Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

McLean County 4-H celebrated youth and volunteers at their annual Recognition of Excellence event this November and is proud to announce local 4-H leader and volunteer Rachel Kridner as one of the 84 honorees inducted into the 2022 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

A third-generation Chenoa 4-H member, Rachel has led the Chenoa Space Age Pioneers 4-H Club for 16 years. Her goal is for each member to find a project area in which they excel. Rachel has a strong belief in teaching youth to give back to their community as evidenced by the visible improvements around the club's hometown. Extension is grateful for Rachel's commitment to her 4-H members and the youth of McLean County. 

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.