Clinton Twp., MI - Two Macomb County teens have been selected to receive 2020 Michigan 4-H State Awards in the program's Junior Division.
Aubrey Richards, 14, of Shelby Township and Morgan Jowett, 14, of Sterling Heights were recognized by MSU Extension during a virtual ceremony on June 24. Both girls are very active members of City Slickers 4-H Club and also attend county and state-wide events such as Exploration Days, an annual pre-college experience at Michigan State University.
Richards was selected for her work in the Food, Nutrition, Health & Fitness project areas. She has been a 4-H member for six years and has shown leadership by serving as her club's treasurer. Richards has a great interest in global programs and has hosted youth from South Korea, Japan and Norway. She states in her application: "I realized when I was applying for my high school how many amazing opportunities and experiences I have had because of 4-H. It has given me an advantage, as I had more accomplishments, awards, and opportunities over my peers."
Jowett was recognized for her accomplishments in the Performing Arts project area. In addition to her membership in the City Slickers 4-H Club, she also serves as secretary for the Macomb County Youth Council. Jowett has been a 4-H member for three years. In her application, she states: "In doing 4-H, I have become more confident in myself, and I have been able to reach out more and talk to others. This has helped me gain the confidence to take on new challenges, such as community service projects and volunteer work. This 4-H project area helped me meet new people at school and participate in more extracurricular activities."
Jowett credits her sister, who has cerebral palsy and attends Glen Peters School for special needs children, for getting her involved in 4-H. Her sister's class participates in 4-H and shows crafts at the Armada Fair. In fact, one of Jowett's favorite community service events is the annual Glen Peters Valentine's Day Dance where her 4-H club helps to run the stations.
A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members. The prestigious annual event is an opportunity for 4-H members to receive recognition while developing their leadership skills and personal portfolio. This year, 64 youth representing 25 counties applied.
To enter the 4-H State Awards competition, 4-H members submit an application that includes a cover letter, resume, 4-H story, and answers to questions that highlight the life skills they have gained through 4-H. Applications are scored, and up to 12 delegates in the Junior, Senior, and Group divisions for each Michigan 4-H project area are invited to represent their counties in the statewide competition.
The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to 4-H members ages 13-19. For more information about the program, visit https://bit.ly/30eiu4X . To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/macomb/4-h/.Read the girls' applications online at https://adobe.ly/32k7Zjl and https://adobe.ly/30gdvAC.
Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) brings educational programs to residents empowering them to improve their lives and community. County-based MSUE staff, in concert with on-campus faculty members, serve residents with programming focused on agriculture, natural resources, children, youth, families, community and economic development.