MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H Youth Development Program has named the 2015 State 4-H Project Winners.
The project winners represent 4-H at its best, according to Barbara Stone, assistant director, K-State Research and Extension, and state leader, Kansas 4-H.
“These young people represent Kansas 4-H Youth Development and highlight the essence of 4-H – setting goals, gaining knowledge, learning and mastering new skills, and sharing that knowledge with others. Their achievements demonstrate the impact that 4-H has on preparing young people to make a positive impact in their communities and the world,” she said.
The awards will be presented at the 4-H Emerald Circle Banquet, in Manhattan on May 28.
The projects are designed to explore a variety of interests, but also reflect three core competencies integrated into 4-H programs:
* Science, engineering and technology;
* Citizenship, leadership and service, and
* Healthy living.
“The 4-H project experience is an enjoyable and positive way for youth to spend out of school time. In addition, youth learn valuable life skills as well as about hobbies and prospective career choices,” said Kylie Dicket, Kansas 4-H project manager.
Twenty-nine 4-H members were selected for the state awards, which are based on work completed the previous year. Project award recipients are listed in order by hometown, followed by the recipient’s name. local extension unit and project area.
Abilene: Dustin Wilson, Dickinson County, Energy Management
Abilene: Rogan Tokach, Dickinson County, Self-Determined
Berryton: Tamara McConnell, Shawnee County, Clothing
Cambridge: Brayden Krepps, Cowley County, Horse
Canton: Kaylee Littrell, McPherson County, Food and Nutrition
Canton: Ethan Dailey, Marion County, Visual Arts
Effingham: Amber Kelly, Atchison County, Leadership
Ellinwood: Cody Wondra, Barton County, Swine
Emporia: Maddie Simmons, Lyon County, Reading
Formoso: Janelle Railsback Spiegel, Post Rock District – Mankato, Alumni
Hill City: Tucker Eckols, Graham County, Poultry
Kanorado: Dani Mangus, Sunflower District – Goodland, Meat Goats
Leoti: Kelsie Conard, Wichita,Photography
Logan: Kayla Hoffaker, Phillips-Rooks District – Phillipsbug, Performing Arts
Louisburg: Madelynn Yalowitz, Marais des Cygnes District – Paola, Rabbits
McPherson: Taylor Goering, McPherson County, Beef
McPherson: Christine Vasper, McPherson County, Geology
McPherson: Reed Hunter Wiens, McPherson County, Wildlife
Meriden: Tana Pearson, Meadowlark District – Oskaloosa, Shooting Sports
Osklaloosa: Ashley Nelson, Meadowlark District, Citizenship
Prairie Village: Zoe Nason, Johnson County, Family Studies
Princeton: Cade Hibdon, Frontier District – Ottawa, Sheep
Pratt: Katie Buhler, Pratt County, Fiber Arts
Rush Center: Traci Ross, Walnut Creek District – LaCrosse, SpaceTech
Salina: Shaylee Arpin, Central Kansas District – Salina, Communications
Salina: Hannah Henry, Central Kansas District – Salina, Home Environment
St. John: Greyson Collins, Stafford County, Plant Science
Udall: Francis Rupp, Cowley County, Dairy
Wakarusa: Amanda Miller, Shawnee County, Dog
Each of the state award recipients earns a commemorative project medallion and an invitation to National 4-H Congress, which, will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 27 – Dec. 1. Winners also receive a $400 travel scholarship from the Kansas 4-H Foundation toward expenses in attending congress, which is a professional development conference for youth.
More information about Kansas 4-H and the educational opportunities it offers to youth ages seven and up is available on 4-H Youth Development and at each of K-State Research and Extension’s county and district offices.
