Volunteers, supporters honored by Kendall County 4-H

In November, Kendall County 4-H celebrated its volunteers and supporters across the county at its annual 4-H Achievement Night at Plano High School.

“These passionate people may lead community 4-H clubs or special interest clubs, volunteer at 4-H shows or events, or sponsor 4-H activities or awards, but they are all vital parts of positive youth development, right here in Kendall County,” said Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H program coordinator with University of Illinois Extension. “Each year, we recognize these selfless individuals and express our gratitude for making a difference in the lives of young people in our communities.”

Annual awards

This year, the Friend of 4-H Award honored Rural King of Plano for its longtime support of Kendall County 4-H. For almost a decade, this local business has co-sponsored and provided materials for the 4-H Bridge Bust Contest, which has helped connect hundreds of new people to 4-H. In addition, Rural King has provided space for 4-H meetings and National 4-H Week displays and supported the Kendall County 4-H livestock auction and the 4-H Exchange program.

Matt Lewis of Rural King accepts the 2021 Friend of 4-H Award from University of Illinois Extension of Kendall County.

The 2021 4-H Alumni Award went to Seth Swenson of Newark. Swenson participated in Kendall County 4-H and Newark FFA as a youth, and he now gives back by teaching animal care and show techniques to the next generation. He also serves on the Kendall County Swine Committee and volunteers as a Kendall County 4-H show superintendent.

Seth Swenson

Kendall County 4-H also recognized Jeff Nakaerts of Plainfield for his 2021 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame appointment. He was inducted with others from around the state during the Illinois State Fair in August. Nakaerts is an integral part of the annual 4-H Bridge Bust Contest, and he has shared his engineering background and woodworking skills to lead 4-H special interest clubs and multiple workshops.

Jeff Nakaerts

Club leaders

Dozens of 4-H volunteers in Kendall County lead 4-H community-based clubs or special interest clubs. They encourage and guide youth to help them discover what matters to them, set goals, foster a sense of belonging and independence, inspire a generous spirit, and master skills that will prepare them for their future.

In 2021, Kendall County 4-H recognized nearly 50 individuals for their service as club leaders, and several volunteers reached milestone years of service, including five years, Doug Fitzgerald of Somonauk and Beth Lohrey of Newark; 15 years, Charlyn Martin of Newark; 20 years, Jill Carlson of Plano and Lori Haff-DeLancy of Bristol; and 30 years, Linda Fitzgerald of Yorkville.

“Our 4-H club volunteers bettered our communities by sharing their time, talents, and compassion with local youth,” Eisnaugle said. “Together, these 48 individuals represent 576 years of service as 4-H volunteers, and our programs could not be successful without them. Thank you.”

To learn about 4-H in Kendall, Kane or DuPage counties, visit go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk.