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, 44 4-H members from 30 counties were honored as 2020 Mark of Excellence county winners.

• Allegan County: Lena Germain, Madaline Langlois
• Barry County: Bridget Kayser, Sadie Poppema
• Berrien County: Mason Green
• Clare County: Haley Neff, Katie Sheldon
• Delta County: Charlee Klink
• Grand Traverse County: Sophia Shuff
• Gratiot County: Kayla Goward, Gabriel Grigar
• Hillsdale County: Jiyana Easterday, Chloe Stalhood
• Huron County: Milan Forrester
• Ingham County: Emily Constan
• Ionia County: Ethan Cassel, Christian Trierweiler
• Iosco County: Cali Matthews
• Kalamazoo County: Brady Gibson
• Kalkaska County: Annabelle Lobb
• Kent County: Vanessa “Piper” Koebel
• Leelanau County: Everett Howell
• Lenawee County: Carson Garrison, Jayleigh Williams
• Livingston County: Alexander Byl, Gavin Howery
• Macomb County: Taryn Lake, Grace Rowley
• Mecosta County: Hunter Davis, Hannah Hough
• Midland County: Ava Warner
• Monroe County: Corinna Aulph
• Montcalm County: Madison Moran, Mary Nitengale
• Oakland County: Sadie Benson, Ari Polymeneas
• Osceola County: Karley Eager, Amelia Ward
• Ottawa County: Noelle Nienhuis
• Roscommon County: Alexandria Gammicchia, Finley Gerdes
• Sanilac County: Autumn Klatzke
• St. Joseph County: Ava Sowards-Haack
• Van Buren County: Brynn Cornelison

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.