Chambana Sun

Eighteen teenagers from Illinois represented the state's 4-H program at the Ignite by 4-H Summit, held from March 13-17 in Washington D.C. This summit brought together young leaders from across the United States to participate in panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Mackenzie Goff, a delegate from Knox County, shared her experience: “There are things for everyone. The keynote speakers not only motivate you but will spread wisdom from their lives. The workshops will not only get you diving into something you love but have you branching out to new pathways." She emphasized the impact of meeting peers: "The people are some of the nicest, creative, inspiring teens you will ever meet."

Participants connected with other state delegates and formed national friendships. Mackenzie added, “I’ve always been a little shy... but it was the complete opposite. I now have friends from California, Iowa, Connecticut, Arkansas, and so many more.”

The summit aimed to explore career paths and develop plans for community change through high-impact programming featuring national experts. A total of 1,300 teens attended the event.

The Illinois delegation included participants in Agriscience, STEM, and Healthy Living categories. Among them were Kaden Ambers (Cook County), Carmen Jackson (Cook County), Kiryn Schaer (Marshall-Putnam County), Davis Howell (DeWitt County), Saralynn Joiner (Macoupin County), Natalie Royer (Macoupin County), Lydia Heren (Champaign County), Daniel Surowka (Vermilion County), Maddy Lettow (Fulton County), Julia Gergen (DuPage County), Olivia Passig (Coles County), Jonathan Royer (Macoupin County), Sydney Molander (Boone County), Mackenzie Goff (Knox County), Bella Brinkley (McLean County), Allison Sewell (McLean County), Lilah Bonny (Shelby County) and Katelyn Marley (Montgomery County).

Two presentations by Illinois 4-H members were featured at the conference. "Brain Builders: Shaping Minds for Lifelong Health" was presented by Lilah Bonny, Katelyn Marley, and Allison Sewell. They led teams exploring how early life experiences shape lifelong health.

Another presentation titled "Exploring Animal Science Career Paths by Engaging in Hands-on Activities" was given by Remington Curry of Pope County, Davis Howell of DeWitt County, Saralynn Joiner of Macoupin County, Jordi Oliver of Massac County, and Lauren Wolter of Clinton County. It offered practical activities like suturing and giving injections to emulate real-world livestock skills.

Illinois 4-H is part of the University of Illinois Extension's youth development program under the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.