MSU Extension 4-H

Ezri Westrate is 14 years-old and a member of the Monterey Community 4-H Club in Allegan County. She has been involved in 4-H for eight years, where she has developed a strong passion for working with animals, showing poultry at her local fair for the past three years. Throughout her time in 4-H, Ezri has taken on several leadership roles within her club, serving as secretary for three years and recently being elected treasurer. In the summer of 2024, Ezri received the junior Michigan 4-H State award for Birds and Poultry Science.

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member and provides an opportunity to receive recognition for their engagement in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development. State award applications are divided into four categories: Mark of Excellence essay contest (10 -11 years old), junior state award (12-15 years old), senior state award (16-19 years old) and group awards (13-19 years old).

“4-H has helped to mold me into a better leader, friend and citizen in so many ways,” commented Ezri.

In 2024, Michigan State University Extension recognized outstanding 4-H members in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program following the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 19. Learn more about winner, Ezri Westrate.

How did you become involved in 4-H?

My mom brought me to my first 4-H meeting at my club when I was six years-old. My mom thought it would be a fun thing for me to do and a way to get involved with other kids.

What other projects have you participated in outside your award area?

Outside of my poultry project, I’ve also participated in showing rabbits and even had the chance to show a goat last year. I enjoy learning how to work with different animals and trying out new things.

In addition to animal projects, I take part in photography, baking, canning and gardening. I’ve also attended several small livestock clinics and have even helped teach at one. I love being involved in a variety of areas because it helps me grow and keeps 4-H exciting every year.

What are some skills you’ve learned in 4-H?

Through my birds and poultry 4-H project, I’ve learned so many important life skills, including planning and organizing, cooperation, leadership and self-discipline. Taking care of my chickens has taught me how to stay organized—like keeping their cage clean, their water fresh and making sure they’re safe from predators in a secure enclosure.

How has 4-H helped you grow as a leader?

4-H has helped me grow as a leader in so many ways. One of my biggest leadership experiences has been serving as a club officer. I’ve been secretary, treasurer and even had the chance to be president for a meeting. Each role has taught me something—like keeping financial records, improving my note-taking and running a meeting using parliamentary procedure. I’ve also led crafts and games for younger members, and it feels great to help them have fun and learn. I’ve even inspired some to show poultry and helped them get started. Leadership takes hard work and responsibility, but 4-H has taught me how to step up, help others and lead with confidence.

What are some ways you give back to your community through 4-H?

My favorite community project that I have done is yard work. I helped pick-up sticks, rake leaves, pull weeds and plant flowers for older members in my community. I think this is my favorite act of service because it allows me to be outside and active in nature, while helping people who are not able to do the task. I have also learned how to safely use an ax and chainsaw to properly take care of fallen trees and big logs.

Another community service project I have been able to do with my 4-H club is collecting food to donate to a local food pantry. I also helped with making decisions on where to donate the food and what to collect.

One more community service that I am currently doing, and have done for years, is helping as a childcare provider at a local community group for moms, called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).

Community services have helped to shape me into a much better person and citizen. I have learned compassion, responsibility, safety and good teamwork.

What unique opportunities/experiences have you had through 4-H?

4-H has given me so many unique opportunities and experiences. I’ve had the chance to show chickens, rabbits and even a goat, and I’ve learned how to train animals and get them ready for the fair. One of my favorite experiences was being honored as Top Chicken Showman at the Allegan County Fair—twice!

How has your 4-H involvement influenced your future plans?

I am still not sure what I want to do when I graduate, but 4-H has given me some great opportunities to explore. I am thinking that I might be a vet tech or a professional dog trainer. Thanks to 4-H, I have plenty of options to explore and discover! Working with animals through 4-H has made me realize how much I enjoy caring for and training them. I have also learned responsibility, leadership and self-discipline, which I know will help me no matter what path I choose.