Jefferson County IL 4H

While the 2026 Jefferson County 4-H shows may be over, the lessons learned and connections made through 4-H continue throughout the year. We want to extend our sincere thanks to our members, parents, volunteers, superintendents, judges, sponsors, and supporters for the time, energy, and dedication you invest in our youth.

The 4-H shows are about much more than ribbons and awards. Through their projects, members develop responsibility, leadership, communication skills, sportsmanship, confidence, and a strong work ethic. They learn how to set goals, overcome challenges, and serve others, preparing them to make a positive impact in our schools, workplaces, and communities.

Thank you for investing your time, encouragement, and support in our young people. Your impact reaches far beyond the show ring and helps strengthen both our youth and our community.

This is Jefferson County 4-H!

Congratulations to all of our poultry exhibitors for their hard work and commitment throughout the year.

Grand Champion Poultry: Elizabeth Shands

Grand Champion Miscellaneous Breeding Poultry: Elizabeth Shands

Grand Champion Egg Production: Charley Schaefer
Reserve Grand Champion Egg Production: Sierra Mellott

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Charley Schaefer
Reserve Champion: Elizabeth Shands

Intermediate Showmanship
Champion: Paula Deroe-Jones

Competition was strong at the Jefferson County 4-H Rabbit Show as exhibitors brought their best animals to the show table. Congratulations to all who participated and earned top honors!

Grand Champion Market Pen: Jordan Hayes
Reserve Grand Champion Market Pen: Elizabeth Shands

Grand Champion Rabbit: Jordan Hayes
Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit: Jordan Hayes

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Elizabeth Shands
Reserve Champion: Jordan Hayes

Intermediate Showmanship
Champion: Madelynn Catalfamo
Reserve Champion: Patricia Williams

Junior Showmanship
Champion: Maggie Williams
Reserve Champion: Emma Gajewski

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors who participated in the Jefferson County 4-H Goat Show! Exhibitors showcased the results of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and animal care. We are proud of all of our youth and their accomplishments in the show ring.

Dairy Goat
Champion Doe: Charley Schafer
Reserve Champion Doe: Charley Schafer
Champion Buck: Oliver Stanhouse
Reserve Champion Buck: Emma Gajewski

Miniature Goat
Champion Doe: Savanna Mellott
Reserve Champion Doe: Savanna Mellott
Champion Buck: Mason Hicks
Reserve Champion Buck: Sierra Mellott

Meat Goat
Champion Doe: Ladd Clark
Reserve Champion Doe: Gracelyn Clinton
Champion Buck: Ladd Clark
Reserve Champion Buck: Gracelyn Clinton

Market Wether Champions
Ultra-Light Weight Champion: Charley Schaefer
Ultra-Light Weight Reserve: Garon Schaefer
Light Weight Champion: Cooper Degenhart
Light Weight Reserve: Oliver Stanhouse
Medium Weight Champion: Cooper Degenhart
Medium Weight Reserve: Oliver Stanhouse
Heavy Weight Champion: Ladd Clark

Overall Champions

Grand Champion Doe: Ladd Clark
Reserve Grand Champion Doe: Savanna Mellott

Grand Champion Buck: Ladd Clark
Reserve Grand Champion Buck: Gracelyn Clinton

Grand Champion Market Doe: Gracelyn Clinton
Reserve Grand Champion Market Doe: Cooper Degenhart

Grand Champion Market Wether: Ladd Clark
Reserve Grand Champion Market Wether: Cooper Degenhart

Champion Homegrown: Gracelyn Clinton
Reserve Homegrown: Ladd Clark

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Cooper Degenhart
Reserve Champion: Charley Schaefer

Junior Showmanship
Champion: Gracelyn Clinton
Reserve Champion: Ladd Clark

Inspire Award: Ledger Newton

Congratulations to all of our exhibitors who participated in the Jefferson County 4-H Sheep Show! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your projects were on full display.

Grand Champion Breeding Sheep: Matthew Haile
Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Sheep: Matthew Haile

Grand Champion Ram: Matthew Haile
Reserve Grand Champion Ram: Clara Kozsuzek

Grand Champion Ewe: Matthew Haile

Grand Champion Market Lamb: Matthew Haile
Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Ava Tolley

Champion Homegrown: Matthew Haile

Senior Showmanship
Champion: Matthew Haile
Reserve Champion: Clara Kozsuzek

Congratulations to our Swine Show Winners! We are proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship displayed by all of our exhibitors at this year's Swine Show. Your commitment to caring for and presenting your projects truly showed in the ring.

The Jefferson County 4-H Beef Show highlighted the outstanding efforts of our young livestock exhibitors! From daily feeding and care to show-day preparation, these youth demonstrated dedication, responsibility, sportsmanship, and leadership. Congratulations to all participants on a job well done!

After an impressive display of knowledge, poise, and showmanship, we're excited to announce the winners of the Master Showmanship Contest!

Senior Champion: Alivia Harvey
Senior Reserve Champion: Ava Tolley
Senior Third Overall: Cooper Degenhart

Junior Champion: Rebecca Hanes
Junior Reserve Champion: Madelynn Catalfamo
Junior Third Overall: Raelynn Lewis

Congratulations to our winners and to every exhibitor who stepped into the ring and gave their best effort. Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring.

Every project tells a story of hard work, creativity, and perseverance. Thank you to all of our Jefferson County 4-H members who exhibited at the General Projects Show. We are proud of your accomplishments and the effort you put into your projects!

On July 18, Jefferson County 4-H members showcased the results of months of hard work, creativity, dedication, and learning at the 4-H General Projects Show.
Congratulations to all of our participants on a job well done!

Animal Science-Champion: Kayin Hampton
Reserve: Charley Schaefer

Career and Leadership/Civic Engagement
Champion: Clara Kozuszek
Reserve: Kayin Hampton

Clothing and Textiles-Champion: Clara Kozuszek

Creative Arts-Champion: Emma Gajewski/Reserve: Charley Schaefer

Environmental Sciences-Champion: Mason Hicks
Reserve: Reid Catron

Food Systems-Champion: Kayin Hampton/Reserve: Clara Kozuszek

Healthy Living-Champion: Charley Schaefer
Reserve: Clara Kozuszek

STEM-Champion: Dixie Catron/Reserve: Clara Kozuszek

Visual Arts-Champion: Savanna Mellott/Reserve: Sierra Mellott