Shirk named 2026 Michigan 4-H Volunteer of the Year
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EmailBranch County 4-H volunteer Bryan Shirk has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award.
Branch County 4-H volunteer Bryan Shirk has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award. The 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to outstanding 4-H volunteers who have 10 years of service or less. Winners are selected through a statewide nomination and review process.
The Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards highlight the important work of 4-H volunteers across the state who share their time, energy and commitment with 4-H every day to improve the lives of Michigan young people. Through the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards program, Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program honors outstanding volunteers for their unwavering dedication to 4-H and Michigan young people.
Since returning to his home community seven years ago, Shirk has been committed to 4-H and helping young people grow. Once a 4-H’er himself in the Branch County 4-H program, Shirk stepped into a volunteer role and has continued to give back ever since. His dedication, leadership, and passion for youth development have made a lasting impact at the county, state and national levels.
Shirk has helped to update the State 4-H Rabbit Showmanship Guide, organize the State 4-H Rabbit Show, and lead many county workshops in rabbits, cavies and poultry to prepare youth for the county fair. As Small Animal Superintendent for the Branch County Fair, Shirk created an annual newsletter explaining project requirements, age divisions, and fair expectations, ensuring families have accurate and accessible information.
“Bryan consistently goes above and beyond, continually dreaming, innovating, and creating new opportunities to ensure youth have meaningful, high-quality experiences through 4-H,” said Megan Wilczynski, the Branch County MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator who nominated Shirk.
Always looking for new ways to expand learning opportunities, Shirk also created a buyer letter workshop to help youth successfully promote their market projects, and has also has taught sessions and served as a chaperone at 4-H Exploration Days. He is currently collaborating with Extension colleagues in Michigan and New York to develop a comprehensive poultry education program. In addition, Shirk who breeds rabbits, has donated animals to 4-H members so they can participate in projects, learn responsibility, and develop valuable life skills.
“My greatest reward is watching the individual youth that I’ve mentored grow up to become great young adults who give back to our community in so many ways,” said Shirk.
Shirk’s leadership has helped grow Branch County’s small animal program while strengthening a culture of mentorship, teamwork, volunteerism and service. He leads by example, working alongside youth during fair setup and pen cleaning and inspiring members to serve their community. Shirk’s positive attitude, innovation and genuine care for young people make him a truly exceptional volunteer.
Recipients of the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards receive a $400 monetary award donated in their name to the 4-H program, club or activity of their choice. These grants are made possible by the Michigan 4-H Volunteer Recognition Fund of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Awardees will also have their name engraved on the Salute to Excellence brick path located at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens in East Lansing, Michigan, and receive a personalized recognition memento at the upcoming Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration on October 3.
Jean Martin, of Washtenaw County, was also awarded a 4-H Salute to Excellence recognition in 2026, receiving the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award. For more information about the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards and past honorees, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/michigan-4-h-salute-to-excellence-awards/.
