MSU Extension 4-H

William Rogers is 18 years-old and a member of the Saline 4-H Farmers Club in Washtenaw County. He has been involved in 4-H for 13 years, where he has taken on a wide range of leadership roles and community service activities. William serves as president of both the Saline 4-H Farmers Club and the Livestock and Dairy Club for Washtenaw County, as well as president of the Washtenaw County 4-H Small Animal Committee. He is also a dedicated Cloverbud mentor. In June of 2025, William was named the winner of the senior Michigan 4-H State Award in Achievement.

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 (10-11 years old), junior state award (12-15 years old), senior state award (16-19 years old) and group awards (13-19 years old). The Achievement Award is open only to 18–19-year-olds and celebrates an individual’s overall 4-H career; this is the final Michigan 4-H State Award that an individual can earn and can only be won once.

“Being a leader in 4-H and in my community has shaped me as a person to help me become who I am and who I will be in the future,” said William.

In 2025, Michigan State University Extension recognized outstanding 4-H members in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program following the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 18. Learn more about winner, William Rogers.

How did you become involved in 4-H?

I became involved in 4-H when I was 5 years old. I have followed in the footsteps of my older sister and my parents, with all the opportunities that 4-H has given them. Now 4-H gives me unique opportunities that I will use in my future life and career.

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

Outside of my leadership award area, I have participated in a wide variety of 4-H projects that have helped me grow in many ways. I have completed numerous still project categories, including ceramics, photography, horticulture, gardening, baking, recyclables, kits, metal working, painting, quilting and leather crafts. I have also shown a variety of animals at the fair, including calves, goats, sheep, pocket pets, dogs, rabbits, poultry and game birds. Additionally, I’ve been involved in archery lessons, where I learned lifelong skills and hope to use them in longbow hunting.

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

I have learned how to become a better leader in life and form myself into a role model for younger 4-H members and peers. I have learned parliamentary procedure and help come up with new solutions for the issues that may arise in my clubs. I have learned to be patient and how to be a good teacher to younger 4-H members.

By showing animals, I have also taught myself responsibility by taking care of my animals and learning about them. Helping the younger youth has taught me to put others first, instead of putting myself first. With animals, you can work with them and feed and water them before doing something you want to do.

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

4-H has played a pivotal role in shaping my growth as a leader. Through my 13 years of participation, I have gained valuable skills and experiences that have enhanced my leadership abilities and prepared me for future opportunities.

One of the most significant leadership roles I have held in 4-H is being the president of the Saline 4-H Farmers Club, youth president of the Washtenaw County 4-H Livestock and Dairy Club, and president of the Washtenaw County 4-H Small Animal Committee. These positions have taught me essential leadership skills, including how to effectively organize meetings, work collaboratively with other officers, and apply parliamentary procedure to keep discussions on track. Leading these clubs has also helped me to think critically and solve problems, particularly when facing challenges or disagreements. I learned how to motivate others, delegate tasks and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard—skills that are crucial in any leadership role.

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

Through my 4-H involvement, I give back to my community in several ways. First, I volunteer my time with various 4-H projects, like the Washtenaw County 4-H Fair, where I help set-up, lead and mentor other 4-H members, especially younger kids. For example, I am a mentor for Cloverbud members, teaching them how to care for and show animals like goats, chickens and rabbits.

I also dedicate my time to helping with community service projects through 4-H. Over the years, I have participated in numerous volunteer opportunities, such as planting flowers for elderly community members, making cards for the elderly, and preparing baskets for people in need. One of my most impactful contributions was raising turkeys for the poultry community service project. I raised the turkeys from chicks and, after showing one at the fair, donated another to Saline Area Social Services to help provide food for those in need.

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

I’ve been involved in teaching farm safety at local events like Project RED, where I’ve volunteered by presenting and sharing knowledge about farm animals and agriculture with young kids. It is heartwarming to see the kids’ faces when they get to pet the animals. This is very significant to our community. Some kids have never seen animals up close or have touched animals before.

Another unique experience is that I have participated in 4-H archery lessons held at the fairgrounds. I learned more about archery and got to shoot arrows at the practices. This is a lifelong skill that I will remember.

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

In 2025, William was accepted to Michigan State University, where he plans to major in agribusiness. His 4-H experience has guided him toward a future in agriculture, and he hopes to one day own a farm or become an agricultural educator.