FREEPORT — Stephenson County 4-H recently announced that Dorothy Wire has been selected as one of only two individuals in the state to receive the prestigious 2025 Illinois 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Award. This honor is the highest recognition given to Illinois 4-H volunteers, celebrating those whose leadership and service have made a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Dorothy’s dedication to 4-H spans nearly four decades, with her passion for the program deeply rooted in her own youth. Growing up as a 4-H member in Green County, Wisconsin, she began her journey at age ten and was honored as the “Achievement Girl” for the Juda/Brodhead area in 1964. That early recognition ignited a lifelong commitment to the program that she later shared with her own children.
When her oldest son joined 4-H, Dorothy stepped into the role of volunteer, quickly becoming an indispensable leader in Stephenson County. For 28 years, she served as the club leader of the Lena Lucky Clovers (1986—2014), guiding countless youth in developing essential life skills, confidence, and leadership. Even after stepping down, she continued mentoring the next leader, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing success for the club.
Beyond her role as a club leader, Dorothy has served as Stephenson County 4-H Superintendent for Natural Resource projects — including beekeeping, entomology, forestry, and geology — for more than 30 years. She has also dedicated over 20 years to the county’s Leadership and Awards Committee, where she has mentored youth in record-keeping and judged record books at both the county and state levels. She firmly believes that teaching youth to keep accurate records builds critical skills for future opportunities such as college and career readiness.
Dorothy’s efforts have been widely recognized over the years. She was named the Stephenson County 4-H Volunteer of the Year in 2005, honored with the Stephenson County 4-H Family of the Year, and in 2020, recognized for her 34 years of service as a 4-H leader.
“Dorothy has truly dedicated her life to 4-H,” said Jen Schultz, Stephenson County 4-H Program Coordinator. “Her nearly 40 years of mentorship and leadership have left an incredible mark on Stephenson County. This recognition is a well-deserved celebration of her service and passion.”
With 39 years of volunteer service, Dorothy Wire’s unwavering dedication to empowering youth, building community, and fostering lifelong skills has left a profound and lasting legacy in Stephenson County and beyond.
For more information about Stephenson County 4-H or how to get involved in future events, contact Jen Schultz at the University of Illinois Extension—Stephenson County office at (815) 235-4125 or js80@illinois.edu.
About Illinois 4-H
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond ready— ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped for life today and ready to thrive tomorrow.
About Illinois Extension
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
