Effingham County 4-H Achievement Night Recognizes Outstanding Members

Effingham County 4-H recently celebrated the achievements of its talented members during the annual 4-H Achievement Night, held at Camp Wassatoga. The event highlighted the hard work, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by local youth throughout the year. Competitive awards, determined by independent judges based on applications, were presented to recognize individual accomplishments.

Special Award Recognition

• President Award - Recipient: Annelise Donaldson
• Vice President Award - Recipients: Ava Donaldson and Audrey LaSarge
• Secretary Award - Recipient: Avery LaSarge
• Treasurer Award - Recipient: Raylen Hardiek
• Lori Voelker Award - Recipient: Jemma Chesnut

4-H Experience Awards

This year, Effingham County recognized members at three Clover levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—for their exceptional growth and participation in 4-H activities.

• Bronze Clover

Easton Caraway, Joey LaSarge, Emma Shelley

• Silver Clover

Annie Budde, Brayden Budde, Kyle Budde, Emerson Caraway, Anderson Chesnut, Houston Chesnut, Jemma Chesnut, Lennon Chesnut, Michael Dennison, Audrey LaSarge, Jackson LaSarge, Lainey Martin, Jax Pontious, Sophia Pontious, Willow Potter, Otto VanDyke

• Gold Clover

Elizabeth Kreke, Sierra Kreke, Avery LaSarge, Zoey LaSarge

TEN YEAR MEMBERS

Conner Beckman, Brianna Grunloh, Olivia Katt, Laura Lidy, Eva Meinhart, Colton Nelson, Alexis VanDyke, Stacie Vonderheide

In addition to the awards ceremony, 4-H families enjoyed a fun-filled evening of outdoor activities. Camp Wassatoga offered opportunities for canoeing, fishing, archery, and a spirited game of Gaga ball. The evening concluded with a cozy campfire where attendees enjoyed hot dogs and s’mores, creating warm memories and fostering community bonds.

Effingham County 4-H extends heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and thanks the leaders, parents, and volunteers who continue to support the program. Their commitment to youth development ensures that 4-H remains a cornerstone of growth and achievement in our community.

For more information about Effingham County 4-H, including how to join, please contact the local University of Illinois Extension office at 217-347-7773.

In the photo:

Front Row L to R: Carson Hille, Kaylee Kenter, Lillian Rodgers, Brayden Budde, Savannah Pontious, Lennon Chestnut, Annie Budde, Lainey Martin, Willow Potter

Second Row L to R: Jax Pontious, Houston Chestnut, Jemma Chestnut, Annelise Donaldson, Sierra Kreke, Sophia Pontious, Elizabeth Kreke, Raylen Hardiek, Joey LaSarge, Hunter Ring