Jersey County 4-H leader Jean Clanton, third from right, takes a moment to admire the award she received while being inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame on August 9 during the Illinois State Fair.

4-H leaders inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
Two longtime 4-H leaders, Yvonne Nolte of Calhoun County and Jean Clanton of Jersey County, were inducted in the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame August 9 during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

Yvonne Nolte started in 4-H as a member of the Morgan County Alexander Girls 4-H Club. She was a co-leader in the Brussels Apple Jacks and Jill’s until she branched out and started the Golden Eagle Clovers 4-H Club. Under her guidance this club has consistently developed members with outstanding leadership skills, with an emphasis on technology-based projects. She and her husband Cliff, who is also a leader and former 4-H member, worked to continue this tradition with their sons Kevin, Steven, Gregory and Brandon. Nolte has been a leader for 10 years in Calhoun County.

Jean Clanton has been one of Jersey County’s most dedicated 4-H volunteers. She has served as a club leader for more than 30 years, horse superintendent and Extension Council Member. She is a friendly volunteer who is always willing to help and is passionate about helping 4-H members, especially with horses. Clanton’s children and grandchildren also have been 4-H members and volunteers.

Nolte is the first 4-H volunteer from Calhoun County to be inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame and Clanton is the second volunteer from Jersey County to receive the award.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame inductees have demonstrated exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and are nominated by either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board.

For more information about 4-H in Calhoun and Jersey counties please contact 4-H staff members at (618) 498-2913 or 576-2293. Information also is available online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/calhounjersey.