to reach youth at a very vulnerable age in 4-H and demonstrates advantages and opportunities to continuing their membership and expand their horizons in the 4-H program.”

“In her esteemed time with Illinois 4-H, Deb has always been a champion for listening to youth voices,” says Lisa Diaz, U of I Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “She reminds us every day that youth are a critical resource, and that preparing them for the future involves giving them opportunities to lead today. Over her 4-H career, Deb has built a foundation of leadership programs and opportunities that will continue to impact the lives of youth and the communities in which they live.”

To honor Stocker’s legacy, the Youth Leadership Team scholarship funded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation will now bear her name.

“These youth and adult partnerships have taught me so much over the years, and I know I received as much from them personally as the teens did,” Stocker said. “That’s why I loved this career so much—those relationships.”