MSU Extension 4-H Scholarships & Recognition Program

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member and provides an opportunity to receive recognition for their engagement in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development. State award applications are divided into four categories: Mark of Excellence essay contest (11-12 years old), junior state award (13-15 years old), senior state award (16-19 years old) and group awards (13-19 years old).

In 2023, Michigan State University Extension recognized outstanding 4-H members in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program during the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 21. Winning the senior Michigan 4-H State Award for Beef Science was Bridget Paidl, of Menominee County.

Last year, Bridget Paidl was in her ninth year in the Michigan 4-H program. She was a member of the Crafty Critters 4-H Beef Club and the 4-H Youth Council, where she was the vice-president of both groups. In addition, she was the Menominee County Fair Queen and a member of both the Junior Market Livestock Board and the Department Advisory Committee at the U.P. State Fair.

“Through 4-H, I have become the person I am today,” said Paidl. “Not only has it made me who I am, but has given me lifelong friendships and leaders to look up to. 4-H and everyone I have met through 4-H has fostered my passion for animals and led me to the path I am considering for my future.”

Learn more about 2023 winner, Bridget Paidl.

How did you become involved in 4-H?

The first club I ever joined was the Looking Good Club. This club is a sewing, cooking and craft group. I learned how to make clothes, quilts, many different meals and so many different crafts. I found interest in this club because my older sister belonged to it. So, once I was old enough (in fourth grade), I joined.

What other projects have you participated in outside your award area?

With lots of convincing, I was allowed to purchase my first market lamb and join the Knee Deep in the Barnyard 4-H Club in tenth grade. This club is not only for sheep, but pigs and goats as well. I was able to learn lots about small market livestock animals. It amazed me how different showmanship, feeding and prepping for shows was for a sheep compared to a steer. 

What are some skills you’ve learned in 4-H?

A skill I have learned is problem solving and calf care through my market projects in 4-H. One of my 4-H market steers was exposed to and got ringworm. I was able to identify and treat this fungal infection quickly because I groomed and looked over my steer’s hide. I was able to identify this infection by noticing the hair loss in a circular pattern. I was able to quickly treat and prevent the spread of this to myself and other cattle. With my hard work treating and preventing the spread of infection, I was so fortunate to have a healthy animal for the fair.

How has 4-H helped you grow as a leader?

Being part of a 4-H club and fair boards has given me courage to stand up for what I believe in. I am a good citizen and have a concern for my community. My passion for showing animals and love of the fairs has led me to be more involved by becoming a member of the Junior Market Livestock Board and a youth representative of the Department Advisory Committee. I get to be a leader on the board by helping better the community for my peers. This board taught me to work efficiently and how to express opinions to others. The board also taught me how to work with adults and help them understand what is happening among the fair youth.

What are some ways you give back to your community through 4-H?

My county’s 4-H community puts on an event called Super Saturday. At this event, I was able to help kids sew pillowcases, make exploding chalk and create other crafts. This day shows me how important it is to give back to the community. It is fun to help the children create something to be proud of. The best part of the day is sharing how much fun I have being involved in 4-H with the community.

Another way that I give back to the community is at the Menominee County Animal Shelter. My county’s youth council works together to clean the shelter and play with animals. Volunteering at the shelter is one of the things that have influenced me with what I want to do with my future.

What unique opportunities/experiences have you had through 4-H?

While participating at my county fair, I was shown a new side to cattle other than mine at home. Here I had my first experience with show cattle verses commercial cattle. This led me to the world of artificial insemination and how breeding works. I found a new interest in improving my herd to be more fit for the show cattle standard. Through artificial insemination I was able to bring a new breed into the group. With mostly all black Angus cows, I decided to take a chance and breed a Charolais into one cow. From her, I got an all-white heifer who I was able to breed and come out with an all-white show steer calf. This has made the calving season so much fun.

How has your 4-H involvement influenced your future plans?

4-H and everyone I have met through 4-H has fostered my passion for animals and led me to the path I am considering for my future. I plan to finish high school and learn more about my livestock. Then I plan to attend college to get a degree in animal science. I would then like to attend vet school and I plan to become a large animal veterinarian.  I would like to continue my family’s farm and expand my breeding stock. Most of all, I hope to one day be able to give back to my community. I plan to do this by helping with 4-H groups and maybe someday lead my own 4-H group. 4-H is a big part of my life and will continue to be!