Walt Wright inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame

The Illinois 4-H Foundation annually recognizes 4-H volunteers for exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H program. This year, 75 new members were inducted in to the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame during a celebration Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. As a result of these volunteers’ years of service and leadership to the program they love, it is a way to thank them for their service to 4-H in Illinois.

Among those inducted was Walt Wright of Villa Grove. Walt was nominated by Douglas County for his decades of service to the program. As a 4-H club leader, he taught county-wide woodworking workshops. He was in charge of the Douglas County 4-H pork chop BBQ for years. He served as President of the Douglas County Extension Council during the years a new extension office building was planned and built. Walt was Chairman of the Illinois 4-H Advisory Council and was active in the program on the national level with the National 4-H Advisory Council. His involvement has continued with camp projects, workshops, and judging woodworking at county shows in the area. 

A retired educator, coach and program director for drug and alcohol abuse prevention and student assistance in the Villa Grove School system. Walt’s life has been driven by his desire to work with young people instilling the 4-H legacy and values in each succeeding generation.