Julie Bielema, 4-H leader of the Garden Plain Ripsnorters club, was honored and inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, IL, on Saturday, August 12, 2017. Every year, one candidate from each Illinois county may be nominated for induction. Only one person is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“She deserves it!” exclaimed Allie Johnston, who nominated Bielema.
There were many reasons for the nomination. “To describe why Julie deserves this great honor is very hard in so little words. She has been involved with 4-H basically her whole life, from being a member in her youth, to dedicating her adult years to the program she grew up with. Julie attends monthly club meetings and works with her youth, to plan fun meetings and events. She works hard to come up with new ideas and opportunities for the 4-H members.”
“She is a very hard working and dedicated volunteer; she is on many different committees such as horses, dogs, and rabbits. Many say she is a very approachable leader and volunteer, who respects everyone around her. Julie is a very busy person, but she finds the time in her busy schedule to give her members the best experiences that 4-H has to offer. Julie is truly making the best better in 4-H. Thank you, Julie, for all you do. We appreciate you!”
When Bielema was young, they did not have Cloverbuds group, ages 5-through-7, in 4-H, but she has been a member for 28 years. For 18 of those, she was a leader.
