Banan Garada is a remarkable young leader, dedicated student, and passionate advocate for community safety and inclusion, making her a 2025 Illinois 4-H Young Alumni Award winner.
Her 4-H journey began in Champaign-Urbana, where she quickly embraced the values of leadership, service, and perseverance. Through her involvement with 4-H programs, the FIRST Robotics team, and community events, she developed the skills and determination that have driven her to achieve outstanding success both locally and nationally.
In high school, she founded multiple clubs, including the Math Team, STEM Club, and Upstanders Advocacy Team, focusing on creating safer and more inclusive environments. Her signature “10,000 Sticky Notes” project continues to inspire and uplift students each year. Banan’s leadership helped her team win first place in the National Driver’s Safety Competition, and she earned prestigious scholarships such as the Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship, awarded to only 150 students out of 99,000 applicants.
Banan’s commitment to public service shines through her role as a FEMA Youth Officer and Co-Chair of the FEMA National Youth Preparedness Council. She created and hosted the “Safety Matters” webinar series, connecting community members with federal officials to share vital safety information. Banan also authored a children’s health and safety book that was featured by the White House, highlighting her dedication to education and wellness.
A recent graduate from UCLA in BioMedical Engineering Industry, she continues to build on her 4-H foundation by combining her passion for science, leadership, and community service. She remains actively engaged with the Illinois 4-H community through webinars and donations of safety resources.
Dana Homan, Illinois Extension educator, shared, “Banan embodies the spirit of 4-H with her optimism, grit, and commitment to making a positive impact. She inspires everyone she meets to strive for their best.”
Her drive to lead, serve, and uplift others is a testament to the lasting impact of 4-H. We are proud to honor her as a 2025 Illinois 4-H Young Alumni Award winner.
Congratulations, Banan!
