2025 Michigan 4-H State Award winners announced
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EmailOutstanding 4-H members were honored for their accomplishments in leadership, service and life skill development during the 2025 4-H Exploration Days.
The Michigan 4-H State Awards program recognized outstanding 4-H members during 4-H Exploration Days on June 18. Hosted by Michigan State University Extension, the celebration took place on the campus of Michigan State University.
A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members and recognizes excellence in learning, leadership and service. In total, 38 4-H members from 15 counties submitted applications for this year’s program.
“We have so many remarkable youth in the Michigan 4-H program and our 4-H State Award winners are shining examples of the incredible 4-H’ers we have in our communities” said Jodi Schulz, state 4-H leader for Michigan 4-H and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “We commend all of this year’s winners for their outstanding commitment to improving their own development, clubs and communities through their leadership, service and education.”
Michigan 4-H State Awards were presented in 17 of the 22 available award categories that showcase the diverse array of 4-H knowledge, skills and experience. Recipients of the 2025 awards are:
- Achievement: William Rogers of Washtenaw County
- Beef Science: Emma Verbeek of Delta County (junior division)
- Birds and Poultry Science: Avery Mastej of Van Buren County (junior division)
- Civic Engagement and Service: Brandon Fisher of Monroe County (senior division)
- Companion Animal Science: Taylor Johnson of St. Joseph County (junior division) and Makenzie Rehberg of Monroe County (senior division)
- Dairy Science: Adrianne Balchik of Gogebic County (junior division) and Harper Jane Adkins of Washtenaw County (senior division)
- Equine Science: Lillian Wasson of Oceana County (junior division)
- Food, Nutrition, Health and Fitness: Vivienne Turri of Washtenaw County (junior division)
- Gardening and Horticulture: Trent Simons of Otsego County (junior division)
- Goat Science: Aleah Simpson of Houghton County (junior division) and Alison Borowski of Alpena County (senior division)
- Leadership: Zoe Rorick of Lenawee County (senior division)
- Rabbit and Cavy Science: Lyla Lapaugh of Eaton County (junior division)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): John Jinks of Monroe County (junior division)
- Sheep Science: Morgen Schmidt of Monroe County (junior division) and Owen Plum of Lenawee County (senior division)
- Swine Science: Taylor Trattles of St. Joseph County (junior division)
- Visual, Performing and Expressive Arts: Verina Duncan of Eaton County (senior division)
The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to 4-H members who are 12 to 19 years old with two or more years of 4-H experience. To qualify for the award, 4-H’ers must submit a written application that showcases the learning experiences, knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through their participation in 4-H, as well as their contributions to their local 4-H programs, clubs and communities. Submissions are reviewed by the Michigan 4-H State Awards selection committee. This group of volunteers, staff members and industry experts determine which members are selected as award finalists. All applicants receive written feedback from selection committees.
Finalist in the senior (ages 16 to 19), achievement (18-19), and group categories then complete an interview using video conference technology. Completing a video interview provides an opportunity for 4-H members to practice real-world workforce skills.
“Michigan 4-H is helping today’s youth become beyond ready for whatever comes next in life and our 4-H State Awards process is just one of the ways we do that,” explained Lisa Bottomley, co-director for MSU Extension children and youth programs. “Whether they’re applying for college or a job, learning how to complete an application and interview is a necessary skill. We’re proud of these youth for taking the time and effort to complete this process and extend our congratulations for their accomplishments!”
In addition to a plaque, each 4-H State Award winner in the senior division received a $300 cash award, junior winners received $100 cash awards, and achievement award winner received $500. These awards are made possible by generous donations to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
To learn more about Michigan 4-H Youth Development, contact your local Michigan State University Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H website.
