This document printed from the University of Illinois Extension McLean County at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/
Frequently Asked Questions
Recognition of Excellence Program
Q. What is Recognition of Excellence?
A. A program to recognize the accomplishments of all Illinois 4-H members.
Q. What are the My 4-H Project Record forms?
A. The My 4-H Project Record forms serve as a record of what the 4-Her has learned and accomplished in their 4-H projects by Award/Curriculum area. This form is unique to McLean County. Forms available on line at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/4hyouth241.html
Q. What is the Standards of Excellence & Achievement form?
A. This form outlines the 9 Standards of Excellence by age and encourages members to record their activities that they participate in that may not have a direct tie to a project. This form is unique to McLean County. Forms available on line at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/4hyouth241.html
Q. What is the Illinois 4-H Award Application?
A. The Illinois 4-H Award Application is all a member needs to apply for county and state awards in one or more specific award/curriculum areas. No other records will be used in selecting county and state award winners. The application covers the member's entire 4-H career. Suggested starting ages 12-14 years old.
A. In addition to the 4-H show, members may also be recognized for achieving certain performance standards in the Illinois 4-H Program. These awards are presented at the end of the 4-H year at the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony or at local community club "achievement nights" to members achieving the standards appropriate for their age group.
Q. What is the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony?
A. It is the county recognition ceremony. It is held in November of each year and highlights accomplishments of members throughout the year.
Q. Which awards are presented at the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony?
A. Currently members who fill out the My 4-H Project Record and the Standards of Excellence & Achievement forms are recognized at the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony if they fall in the First Year Outstanding, Key Award, and County Excellence categories.
When members fill out the Illinois 4-H Award Application, they are also eligible for the following awards that are presented at the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony:
County Curriculum Awards
I Dare You Award (Achievement)
State Award, State Blue Award
Mosbacher & Holder Scholarships
Q. What awards are presented at a local community club's "achievement night?"
A. When the members fill out the My 4-H Project Record and the Standards of Excellence & Achievement forms they are eligible to receive the following: First Year Outstanding*, Project Achievement, Service Achievement, Leadership Achievement, Key Award*, County Excellence* and New Alumni. Clubs may also recognize members who could not make the county ceremony. Clubs may also recognize the same winners from the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony.
*First Year Outstanding, Key Award and County Excellence may be presented if the member couldn't attend the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony.
Recognition of Excellence Program
The goal and or intention of the forms are to:
Give 4-H members a written/typed record of their experiences in 4-H.
Remind members of the Standards for Excellence and to encourage participation in all that 4-H offers.
Increase member participation in completion of the Illinois 4-H Award Application to receive advanced awards and recognition in 4-H.
Provide an opportunity for members to think and express their ideas and prepare for future resume writing and career prospects.
Key facts about the My 4-H Project Record and the Standards of Excellence & Achievement form:
Depending on the projects enrolled in, members will get ONE copy of the My 4-H Project Record form in EACH Award/Curriculum area.
Example: If you enroll in horses, cats, and clothing you will receive an Animal Science and a Home & Family form.
These forms are available online for members to fill out and carry on from year to year. Members do not have to use a new sheet or form each year if you are typing them and saving them on the computer.
If several projects are taken spanning several curriculum areas members can CHOOSE to focus on a few Award/Curriculum areas so that they do not have to fill out a My 4-H Project Record form in each area.
Example: If you are enrolled in visual arts, leadership, breads and cereals, food demonstration, beef, horses, horticulture and welding: You can CHOOSE to focus on Personal Development, Food, Nutrition & Health and Animal Science.
If members decide to fill out the Illinois 4-H Award Application be sure to ask your 4-H leader if you still need to fill out the Standards of Excellence & Achievement completely. Members may only nee to fill out the standards checklist, and not the entire form. (Because of similar information is asked for in the Illinois 4-H Award Application.)
For answers to any questions about the forms and/or the Recognition of Excellence program please ask a 4-H volunteer leader or call the 4-H office at 309-663-8306.
