Blake Hennenfent – 2025 Salute to Excellence Illinois Volunteer of the Year, and the 2025 Salute to Excellence North Central Region Volunteer of the Year, from Knox County

Blake Hennenfent: A Legacy of Leadership and Service in 4-H

Blake Hennenfent represents the best of what 4-H has to offer. As a 4th-generation 4-H member, Blake’s roots run deep in Knox County 4-H, with his family contributing more than 335 years of combined membership. From an early age, Blake embraced the values of the program, getting his start in the Union 4-H Club and showing cattle at both the county and state levels. 

But Blake’s involvement didn’t stop when his time as a 4-H member ended—it only evolved. While still a college student at Black Hawk College and later Western Illinois University, Blake made the decision to give back to the organization that had given him so much. He founded the Knox County 4-H Livestock Judging Team and became its dedicated coach, launching a new avenue of learning and leadership for local youth.

Blake brings unmatched enthusiasm for agriculture to his volunteer role, helping young people not only sharpen their livestock evaluation skills but also see the broader possibilities available to them. As an early adopter of the Beyond Ready initiative, Blake uses his platform to open doors for 4-H youth, introducing them to career pathways and helping them develop critical life skills.

His impact goes far beyond competitions. Blake has become a mentor, a motivator, and a role model. He instills confidence, cultivates leadership, and encourages civic engagement. Through his example, 4-H members learn how to make a positive difference in their communities—just as Blake continues to do every day.

Blake Hennenfent’s dedication to 4-H is a true testament to the enduring power of the program and the legacy that one individual can build through service, passion, and purpose.