Michigan 4-H announces 2026 4-H State Award winners
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EmailMichigan 4-H members were honored for their outstanding accomplishments in leadership, service and life skill development during the 2026 4-H Exploration Days.
The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program recognized outstanding 4-H members during 4-H Exploration Days on June 24. Hosted by Michigan State University Extension, the celebration took place on the campus of Michigan State University.
A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members and recognizes excellence in learning, leadership and service. In total, 56 4-H members from 22 counties submitted applications for this year’s program.
“Michigan 4-H is home to countless outstanding young people, and these 56 youth recognized with 4-H State Awards are inspiring examples of how 4-H is building beyond ready youth,” said Jodi Schulz, state leader for Michigan 4-H and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “This year’s winners illustrated an outstanding commitment to personal growth, leadership, service and learning—qualities that prepare them to make a positive impact in their communities and wherever their future takes them. Congratulations to each of our 2026 winners!”
Michigan 4-H State Awards were presented in 16 of the 22 available award categories that showcase the diverse array of 4-H knowledge, skills and experience. Recipients of the 2026 awards are:
- Achievement: Makayla King of Van Buren County
- Beef Science: Claire Propst of St. Joseph County (junior division) and Kylee Lantta of Gogebic County (senior division)
- Birds and Poultry Science: Edye Burdett of Alger County (junior division) and Holly Mitchell or Lenawee County (senior division)
- Career Development: Emma Rasch of Kent County (junior division)
- Companion Animal Science: Madison Rehberg of Monroe County (senior division)
- Dairy Science: Kylie Smith of Ionia County (junior division) and Sophia Nielsen of Ingham County (senior division)
- Equine Science: Emery Velat of Oceana County (junior division) and Alayna Hammerle of Oceana County (senior division)
- Goat Science: Ezri Westrate of Allegan County (junior division)
- Leadership: Lillian Wasson of Oceana County (junior division) and Quinn Phillips of Hillsdale County (senior division)
- Rabbit and Cavy Science: Avery Mastej of Van Buren County (junior division) and Lyla LaPaugh of Calhoun County (senior division)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Vincent Coppola of Livingston County (junior division)
- Sheep Science: Rachel Pollok-Newsom of Livingston County (junior division) and Daisy Branham of Monroe County (senior division)
- Swine Science: Emma Verbeek of Delta County (junior division) and Adrianne Balchik of Gogebic County (senior division)
- Versatility: Sophia Mason of Monroe County (junior division) and Lariah Copi of Van Buren County (senior division)
- Visual, Performing and Expressive Arts: Liam Lower of Ingham County (junior division) and Grace Schall or Monroe County (senior division)
- Group: Frankenmuth Pacesetters of Saginaw County, represented by Grace Pemble, Adeline Skidmore, Elliana Specht and Sydni Specht.
The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to 4-H members who are 12 to 19 years old with two or more years of 4-H experience. To qualify for the award, 4-H’ers must submit a written application that showcases the learning experiences, knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through their participation in 4-H, as well as their contributions to their local 4-H programs, clubs and communities. Submissions are reviewed by the Michigan 4-H State Awards selection committee. This group of volunteers, staff members and industry experts determine which members are selected as award finalists. All applicants receive written feedback from selection committees.
Finalists in the senior (ages 16 to 19), achievement (18-19), and group categories then complete an interview using video conference technology. Completing a video interview provides an opportunity for 4-H members to practice real-world workforce skills.
“Michigan 4-H is committed to helping youth become beyond ready for their futures, and the 4-H State Awards process provides an opportunity for young people to reflect on their accomplishments while developing real-world job skills,” said Lisa Bottomley, co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “The experience of documenting one’s achievements in an application and then effectively communicating them in an application is an important step in preparing for future success. We applaud these youth for their hard work in completing the process and are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
In addition to a plaque, each 4-H State Award winner in the senior division received a $300 cash award, junior winners received $100 cash awards, group awardees received a $400 cash award, and the achievement award winner received $500. These awards are made possible by generous donations to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
To learn more about Michigan 4-H Youth Development, contact your local Michigan State University Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H website.