News Release

Illinois earns top scores at National 4-H Forestry Invitational

Illinois placed first from the 15 states that participated in the 27^th annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational from Sunday, July 23, through Thursday, July 27.

The invitational was held at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, W.Va. The International Paper Company Foundation and the Cooperative Extension Service sponsored the event.

Illinois was represented by Zach Beever of Mansfield, Kerby Waddell, Elizabeth Shiley and Riley Hoss, all of Monticello. Dave Shiley coached the team.

Virginia and Arkansas placed second and third respectively. Elizabeth Shiley received the high-point individual award. Second place was given to Meghan Mullins of Virginia, and third place went to Zach Beever of Illinois.

The Joe Yeager leadership award was given to Chad Barclay of Pennsylvania.  This award is presented to the individual who demonstrated excellent communication, management, decision-making and interpersonal skills.

Students compete for overall team and individual awards in several categories.  Events included a forestry written exam, tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, the Forestry Bowl and forest evaluation.

4-H is a youth education program operated by Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state land grant universities. More than five-and-a-half million young people participate in 4-H, and nearly 100,000 are part of the 4-H Forestry Program.

The International Paper Company Foundation was created in 1953 as a philanthropic grant-making organization. It addresses educational and civic needs within the business communities of International Paper. The Foundation also supports organizations where employees actively volunteer.

For more information on the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, contact Dr. Robert Hansen at (570) 265-2896 or rsh7@psu.edu.