Finfrocks Inducted Into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame

(DENNIS AND JULIA FINFROCK OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY)

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. 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.

In 2022, 84 individuals were inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, during a virtual ceremony held May 20. Five of the honorees are being named posthumously.

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.

“The Foundation is pleased to honor these outstanding individuals for their commitment to the 4-H program,” says Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director. “The impact that is made on youth because of the inductees’ willingness to provide a patient, caring hand is invaluable.”

Illinois 4-H programs reach nearly 130,000 youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, educational programs, workshops, and conferences held in communities, schools, parks, and homes across Illinois. Volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state.

To volunteer in your community, one may request information from the local Extension office. “There is a place for everyone in 4-H, whether you have an hour or a lifetime to give,” Barnard says.

The 2022 Hall of Fame winners include:

Roger Swingler, Cumberland County; Corinne Swingler, Cumberland County; Julia Finfrock, Effingham County; Dennis Finfrock; Effingham County; Marge Thompson, Jasper County; John Brix, Shelby County.

“The Foundation provides avenues to support the work of Illinois 4-H by accepting financial gifts specifically directed to the program you wish to support,” says Barnard. “Gift planning services are available to those wishing to continue their 4-H legacy.”

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: 4hfoundation.illinois.edu.