Bargy named 2025 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Youth Sportsperson of the Year
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EmailAntrim County 4-H member Wyatt Bargy wins prestigious sportsmanship award for his involvement in 4-H animal science projects.
Good sportsmanship is a critical skill for youth. Competitive events and activities provide a great opportunity for young people to learn how to be fair, respectful and gracious – whether they win or lose. Demonstrating good sportsmanship is not just for youth 4-H members; it applies to everyone involved, including volunteers, parents, leaders and others.
The Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes one youth member and one adult 4-H leader who exemplify the definition of sportsmanship. The winners of this award have gone above and beyond to lead by example and lend a helping hand to those around them during animal science programs.
Michigan State University Extension is proud to recognize Wyatt Bargy, a 4-H member in Antrim County who participates in beef projects, as the 2025 youth winner of this award. Wyatt received an outstanding nomination from Sandra Pyle, a 4-H volunteer in his county. Wyatt has consistently demonstrated strong sportsmanship throughout his 4-H experience, however, one remarkable event from this year particularly distinguished his nomination.
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This year at the fair, Wyatt profited from the sale of his market beef project. Later in the auction, he noticed a fellow 4-H member struggling to sell her steer. Without hesitation, Wyatt jumped in and bid on her steer. He was the sole bidder, so he ended up purchasing the animal.
After he purchased it, he used the power of social media to sell the processed beef within their community. He received a lot of positive feedback from this, and rightfully so. His community rallied around this act of kindness, resulting in significant profit. Wyatt took all the money from the sale of the processed beef and gave it right back to the other 4-H member.
His nominator Sandra said, “This [act] shows how much Wyatt respects other 4-H members and the big heart he has. We as 4-H leaders strive to interact with young people of this caliber. We count ourselves lucky to guide youth like Wyatt to become outstanding citizens.”
Wyatt has been the president of his 4-H club for the past three years and participates in numerous community service projects. Sandra mentioned that he also helps his club members halter break their steers, transports their animals to the fairgrounds, and teaches them how to sharpen their showmanship skills.
This nomination speaks volumes to Wyatt’s character and the impression he makes on everyone around him. Congratulations, Wyatt!
Twenty youth from across Michigan were nominated for the 2025 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award. Each of them deserves recognition for the ways they demonstrated good sportsmanship this year. The 2025 nominees were:
- Evelyn A., Jackson County
- Stellamia A., Monroe County
- Annie B., Huron County
- Tracy C., Osceola County
- Mikayla D., Clare County
- Reece E., Shiawassee County
- Sarah H., Saginaw County
- Jordan H., Livingston County
- Makayla K., Van Buren County
- Anthony K., Van Buren County
- Tally L., Allegan County
- Conner M., Arenac County
- Rachel P-N., Livingston County
- Joel R., Kalkaska County
- Grace S., Manistee County
- Aleah S., Houghton-Keweenaw
- Sydni S., Saginaw County
- Fox T., Ionia County
- Emma V., Delta County
The 2025 adult winner of this award is Steve Trattles, a 4-H leader in St. Joseph County. Read more about why he was selected in an upcoming article!
Interested in becoming involved in 4-H animal science projects? Contact your local MSU Extension Office to find a 4-H club near you.
