U of I Extension celebrates Winnebago County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee

WINNEBAGO COUNTY – The Illinois 4-H Foundation annually recognizes one 4-H volunteer per county for exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H program as a Hall of Fame winner. This year, more than 800 supporters watched the induction of 70 new members into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, the largest inductee class to date.

This year marks the 11-year anniversary of the award and the ceremony was held Saturday, Aug. 15, on the Director of Agriculture’s lawn on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The Winnebago County 4-H program congratulates Mary Ann Arenson as she was honored as one of this year’s inductees.

Mary Ann has been a club leader for more than 42 years with the Stars, Stripes & Clovers 4-H Club in Pecatonica. During this time, she was also very active helping with events and activities with the Winnebago County 4-H & Extension Foundation. Mary Ann has served as a 4-H show superintendent, assisted with the 4-H horse show, and oversaw the 4-H cat show for many years.

“Mary Ann is a wonderful volunteer on whom you can always depend,” said Stacy Cwiklo, U of I Extension 4-H program coordinator. “She always tries to find the best in the 4-H youth and encourages them to do their best whenever possible. We are very pleased to nominate Mary Ann for this outstanding award.”

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Nominations for the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame are made by University of Illinois Extension staff. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds that are invested in Illinois 4-H programs that provide meaningful, positive development experiences for Illinois youth to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. To learn more, visit www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu.