PEORIA, Ill. — It was a bittersweet promotion when Kristi Smith accepted the position of coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension’s Peoria County 4-H program. Smith, who enjoyed the full spectrum of 4-H activities as a youth in the Peoria program, was handpicked for the job by her late boss and mentor, Cathy Ludolph. Ludolph had run the Peoria County program for the past two decades, helping thousands of area youth like Smith achieve their 4-H goals and dreams. 

When Ludolph passed away a little over a year ago, Smith fulfilled Ludolph’s wish that she would take over and re-energize the program. The results of Smith’s first full year of leadership were on proud display during the 2023 Peoria County 4-H Fair, held at Peoria’s Exposition Gardens July 12-14. 

“At the end of Cathy’s last fair she came to me and told me I should take over for her. I said I didn’t want to do that. But the job I was in at the time wasn’t really the best fit for me so I eventually reconsidered and applied for the (4-H coordinator) job, and here I am,” said Smith, who has built Ludolph’s legacy into a 12-chapter, 200-member Peoria County 4-H program with the addition of two new clubs since 2021.

Smith began her 4-H career at age 8, quickly falling in love with showing pigs she helped raise on her family’s rural Peoria County farm. 

“This is my home county and my home fair. I love this fair and this program; it’s where I learned to sew, it’s where I learned public speaking and how to bake pies,” she said. “After my 11 years in 4-H I began volunteering because my parents were the swine superintendents. I worked into that role, and then about five years ago I started the livestock judging team for the county.”

Nowadays, Smith spends her time leading other young people as they embark on or continue their 4-H journeys. She said the program remains vibrant year-round despite the usual challenges to participation (summer sports leagues, gaming, etc.) due to the number of area kids, parents and leaders who are fully committed to the county’s 4-H program.

“The kids are so involved; I always say that 4-H kids are the best kids in the world. Retaining membership is a challenge, but once kids are in 4-H and with the program, it sticks with them,” she said. 

The most important things kids can learn from 4-H membership involve life skills, according to Smith. “Sewing, cooking, gardening, civic engagement, leadership development — things like that are very important skills to have,” Smith said. 

The Peoria County 4-H Fair serves as the yearly culminating event for youth enrolled in the program. Those who earn blue ribbons from judges for their general interest and animal agriculture projects will have a chance to compete at the Illinois State Fair in August. 

Smith helped launch popular 4-H “spin” clubs for dairy and sheep that allow Peoria County youth to learn and enjoy showmanship without having to own their own animals. Many of those youths were present at the Peoria County 4-H Fair, hoping for a chance to become a “master showman” and advance to the state competition in Springfield.

Peoria County 4-H also offers robotics and gardening spin clubs. Smith said she would like to add entrepreneurship and other spin clubs in the future. “There are a lot of kids who have nothing in their past to do with livestock or ag, but there are plenty of projects offered in 4-H for them to do as well,” said Smith, adding that around half of the county 4-H program’s members come from families involved in agriculture and food production.  

By the first of September, Smith will be organizing workshops and recruiting efforts designed to bring more youth ages 5-18 into the county’s 4-H program. She summarized her goals as Peoria County 4-H coordinator as making sure “kids have fun” while learning valuable skills that often aren’t taught in modern school curriculums.

“As long as they walk away at the end of each year with something to take away that was super-fun and they learned something, I think I’ve done my job,” said Smith, adding that Ludolph’s memory will continue to help guide her moving forward with her 4-H career.

“(Ludolph) is missed. She was amazing and an inspiration to many, while being devoted to every single 4-H member’s growth and success,” Smith said. “In her honor we have started the Cathy Ludolph Opportunity Scholarship. Kids who can’t afford the individual project they would like to do or maybe just need a little extra help can apply for this funding for their project.”

Examples of uses for the scholarship funding include the purchase of lumber for a woodworking project, cake decorating supplies or photographic equipment. The scholarship is sponsored by Ludolph’s husband, Harold, and their family along with the Peoria County 4-H Auction Committee.

“Cathy planned to continue with 4-H as a volunteer after she retired,” Smith said, “but it just didn’t work out that way, sadly.” 

However, Ludolph’s legacy will live on forever through the Cathy Ludolph Opportunity Scholarship, which is open to any registered and approved Peoria County 4-H member.