2022 Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence award winners announced

Betty Jo Krosnicki, Michigan State University Extension -

Mark of Excellence essays portray learning experiences of 4-H members.

State Award applications

Every year, counties across Michigan offer 4-H youth ages 11 and 12 the opportunity to participate in Michigan 4-H State Awards Program 4-H Mark of Excellence essay contest. As part of the contest, each county may select two essays to be recognized as winners.

The essay theme is “Because of 4-H, I can…” and the youth referred to their 4-H experiences as ones that have allowed them to make new friends, try new projects, explore new places and help their dreams come true. Some credited 4-H with helping them increase their public speaking skills, confidence, and time management skills. Other 4-H’ers wrote with excitement about their club meetings, events, exhibits and community service projects.

“These young members look forward to the future and are eager to see where 4-H will take them next,” said Jake DeDecker, Michigan State University Extension 4-H state leader. “The Mark of Excellence essay contest not only provides a space for youth to think critically about their experiences but also recognizes them for engaging in these learning opportunities.”

Overall, 15 4-H members from 11 counties were honored as 2022 Mark of Excellence county winners.

  • Berrien County: Maizie Murphy and Gemma Richards
  • Cass County: Connor Baker
  • Gratiot County: Joshua Grigar
  • Isabella County: Ben Kropf and Grace Russell
  • Lenawee County: Eliana Pinson
  • Midland County: Benny Scott
  • Monroe County: Morgan Schmidt
  • Muskegon County: Layla Behm
  • Saginaw County: Samantha Hecht or Elliana Specht
  • Van Buren County: Karleigh Stamp
  • Washtenaw County: Amelia Long and Westin Rogers

Each recipient received a medal, and their winning essays were added to the Mark of Excellence history book at the Michigan 4-H Foundation and State 4-H Office at MSU Extension.

To learn more about Michigan 4-H Youth Development, contact your local MSU Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H website.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

Find your spark with image of 4-H clover.

Other Articles from this Publication

New youth joins foundation board of trustees

New youth joins foundation board of trustees
Suzanne Threadgould grows endowment for Ingham County 4-H

Suzanne Threadgould grows endowment for Ingham County 4-H
Outstanding 4-H volunteers recognized with MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards

Outstanding 4-H volunteers recognized with MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards
Twenty-one Michigan 4-H’ers enjoy the 100th National 4-H Congress

Twenty-one Michigan 4-H’ers enjoy the 100th National 4-H Congress
LaVanway receives 2022 CANR Staff Service Award

LaVanway receives 2022 CANR Staff Service Award
CANR honors 2022 cohort of Global Scholars in Extension

CANR honors 2022 cohort of Global Scholars in Extension
Cover image of Spring 2020 Vantage newsletter

2022 Spring VANTAGE

The VANTAGE newsletter is published for members of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The 2022 spring edition of VANTAGE features an Apple Community Education Initiative, a 4-H estate gift, Dr. Norm Lownds' retirement and other program updates.

View the rest of the articles from the publication
Tag List
  • 4-h,
  • 4-h animal science,
  • 4-h arts,
  • 4-h careers & entrepreneurship,
  • 4-h communications,
  • 4-h environmental & outdoor education,
  • 4-h global & cultural education,
  • 4-h leadership citizenship & service,
  • 4-h scholarships and recognition program,
  • 4-h youth entrepreneurship,
  • 4-h youth money management,
  • citizenship & service,
  • community service & service learning,
  • healthy youth,
  • life skills,
  • msu extension,
  • science & engineering,
  • volunteering & mentoring

4-H Today

Experts

News

Resources

  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on instagram
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).