|
Menard and Logan Counties, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers and
supporters empower and prepare youth for success, with the
program relying on thousands of dedicated individuals across the
state to provide leadership, mentorship, and educational
opportunities for young people. This year, local volunteers and
supporters Ed Whitcomb, Jr. and Jared Whitcomb of Menard County,
along with Bruce Davis of Logan County, have been selected for
induction into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.
Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates extraordinary 4-H alumni,
volunteers, and supporters who demonstrate exemplary service and
dedication to youth development. Inductees are nominated by
county University of Illinois Extension staff and will be
recognized during the 2026 Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni &
Volunteer Celebration.
Honorees from Menard County
Ed Whitcomb and son, Jared Whitcomb, of Greenview exemplify
lifelong dedication to 4-H, youth development, and the livestock
industry. Their combined service reflects a family legacy rooted
in mentorship, leadership, and creating opportunities for youth.
Jared Whitcomb, a former member of the Greenview Boosters 4-H
Club, continues supporting local youth through his service on
the Menard County Livestock Committee. He has served for many
years as the Menard County 4-H and Fair Sheep Superintendent,
providing guidance, organization, and encouragement to
exhibitors. Jared and his wife, Lauren, also support livestock
judging opportunities for youth, including the Menard County
co-school livestock judging team for Greenview and PORTA
Schools.
Ed Whitcomb serves as the Illinois State Fair Superintendent of
Market Lambs and Assistant General Livestock Superintendent and
is respected for his calm and knowledgeable leadership. He is a
consistent presence at local sheep shows, ensuring youth have
support when needed. Locally, he also serves as Chairperson of
the Menard County Board of Commissioners and has been
instrumental in supporting county 4-H efforts for generations of
families.
Honoree from Logan County
Bruce Davis of Logan County has also been selected for the
Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame for his extensive volunteer service
and dedication to youth across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon
counties. A Logan County 4-H alumnus and former 4-H parent,
Bruce serves as the Goat Superintendent and head of the Goat
Scramble Committee in Logan County and as Sheep Superintendent
in Sangamon County. He has assisted with Logan, Menard, and
Sangamon counties livestock clinics, livestock events, and
educational programming while also supporting environmental and
outdoor recreation activities for youth in Menard County.
“Ed, Jared, and Bruce each represent the heart of Illinois 4-H
through their commitment to youth and their willingness to serve
wherever help is needed,” says Stacie Skelton, University of
Illinois Extension 4-H Program Coordinator. “Their leadership
and encouragement have positively impacted countless young
people and families across our communities.”
[to top of second column] |
Illinois 4-H programs in Logan and Menard counties reach
hundreds of youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, workshops,
and educational programs held in communities, schools, and
after-school settings. Volunteers and supporters fill essential
leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Illinois 4-H Youth Development
program, embodying the spirit of dedicated service that nurtures
the growth of our future leaders,” says Patricia McGlaughlin,
University of Illinois Extension specialist. “Their unwavering
commitment and selfless contributions empower our youth to
learn, thrive, and make a positive impact on their communities.”
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth
development program of University of Illinois Extension and
administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and
Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are
empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The
hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and
encouragement and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make
great things happen. Independent research confirms the
unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that
young people are four times more likely to contribute to their
communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices;
two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more
likely to participate in STEM programs.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach
for University of Illinois by translating research into action
plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community
leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to
changes and opportunities.
[Stacie Skelton,
4-H Program Coordinator,
Menard County]
|
