A passion for livestock and agriculture had a profound influence on Jenna Wheeler and she has named a 2024 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award winner.
As a 10-year 4-H alumna from Morgan County, Jenna found a passion for showing pigs and participating in livestock judging. She attended Lake Land College and Texas A & M University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2022. Through livestock judging, Jenna has had the opportunity to share her story of how a 4-H project shaped her life in rings at major livestock shows, all over the country and overseas. She was honored not once, but twice with as an academic All American in Junior College as well as Senior College. This award demonstrates her character and passion to agriculture and academic studies. Ryan Orrick, Lake Land College professor, stated, “Jenna has all the capabilities to be an effective leader and positively influence the culture around her. Jenna’s accomplishments are a direct result of her intelligence, talent, passion and work ethic.”
In her current role at Positive Energy Incorporated, Jenna manages strategic events for major corporate clients, such as Southwest Airlines, NAPA Auto Parts, Brevant Seeds, Elanco Animal Health and Carrier Corporation. Her role encompasses planning and managing all aspects of customer events. Jenna credits utilizing skills she honed in 4-H, such as parliamentary procedure, organization, and event management.
Jenna had the opportunity to return to Morgan County to judge the swine show in 2023, reflecting on how far she has come since her early days in 4-H. Jenna's dedication to 4-H remains strong, as she mentors families in showing pigs and judging livestock, even though she no longer lives in Illinois. Jenna exemplifies the spirit of an agvocator as she is active on social media advocating for the agricultural industry and 4-H, while reaching a wide audience with her meaningful messages. April Littig, 4-H Youth Development Educator stated, “I believe Jenna’s dedication to the 4-H program is applied in every action she makes and is the ideal representation and voice of Illinois 4-H.”
Jenna embodies the components of the 4-H pledge – the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health as she has committed to making a positive difference in the world
Congratulations Jenna!