Illinois 4-H wouldn’t be where it was without the wonderful support and efforts of the countless volunteers who spend their time empowering and mentoring youth.  The program relies on 15,000 volunteers and recently, the Illinois 4-H Foundation recognized some of them for their selfless dedication to the program.

In 2021, 71 individuals received the Foundation Hall of Fame Award presented during a virtual ceremony on August 17th including four who were named posthumously. In Christian County, W. Lee Meteer was honored and inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame for Christian County.  Meteer was a 10 year 4-H member of the Athen’s Cloverleaves and has a strong passion for helping youth reach their full potential.  As a past 4-H member, parent, and high school ag teacher, Meteer has always supported the Christian County 4-H. He has helped with the 4-H livestock judging team, and county fairs and shows.  Thanks to Meteer’s support, youth have developed skills, career opportunities, and contributors of their own to the program and community. Christian County 4-H says they are thankful for his dedication and service to 4-H and the youth of Christian County.

Illinois 4-H programs reach nearly 120,000 youth each year through clubs, camps, programs, workshops, and conferences. Volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state. The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor and celebrate extraordinary4-H alumni, volunteers, and former staff.  Each recipient receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion. 

To volunteer in your community, you can request information from your local extension office. To learn more visit 4hfoundation.illinois.edu. Clem and Doris Huber of Montgomery County, Annette Sims of Shelby County, and Karen King of Macon County were among those recognized.