Ellis Rogers, player | University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Ellis Rogers, player | University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Ellis Rogers, an 18-year-old from Knox County, Illinois, has been named a national runner up for the 2025 4-H Youth in Action Award by the National 4-H Council. Rogers was recognized for her achievements and leadership in equine science.
A member of the Williamsfield Town and Country 4-H Club for ten years, Rogers began her involvement with the Knox County 4-H Horse Team. Through this experience, she developed skills that took her from local competitions to state and national levels. She also mentored younger members, gained confidence, and earned a veterinary assistant certification. Rogers plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Shelby Carlson, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator, said: “The growth Ellis has shown through 4-H is inspiring. Her dedication to equine science, her leadership among peers, and her commitment to mentoring younger youth show the very best of what 4-H offers.”
The 4-H Youth in Action Awards were launched in 2010 to honor young people who use their knowledge and skills from 4-H to make lasting impacts in their communities.
Kevin Carey, interim Illinois 4-H director and senior program lead, stated: “Ellis represents the power of 4-H to help young people discover their passion and turn it into a lifelong path. Her recognition on the national stage is a testament not only to her hard work but also to the impact of 4-H programs across Illinois.”
Illinois 4-H is run by University of Illinois Extension within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The program prepares youth for college, careers, military service, entrepreneurship and more by building confidence and leadership skills through hands-on learning experiences. Research shows that participants are significantly more likely than their peers to pursue higher education or technical training and serve in the military.
More information about the Youth in Action program can be found at https://www.4-h.org/parents/4-h-youth-in-action-awards/.
For further details or media inquiries regarding this announcement, contact Carissa Nelson at carissa7@illinois.edu.
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