Nick and Jody Milliman grew up in 4-H and continued their love for the program when they volunteered
to serve as volunteers in the Jasper County 4-H program.
Jody lead the Jasper Jewels and Gents 4-H Club, and Nick served as the county’s horse superintendent
for many years.
They have worked tirelessly for the Jasper County 4-H program assisting with travel to and from many
county and state events throughout their years of service as well as were instrumental in getting the 4-H
Exhibition building completed on the fairgrounds used to house the 4-H exhibits during the fair as well
as other events throughout the year.
After Jody concluded her time as a leader she continued to work closely with the Extension staff
volunteering her efforts during weigh-ins and the 4-H auction while Nick has continued to volunteer
during the 4-H auction also, always willing to volunteer for the 4-H kids.
We are truly honored to have both Nick and Jody as volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to the
Jasper County 4-H program!
Extraordinary volunteers inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than
15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff
members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the
University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.
In 2021, 71 individuals received the Foundation Hall of Fame Award, presented during a virtual
ceremony Aug. 17. Four of the honorees are being named posthumously.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor and celebrate
extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of
exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by
either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board. Each inductee
receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.
“These volunteers are a model of 4-H values,” says Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive
director. “All of our volunteers are valuable, but this award honors those that go above and beyond.
These are volunteers that helped shape not only individuals, but generations of 4-H members. The
Illinois 4-H Foundation is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to thank them for their
service to this wonderful organization.
Illinois 4-H programs reach nearly 120,000 youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, educational
programs, workshops, and conferences held in communities, schools, parks, and homes across Illinois.
Volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state.
“Many volunteers have a tradition of 4-H in their family or were 4-H members themselves,” Barnard
says. “More and more though, adults brand new to the 4-H experience are seeing the value of the life
skills development program and volunteering for the first time. 4-H has volunteer opportunities that fit
such a wide variety of time, skills, and talents.”
To volunteer in your community, one may request information from the local Extension office. “There is
a place for everyone in 4-H, whether you have an hour or a lifetime to give,” Barnard says.
The 2021 Hall of Fame winners include:
Nicole Schaffnit, Adams County; the late Ron Ramos, Boone County; Gail Gallaher, Brown County; Jill
Frueh, Bureau County; Darci Francque, Carrol County; Loretta Stoerger, Champaign County; Wm. Lee
Meteer, Christian County; Mike Smallwood, Clark County; Kelly Elias, Clinton County; Debbie Tedford,
Crawford County; Lori Walk and the late Philip Walk, Cumberland County; Sherry Young, Dewitt County;
Theresa Angela Carso, Du Page County; Penny Peterson, Edgar County; Derra Williams, Edwards County;
Larry and JoAnn Ring, Effingham County; Leanne Wright, Ford County; Thomas Newbury, Franklin
County; Bob and Velynna Spangler, Fulton County;
Deborah Campbell, Greene County; Theodora Warmack, Grundy County; Cinda K. Brodie, Hancock
County; Karen Elaine Davis, Henderson County; Roxanne Reeves Adsit, Iroquois County; Nick and Jody
Milliman, Jasper County; Carla S. Chesnek, Jefferson County; Tom and Sandy Moore, Jersey County;
Valerie Brudi, Jo Daviess County; Alicia Goines, Johnson County; Kimberly Halverson, Kane County; Jeff
Nakaerts, Kendall County; Jeanne A. Gardner, Knox County; Heather Arbet, La Salle County; Jane Inyart,
Lawrence County; Christine R. Klein, Lee County; Roberta M. Maubach, Livingston County; John Fulton,
Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties; Karen King, Macoupin County; Margaret Weis, Madison
County; Greg Branch, Marion County; Lisa M. Palm, Marshall County;
Marilyn Blakeley, Mason County; Brandy Meadows, Massac County; Walter Lewis, McDonough County;
Richanne Nicolai, McHenry County; Linda Faye White, Mclean County; Jim Mayhew, Mercer County;
Hank Marquardt, Monroe County; Clem and Doris Huber, Montgomery County; Vickie L. Smith, Ogle
County; the late Bob Forney, Peoria County; Kristi Pyatt, Piatt County; Christine Hogendobler, Pulaski
County; Melinda Simpson, Rock Island County; Jessica Erickson, Saint Clair County; Kelly Westlake,
Schuyler County; Annette Sims, Shelby County; Madonna Weese, State 4-H, Kristi Krahmer, Alan Curry,
Stark County; Stephenson County; the late Kathy Meier, Tazewell County; Karen Rene Collier, Union
County; Denise Lambert, Vermillion County;
Mike Wilson, Wabash County; Carol Hanson, Warren County; Terry L. Fox, Washington County; Bill and
Pam Robins, Wayne County; Mallory Thompson, White County; Nancy Dykstra, Whiteside County; Tim
McPherson, Will County; Neva I. Ramos, Winnebago County; and Bill Royer, Woodford County.
“The Foundation provides avenues to support the work of Illinois 4-H by accepting financial gifts
specifically directed to the program you wish to support,” Barnard said. “Gift planning services are
available to those wishing to continue their 4-H legacy.”
The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds that are invested in Illinois 4-H programs that provide
meaningful, positive development experiences for Illinois youth to develop leadership, citizenship, and
life skills. To learn more, visit: 4hfoundation.illinois.edu.
For Further Information Contact:
News Source: Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation Executive Director, 217-333-0333
News Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois
Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.
4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow.
The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts
them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled
impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute
to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be
civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
