LA SALLE COUNTY - Karen Pillion, a LaSalle County 4-H volunteer, was honored for her service as a volunteer with the organization. Pillion was one of 80 volunteers recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation as a 4-H Hall of Fame recipient during a ceremony held Aug. 12 at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. 4-H volunteers who provide exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H program are inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame at this annual event.

Pillion has represented exceptional commitment and support to the 4-H program and Extension services. She wears many hats as a 4-H volunteer. As the 4-H Federation co-advisor, she assists with meetings, events and donates much of her time and treats to this group. She also is a member of the Friends of Extension and 4-H fundraising committee, which committee works very hard organizing events and acquiring donations in support of Extension and Youth Development. In addition, Pillion is active throughout the year volunteering her time and donations to a variety of 4-H activities. Her input is highly regarded and appreciated and the University of Illinois Extension- LaSalle County feels extremely fortunate to have her support. The staff is always happy to see Pillion in the Ottawa office.

In a brief essay read at the ceremony, 4-H and Youth Development coordinator Toni Pienta said Pillions is a caring, dedicated and generous leader. The Extension and 4-H program believes this honor is very well deserved and they expressed their appreciation to Pillion for services to the organization.

This is the 15th year the Illinois 4-H Foundation has sponsored a ceremony for Hall of Fame recipients. The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

For more information about 4-H programming, call the University of Illinois Extension office in Ottawa at (815) 433-0707.