LA SALLE COUNTY - The University of Illinois Extension Bureau, LaSalle and Marshall-Putnam 4-H is honoring the seniors of 2020. This week, they are highlighting Lance Moritz, a member of the South Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club in LaSalle County.

Lance’s favorite project area in 4-H is welding. Over the past five years he has exhibited projects in this area having made items such as a sheep shearing stand, work bench and shop stool. Both the items he made and the skills he learned will be used for years to come on his family farm.

During the past nine years in 4-H, Lance exhibited a variety of projects at the LaSalle County 4-H Fair. This included woodworking, welding, tractor safety, crops, sheep and swine, and while working on each of his 4-H projects, he was given the opportunity to try new things and has always tried to learn as much as possible from the industry professionals he was introduced to.

Lance said the 4-H program has given him a great platform to exhibit his projects at the state and local levels and has been the highlight of his summers since he was old enough to remember. In addition to the skills he learned through these projects, he also acquired valuable knowledge and leadership skills while serving a two-year term as his club’s treasurer and participating in several community service projects and trips. Throughout the years, he learned that 4-H is more than just projects at the fair, rather it is more about the leadership skills, hands on training and friendships, all of which will make an impact on his future. 

Lance has several great memories while being in 4-H, but his favorite is probably helping paint and sign the demolition derby car that was sponsored by their 4-H club. He also really enjoyed attending the derby and the tractor/truck pulls every year with his friends.

When asked what advice he had for younger members, Lance replied, “My advice to younger 4-H’ers is to be active and not be afraid to get involved! 4-H is a fun way to learn all kinds of new things! Don’t be afraid to suggest an idea at a monthly meeting or sign up to attend a workshop so that you can learn a new skill that you didn’t know that you had. The things you learn and the friends that you make in 4-H will last a lifetime!”

Lance plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College to pursue Associate degrees in agronomy and welding. He plans to manage the fourth generation of Moritz Farms and the family business, Moritz Lawn Care, in the future.

In closing, he expressed his appreciation to Kit and Jen Passwater for their amazing leadership and guidance. “They always go above and beyond in planning for our club/community activities, fair events and leadership activities!” he said. “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Passwater.”

If you have questions or if you would like information about joining 4-H, e-mail Toni Pienta at fusinatt@illinois.edu for LaSalle County, Danielle Gapinski at des85@illinois.edu for Bureau County or Anne Scheel at amscheel@illinois.edu for Marshall-Putnam. University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit may be reached by phone at (815) 224-0889.