STEWARD — Michelle Snode of Lee County was recently inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

Snode has been a 4-H club leader for over 20 years, getting involved when her (now adult) daughters were 4-H members. She currently leads the Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, which meets monthly in Steward. She avidly supports all 4-H youth in Lee County, helping them grow and progress in their project areas and assisting at 4-H Shows each year. Her hobbies include horseback riding, raising pygmy goats, and fostering dogs and puppies for the Tails Humane Society of DeKalb.

“4-H has given so many children a chance to learn and grow new skills and develop important life skills,” Snode said. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on over 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.  Four volunteers from Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties, including Snode, were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

In 2024, 70 individuals were inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.  

Illinois 4-H honors and celebrates 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 county University of Illinois Extension staff. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion at the Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration events.