4-H members receive 2025 Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence awards
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EmailTwenty-eight 4-H members from 22 counties will receive recognition in the 2025 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.
This year, the essay theme for the contest was “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 to prepare youth for whatever comes next in life and the Mark of Excellence contest helps some of our youngest 4-H’ers to reflect constructively on their 4-H journey,” said Jodi Schulz, state leader for Michigan 4-H and co-director of Michigan State University Extension’s children and youth programs. “It’s a great way for young people to look both at where they’ve been and where they’re going with the help of 4-H.”
Overall, 28 4-H members from 22 counties were honored as 2025 Mark of Excellence state winners.
- Simran Adnani, Wayne County
- Abigail Baker, Cass County
- Claire Blaszyk, Oakland County
- Snyder Dunlap, Jackson County
- Lilly Edick, Gladwin County
- Alicia Etter, Sanilac County
- Chloe F., Ingham County
- Adreann Guikema, Newaygo County
- Colton Guy, Barry County
- Autumn Johnloz, St. Joseph County
- Nolan King, Branch County
- Jude Martin, Ionia County
- Madison McGuire, Midland County
- Richie McNutt, Washtenaw County
- Trula Michel, Monroe County
- Penelope Moore, Sanilac County
- VanAnder Noordyk, Marquette County
- Victoria Perez, Washtenaw County
- Madeline Piwowarski, Wexford County
- Breelyn Pullins, Berrien County
- Hadley Schafer, Monroe County
- Kristina Schwarz, Oakland County
- Asher Smith, Livingston County
- Jolene Smith, Ionia County
- Bette Stemaly, St. Joseph County
- Autumn Wellington, Lapeer County
- Tierney Westrate, Allegan County
- Josephine Wiltshire, Osceola County
“It’s exciting to see such growth, both in the number of awardees which doubled this year, as well as in their responses,” said Lisa Bottomley, co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “These 4-H’ers, even at a young age, are beyond ready for the 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.
