Established in 1981

The highest honor is bestowed upon a 4-H alumnus by the Illinois 4-H Association and Illinois 4-H program on behalf of the University of Illinois. This award recognizes an elite group of Illinois 4-H alumni for their outstanding career accomplishments and leadership in civic, community, and professional activities.

Any individual is eligible to receive the award which was:

• An Illinois 4-H member for a minimum of three years
• Is living at the time of selection (Current 4-H staff are not eligible.)

Nominations due March 15, 2025.

Established in 2023

The Young Alumni award is bestowed upon alumni by the Illinois 4-H Alumni Association and Illinois 4-H program on behalf of the University of Illinois. This award recognizes young alumni that have demonstrated significant accomplishments and are emerging leaders in their professional or civic contributions to their community. They have proven to be ambassadors for the Illinois 4-H program and the 4-H young alumni community.

Any individual is eligible to receive the award which is:

• Under 30 years old on or before January 1, 2024.
• A member of the Illinois 4-H program for a minimum of three years.
• Must be living at the time of selection
• Current 4-H staff are not eligible.

Nominations due March 15, 2025.

Established in 2002

The Illinois 4-H Family Spirit award recognizes an Illinois 4-H family who has substantially benefited from and continues to advocate for the Illinois 4-H program over at least three generations. 

Guidelines for Nomination:

Any family eligible to receive the award which has the following:

• A minimum of three generations of the family are represented.
• A minimum of 15 different family members (including in-laws) have either been 4-H members, leaders, or volunteers
• Have a minimum of 100 cumulative years of 4-H membership or volunteerism represented by the family.

Families will submit the following:

• Completed 4-H Family online Nomination
• "My Family 4-H Story", a maximum of 1200 words (max two pages) sharing how 4-H impacted your family and how your family has supported 4-H.
• A Family Tree.  Please list each family member with the following information noted: Full Name, Relationship to Family Member, Date of Birth, Living or Deceased?., # years in 4-H, Home County/State.
• All materials must be submitted by the deadline.

Selection Process:

• A committee will review the nominations.
• One family will be selected statewide each year.
• Family contact will be notified following selection.
• Winners will be recognized one day at the 2025 Illinois State Fair, August 8-10.
• The 4-H Family Spirit award may only be received once per family.

All nominations will be kept on file for three years to be reviewed; however, nominators are encouraged to update forms if they are re-considered after the initial year of application.

Nominations due March 15, 2025.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the 4-H Centennial Project of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA), and partners with National 4-H Council and 4-H Youth Development, USDA.

National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees are nominated by their states based on their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.

Each year, the Hall of Fame laureates are recognized for their lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H during a Fall ceremony in conjunction with NAE4-HYDP annual conference.