Celebrating youth excellence at the 2025 Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase
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EmailMichigan youth receive feedback and scholarships through achievements in the virtual showcase.
A total of 116 outstanding youth from across Michigan participated in the 2025 Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase, hosted by the Michigan State Fair in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension. This innovative virtual platform gave youth ages 5 to 19 the opportunity to exhibit their projects and talents alongside peers from 42 counties statewide.
Together, these young participants submitted over 390 projects spanning a wide range of categories. Project evaluations began on August 11, with each entry receiving an A, B or C rating based on established standards.
Youth submitted photos and videos of their projects through the FairEntry online platform, showcasing their work in traditional areas such as livestock showmanship, horses, draft horses and Proud Equestrian Program classes, as well as still exhibits like crafts, creative writing and baking. The showcase also welcomed non-traditional projects, including educational demonstrations in urban agriculture, leadership and more — offering a space for creativity and innovation.
To view entries and placings in the 2025 Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase, please choose the “View Results” button on the 2025 Virtual Showcase FairEntry website.
In addition to recognition for their hard work, participants had the opportunity to apply for $1,000 post-secondary education scholarships, generously funded by the Michigan State Fair Foundation in partnership with the Michigan 4-H Foundation. These scholarships were open to all youth ages 8 to 19 who took part in the virtual showcase. Winners represented a diverse array of projects, including dogs, goats, knitting, writing, maple syrup, woodworking, metal belt buckles, STEM research and draft horses.
Recipients of the 2025 Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase Scholarships are:
- Brandon F., Monroe County
- Bryant J., Ionia County
- Elizabeth G., Wayne County
- Leslie C., Schoolcraft County
- Lillian W., Oceana County
- Lowell S., Kent County
- Marissa B., Gratiot County
- Oliver S., Kent County
- Tikristi O., Midland County
For youth considering future participation in the Michigan 4-H Youth Development Program or the virtual showcase, scholarship recipients offered this advice:
- “…Take the chance and take the risk. You’ll never know what animal you like showing more or what exhibit category you might enjoy exploring.”
- “Sometimes [you[ just need some hands-on learning to know that [you] can do the project, too.”
- “You don’t need to know everything to begin.”
- “Trying something new can feel scary, but it’s also how we grow.”
- “Sometimes, just hearing someone say ‘You’ve got this’ makes all the difference.”
The 2025 Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase was a celebration of creativity, dedication and growth. It highlighted the incredible talents of Michigan’s youth and provided a platform for youth to learn and share their sparks.
