Chambana Sun

Sangamon County resident Jerry Hicks has been recognized as a finalist for the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award and named the award winner for the north central region of the United States. Hicks's contributions have significantly impacted the Illinois 4-H program, aiding in educational efforts, staff hiring, and programming expansion.

"Jerry Hicks is a product of the Illinois 4-H program and a lifetime believer in the tremendous impact 4-H can have on the lives of the youth and the volunteers who guide and lead the program," said Carissa Davis, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. "He was a member, and now volunteer, and advocate for making sure that all youth engage in positive youth development experiences which help them develop skills they will use throughout their life."

To be nominated, individuals must demonstrate dedication to positive youth development in 4-H over at least ten years. "Jerry has been a dedicated supporter of Illinois 4-H for nearly 43 years," Davis stated. "He feels so strongly about the valuable impact that 4-H had on his life experience that he wants that for every child in Illinois and he is making that happen and has made that happen through the work he does as a 4-H volunteer on the county, multi-county and state level."

A committee selected Hicks as Illinois Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer for 2023 after reviewing nominations. His nomination was then advanced to regional consideration, resulting in his win. Regional winners were forwarded as national finalists. This marks Hicks's seventh recognition in his extensive volunteer career with 4-H.

The U.S. 4-H Youth Development Program serves over six million young people annually with programs focused on leadership, citizenship, communication, and life skills. For more information about 4-H programs available across every U.S. county, visit their website.