A Salute to 4-H Champions
at the University of Illinois
September 24, 2004

Illinois 4-H alumni and partners were recognized at the Saluting 4-H Champions recognition program during the Salute to Agriculture Day festivities at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Friday, September 24.

Four Illinois 4-H Alumni Award winners were recognized for sustained leadership, career success and community involvement. Alumni award winners were: S.C. “Sid” Banwart, vice president of Caterpillar, Peoria; Richard “Dick” D. Barclay, regional president and CEO of US Bank, Springfield; Virginia “Ginny” Cook, founder and president of the Phoenix Perth Institute, Chicago; and Evelyn Brandt Thomas, co-owner and corporate Secretary-Treasurer of Brandt Consolidated, Springfield.

Dr. Bob Easter The 2004 Friend of 4-H award was presented to Jeanne Harland of LaFayette, Ill., for her numerous contributions and support, including service as president of Extension Partners - a group dedicated to securing fiscal resources for University of Illinois Extension.

The Illinois Corn Marketing Board was recognized with the 4-H Partnership Award, in recognition of their long-standing support of the 4-H Program.

The Howard A. Peverly and Marvin Schnitzler families, were recognized as the 2004 4-H Family Spirit Award recipients. Thirty-seven of his descendants (and their spouses) account for 267 years of 4-H membership, 80 years serving as a 4-H club leader, and 335 years of volunteering with 4-H.

Representatives of more than 326,000 Illinois 4-H members and leaders from across the state helped celebrate Salute to Agriculture Day at the University of Illinois.

2004 Illinois 4-H Alumni Awards