Sangamon County Board member David Mendenhall has been recognized for his commitment to youth development with a prestigious 4-H Excellence Award. The recent ceremony at the Illinois State Fair celebrated Mendenhall's contributions and inducted him into the revered Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.
Illinois 4-H leaders say, “Mendenhall is a tireless advocate for 4-H in the community, sharing with others why 4-H is so important and the impact it makes on youth. He is a volunteer who always answers the call to help, and he goes above and beyond to offer his time and leadership in a variety of roles.”
Mendenhall's dedication to 4-H and the ag community is evident through his extensive involvement in rural policy and protection. His service on the County Board includes roles on the Zoning, Finance, and Road and Bridge Committees. Prior to his service on the County Board, Mendenhall had a 30-year tenure as Assistant Chief of the Mechanicsburg Fire Department.
Beyond these roles, Mendenhall passionately advocates for 4-H, recruiting volunteers and actively engaging with 4-H alumni. He shares, "Supporting the future leaders of Ag is not just an investment in our community but in the sustainability of agriculture itself."