K-State Extension news service4-H Youth Development
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H Youth Development program has recognized 34 youth as state project award recipients.
"Being a state project recipient is a reflection of a young person's dedication, growth, and commitment to making a difference — not just in their project area, but in their community and beyond," said Sarah Maass, state leader for the Kansas 4-H program.
"These young people do not just develop skills within their projects; they lead, they serve, and they inspire others along the way. From organizing community service initiatives to mentoring younger 4-H members, state project winners demonstrate what it truly means to be Beyond Ready," Maass said.
One state winner is selected yearly from the senior division (ages 14-18) in 45 project categories. Kansas 4-H youth submit a project report form, which is a summary of their work in a certain project.
"What sets these award winners apart is the full picture they present," Maass noted. "Yes, they have mastered their project skills, but they have also shown remarkable growth in leadership, civic engagement, communication and their ability to organize and inspire those around them. That combination is what 4-H is all about."
This year’s award recipients, in alphabetical order by county or extension district, are:
Jackson Strecker, Butler County – Dairy Goats
Garrett Dunn, 21 Central District – Civic Engagement
Annabelle Lehmann, Coffey County – Woodworking
Taryn Vogts, Coffey County – Pets
Russell Kern, Cottonwood District – Foods & Nutrition
Samantha Negaard, Cottonwood District – Performing Arts
Anthony Jelinek, Cowley County - Agronomy
Braden Gillespie, Frontier District – Sheep
Caroline Brethour, Johnson County – Health & Wellness
George Delancy, Johnson County – Leadership
Joshua Eflin, Johnson County – Computer Science
Iris Schrotberger, Johnson County – Sewing & Textile Design
Emilia Barr, Kearney County – Shopping in Style
Mason Jenkins, Lyon County – Swine
Will Hardwick, Marais des Cygnes District – Electric & Renewable Energy
Conway Patrick, McPherson County – Photography
Aurora Hoffman, Meadowlark District – Shooting Sports
Carina Johnson, Meadowlark District – Poultry
Harry Langill, Meadowlark District – Veterinary Science
Robert Langill, Meadowlark District – Dairy Cattle
Danielle Reeves, Meadowlark District – Dog
Ella Sourk, Meadowlark District – Horticulture & Landscape Design
Grayson Maxwell, Pawnee County – Self Determined
Taylor Bryant, Pottawatomie County – Entomology
Josie Heter, Reno County – Communications
Kate Bormann, Riley County – Horse
Sean Morgan, River Valley District – Meat Goats
Jonathan Wright, River Valley District – Rabbits
Victor Harding, Sedgwick County – Reading Adventures
Chris Mork, Sedgwick County – Geology
Corbin Russell, Wabaunsee County – Visual Arts
Kealie Bryant, West Plains District – Fiber Arts
Kamryn Kirkham, Wild West District – Beef
Tatum Francis, Wildcat District – Wildlife
Award recipients were recognized during the Emerald Circle celebration, which was hosted for the first time this year by the State 4-H Office with funding provided by the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Officials say each recipient’s project report forms progress through county, regional and statewide evaluations before the state winner in each project area is named.
“We also know our 4-H members’ success does not come without the support of family, mentors, volunteers and extension agents who work with our 4-H youth on the local level. The youth/adult partnership is evident at this level and we’re grateful for the time our adults give to guide our 4-H youth,” said Amy Collins, program coordinator with Kansas 4-H.
State 4-H project award recipients are also eligible to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, in November. Numerous donors provide support for the trip to the National 4-H Congress, through the Kansas 4-H Foundation.
More information about opportunities available through the Kansas 4-H Youth Development program is available online.