Published on August 28, 2026 11:29 am
Last Updated on August 28, 2026 11:39 am
Don and Karen Grupe (Karen holding the green cup in the front row, Don directly behind her)
Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.
The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes those who have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by county Illinois Extension staff.
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame inductees include Don and Karen Grupe of Effingham County.
The ceremonies were held over three days during the Illinois State Fair, in conjunction with each county’s exhibit day at the 4-H General Project Show. You can learn more about this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and other Illinois 4-H honorees in the 2026 Illinois 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Recognition video at go.illinois.edu/4-Hrecognition2026.
