2004 Year in Review

Kristi Huizenga earns Excellence Volunteer honor

Kristi Huizenga

University of Illinois Extension 4-H named Kristi Huizenga, leader of the Fenton Wizards 4-H Club in Whiteside County, a state finalist in the “Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year” program sponsored by National 4-H Council and Monsanto. The award honors 4-H volunteers with fewer than ten years of service.

Kristi and her husband Tom live in rural Morrison with their two daughters, Allie, 15 and Kaylie, 7. Kristi helps on the farm and also is employed at Jennifer’s Dance Center. She also enjoys showing cattle. They show Simmental cattle on the county, state and national levels.

“Volunteers play a critical role in creating a caring and supportive environment for 4-H youth to develop in positive ways,” said Pennie Crinion, Interim Assistant Dean and Director of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development. “The Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Awards provide us an opportunity to recognize volunteers like Kristi Huizenga who have chosen to share their time and talents with youth through the 4-H program.”

In addition to being a club leader, Huizenga serves as co-federation leader, Sale of Champions Committee member, and co-livestock judging team coach. She also works with Unit staff and leaders through her position as president of the Whiteside County Leaders Association.

“Huizenga is a strong, diligent, and dedicated volunteer, and she has been a wonderful addition to the Whiteside County 4-H family,” said Karen Atkinson, Program Assistant, Youth and Family in Whiteside County. Huizenga was selected to represent northwestern Illinois before being considered for the state award.

4-H is the largest out-of-school educational program for youth in the United States. 4-H seeks to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, forming attitudes, and developing life skills that will enable them to become caring, competent, and contributing members of society. In Illinois, 300,735 youth participate in 4-H and the other youth programs of University of Illinois Extension. About 26,000 adult volunteers assist in the programming.

by Dawn Zuidema, theCity1.com
August 9, 2004