Marine woman named to state 4-H Hall of Fame

Debbie Adamick’s involvement in 4-H started when she was just 10. Because her family moved frequently, sometimes it was difficult to participate. But no matter where she went, 4-H was always what she wanted to do.

“4-H for me was a way to meet other kids and learn things. There were five of us (siblings), and we moved around a lot. I thought 4-H was just a good group to be in,” said Adamick.

When she became a mother, she wanted her kids to have those same positive experiences.

“4-H is all about encouraging the kids and teaching them. We want to push them and keep them going — don’t give up at it. 4-H teaches morals better than sports,” said Adamick, who lives on a farm near Marine. It’s where she and her husband Greg raised their eight children: Jessie, 35; Mary, 34; Becky, 33; Anita, 31; Bobbie and Billie, 29; Casey, 24; and Wesley, 19, all of whom participated in 4-H.

For the last 28 years, Adamick has been using 4-H as a platform to teach her own children, and many others.

“When you’re in 4-H, you don’t just learn about morals. You learn about community service through projects and that’s really important,” Adamick said. “Kids need to know they should do things for people without being rewarded.”

Over the better part of three decades, Adamick has served as a 4-H leader, livestock superintendent, and federation leader. Her passion and dedication have now earned her another title — Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame member.

“I was surprised, and it’s a nice thing,” Adamick said. “It’s a very big honor, and I’m really happy about it.”

The Illinois 4-H Foundation will officially induct her as a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2016 during this year’s Illinois State Fair in Springfield. 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. Nominations for the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame are made by University of Illinois Extension staff.

“Debbie is committed and passionate to helping youth develop into strong individuals. She is willing to offer a helping hand when needed. Her contribution to 4-H over the past 28 years doesn’t go unnoticed,” a post on the Madison County 4-H/University of Illinois Extension Facebook page read.

And Adamick has no plans of stopping. She is currently grooming the next generation in the 4-H tradition.

“All my grandkids are waiting to get into 4-H, because they want to show pigs and cattle,” Adamick said. “It’s a big family thing.”

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 7:32 AM with the headline "Marine woman named to state 4-H Hall of Fame."