MSU Extension Macomb County

Macomb County 4-H members and volunteers can earn awards and recognition at the county and state levels for their work in 4-H. Members and volunteers are encouraged to apply or nominate an outstanding 4-H'er or volunteer for one or more of these awards. 

Macomb County 4-H Awards Program

The Macomb County 4-H Awards Program honors the achievements of 4-H youth, clubs, and volunteers. If you’re a Michigan 4-H member enrolled in a Macomb County program and between the ages of 11 and 19 (as of January 1 of the current program year), you’re eligible to apply!

By participating in the County 4-H Awards Program, you will:

• Learn how to showcase your accomplishments on scholarship, college, and job applications
• Gain confidence and experience for future interviews
• Set new goals, strengthen your skills, and explore new interests
• Have the chance to win a cash prize

Youth Awards

• Project Awards - Junior - Age 11–15 (Scoring Rubric, Story Guide)
• Project Awards - Senior - Age 16–19 (Scoring Rubric, Story Guide)
• Achievement Award – Age 14+ (Scoring Rubric, Story Guide)
• Citizenship Award – Age 14+ (Scoring Rubric, Story Guide)
• Individual Community Service Award – Age 14+ (Scoring Rubric, Story Guide)
• Clear the Hurdle Award – Age 14+ (Nomination required)
• Sportsmanship Award – Age 14+ (Nomination required)

Adult Awards

• 4-H Volunteer of the Year – Nomination required
• 4-H Leader of the Year – Nomination required
• 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award – Nomination required
• Friend of 4-H – Nomination required

4-H Club Awards

• Club Community Service Award (Scoring Rubric)

Applications and nominations are due by October 15, 2025. Award recipients will be recognized at the 2025 Macomb County 4-H Awards Banquet on November 10. For more information, contact 4-H Program Coordinator Nikki Knight at knightn9@msu.edu or 586-469-5979.

Special thanks to the Macomb County 4-H Youth Council for its support of the Macomb County 4-H Awards Program.

Macomb County 4-H Horse Program Awards

Macomb County 4-H Horse Program awards information can be found on the Macomb County 4-H Horse Program Committee web page. Youth may apply for the Bill Collins Award, Jane Sylvester Award, Knapp Memorial Horse Leadership Award, Vincent B. Cesaro Memorial Award, Hall of Fame Versatility Award, Showmanship Award, and Equitation Rider Challenge Trophy. The application deadline for these awards is August 31st.

Macomb County’s Finest 4-H’er

Macomb County’s Finest 4-H’er is a self-motivated youth who promotes the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities that they acquired in 4-H alongside fellow members, community members, community leaders, elected officials and non-4-H youth. Macomb County’s Finest 4-H’er serves to strengthen the 4-H program through building relationships and gaining new skills through public relations. These individuals are knowledgeable about the 4-H program, and they are passionate and active in the Macomb County 4-H program. Registered Macomb County 4-H members ages 12-19 with at least two (2) years of 4-H experience are eligible to apply. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on June 30.

State 4-H Awards Program

Registered Michigan 4-H youth members who are ages 12-19 as of January 1 of the current 4-H program year may apply for State 4-H Awards. A State 4-H Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member.  State 4-H Award winners will receive a plaque and a cash award.

Michigan 4-H youth members who are ages 10-11 as of January 1 of the current 4-H program year may apply for a 4-H Mark of Excellence Award. To enter, they must submit a video or journal entry on the theme, “Because of 4-H I can…” Mark of Excellence entries are submitted to the member’s local MSU Extension 4-H office. Up to two (2) essays will advance to the state level.