4-H members receive 2026 Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence awards
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EmailTwenty-two 4-H members from 16 counties receive recognition in the 2026 Mark of Excellence Awards.
Every year, 10- and 11-year-old Michigan 4-H’ers reflect on their 4-H experiences as part of the Michigan 4-H State Awards 4-H Mark of Excellence contest. Youth may submit a video or journal entry with their reflections; each Michigan county 4-H program may select two entries to be recognized as winners.
The essay theme for the 2026 contest was “4-H Beyond Ready.” Youth referenced the various ways that 4-H is helping to ready them for their future, be that work, college or life in general. Some contest participants described how their 4-H experiences have allowed them to try new projects and interests, explore new places and help their dreams come true. Others credited 4-H with helping them increase their public speaking skills, confidence and time management skills.
“Michigan 4-H is helping young people become beyond ready for life at school, in the workplace and in their communities,” said Jodi Schulz, state leader for Michigan 4-H and co-director of Michigan State University Extension’s children and youth programs. “The 4-H Mark of Excellence contest provides a meaningful way for young 4-H’ers to celebrate how far they’ve come while still looking ahead to where their 4-H journey may lead.”
Overall, 22 4-H members from 16 counties were honored as 2026 Mark of Excellence state winners.
- Grace Abbring, Grand Traverse County
- Noah Black, Cass County
- Dorothy (Dottie) Brigham, Oakland County
- Brennan Carlson, Menominee County
- Gracelynn Deal, Saginaw County
- Kelsey Dickinson, Branch County
- Rylyn Freis, Menominee County
- Kadey Gallo, Gogebic County
- Kylie Huff, St. Joseph County
- Lewis Khloe, Jackson County
- Allison Kowalski, Oakland County
- Kamryn Lawrason, Gladwin County
- Potter Leigha, Barry County
- Ireland Mason, Monroe County
- Lorenzo Mendoza, Branch County
- Eden Milutin, Saginaw County
- Brody Reister, Livingston County
- Michael Schneider, Berrien County
- Molly Smith, Ionia County
- Rilee Ultz, St. Joseph County
- Scarlett Wells, Monroe County
- Clint Wiltshire, Osceola County
“It’s always so interesting to see the personal reflections that these 10- and 11-year-old 4-H’ers make about their 4-H experience,” said Lisa Bottomley, co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “They have so much development in just a few short years, we know the future is bright for these youth as they continue to explore, learn and grow into a beyond ready future.”
Thanks to the generous support of donors to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, each recipient received a medal and statewide recognition. To learn more about Michigan 4-H Youth Development, contact your local MSU Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H website.
