ROCKFORD, Ill. — A Winnebago County volunteer was honored for his service as a 4-H volunteer. Brian Lyons of Rockford was one of 67 volunteers recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation as a 4-H Hall of Fame recipient during a ceremony Saturday, Aug. 14, 2018 at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
“Brian has been involved with the Winnebago County 4-H program for over 20 years serving as Treasurer of the 4-H Showboard committee and also helping out at the livestock auction and fair each year,” states Stacy Cwiklo, 4-H program coordinator for Winnebago County. “Brian and his whole family have been such strong supporters of the 4-H program, we truly appreciate them.” Cwiklo will also be honoring Lyons at the county’s upcoming 4-H Recognition Event in November.
This year celebrated the 14-year anniversary of the award, said Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director.
“These long-time volunteers fully embody what 4-H strives to instill in youth,” Barnard said. “They are caring, dedicated, generous leaders, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to each and every one of them to thank them for their service to this wonderful organization.”
The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.
“As a result of these volunteers’ years of service and leadership to Illinois 4-H,” Barnard said, “the program they love will continue to create wonderful opportunities for the young people whose lives it touches.”
Those honored locally include Robin Kindberg, Boone County; John Boesche, DeKalb County; Marvin Schnitzler, Jo Daviess County; Nancy Etnyre, Ogle County, Pat Yeagle, Stephenson County; and Brian Lyons of Winnebago County.
— University of Illinois Extension
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