4H Hall of Fame Welcomes Three New Members
Jill Frueh, Heather Arbet and Lisa M. Palm were celebrated with an event Wednesday night
The University of Illinois Extension Office announced three volunteers Wednesday would be inducted into the Illinois 4H Hall of Fame, and Wednesday was a chance to extend a message to each of them: Thank you.
This years’ inductees were Jill Frueh from the Bureau County Open Door Community Club in Bureau County, Heather Arbet of the Peru Pouncing Panthers Community Club in La Salle County and Lisa M. Palm of the Wenona Highlighters Community Club in Marshall County.
The Hall of Fame awards are hosted yearly to highlight and commemorate outstanding leaders, volunteers and supporters of Illinois 4H. It was established in 2005 and its members have a track record of exemplary service and contribution to 4H.
Each inductee received a Hall of Fame medallion, commemorative scrapbook page and certificate of induction.
Frueh was nominated by Bureau County 4H Youth Development Program Coordinator Danielle Gapinski for all she has done for the program.
“(Frueh) is an instrumental leader for Bureau County’s 4H program, serving as a 4H leader, 4H parent and strong community partner,” Gapinski said. “(Frueh) served as 4H leader for Open Door’s 4H Cloverbud Club and as co-leader of Open Door 4H Community Club.”
As Executive Director of the Bureau County Farm Bureau, Frueh has partnered with the extension for 4H opportunities including organization of the Master Showmanship contest, Olympic style games during the 4H fair, Beyond the Banners livestock clinic, among other items.
“(Frueh) is always willing to help,” Gapinski said. “She is positive, knowledgeable and an excellent advocate for 4H.”
Arbet was nominated by La Salle County 4H Youth Development Program Coordinator Toni Pienta for being a lifelong member and advocate.
“(Arbet) is a true, passionate and supportive leader to our 4H Youth Development Program and to (U of I) Extension,” Pienta said. “(Arbet) exemplifies the heart of 4H.”
Arbet has been involved as a club leader, a resource to improving 4H programs, a fair board member and much more in between.
“When ideas are needed and we ask for input and help, (Arbet) is always willing to take the time to help,” Pienta said. “We appreciate (Arbet) so very much.”
Marshall-Putnam 4H Youth Development Program Coordinator, Anne Scheel, nominated Palm for the 2021 induction.
Palm is an active Marshall-Putnam 4H volunteer and serves as the leader of the Wenona Highlighters community club, a superintendent at our 4H show, secretary of the Marshall-Putnam 4H Association, a member of the University of Illinois Extension Unit Council and helps with the county fundraiser yearly.
“(Palm) always goes above and beyond what is expected of a 4H volunteer,” Scheel said. “Her commitment to 4H and her kind spirit have made (Palm) a valuable member of the Marshall-Putnam 4H Program.”
All three inductees earned this recognition through hard work and dedication to 4H and their community clubs. They all have influenced youth within their communities and helped cultivate positive development within their clubs.
Wednesday’s celebration was a moment for 4H members and supporters to gather and thank the three for everything they have done for the organization.
Source: News Tribune