4‑H Youth in Action Awards
The 4‑H Youth in Action Program recognizes four confident young leaders with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives in our core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM.
Each year, Pillar Winners will experience an exciting year of telling their 4‑H story and celebrating their leadership. Winners receive:
- $5,000 higher education scholarship
- Opportunities to showcase their 4‑H impact story
- All-expenses paid trip to National 4‑H Council event
- Networking opportunities with 4‑H celebrities and other prominent alumni
- Recognition as the official 4‑H youth spokesperson for their pillar

Youth in Action Award Sponsors


Applications for the 4‑H Youth in Action Awards have closed.
4‑H is proud to share the diverse stories and unique perspectives of 4‑H’ers who are leaders in their communities. 4‑H Youth in Action Award winners comes from every corner of America and are impacting their local communities in astounding ways. Check out 4‑H Youth in Action Award finalists below!
2022 Winners

Tashina Red Hawk
Agriculture
As a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Tashina grew up with a strong appreciation for all of creation and a conviction to care for the environment, animals, and those less fortunate. She grew up loving horses, and after attending her first 4‑H County Horse...

Brianna Attey Mouanjo
Civic Engagement
Although only 18 years old, Brianna’s story is one of loss, resiliency, bravery, and hope. Brianna moved to New York at age 10 after tragically losing her mother. Not only was she processing her grief and navigating life in a new city, but as the...

Kristin Osika
Healthy Living
At only six years old, Kristin Osika was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder which affects the small intestine. Her new strict gluten-, dairy-, and egg-free diet made her feel like a burden and outsider in many social situations, but Kristin’s experience with 4‑H...

Dhruv Rebba
STEM
Although always interested in robotics, coding, and engineering as a kid, Dhruv Rebba never had the opportunity to study hands-on until he joined 4‑H. After joining his 4‑H club’s robotics team in 4th grade, he was instantly hooked. Since then, Dhruv has launched two 4‑H...
2022 Finalists

Lauren Baugh
Agriculture
At only 8 years old, Lauren Baugh discovered her passion the day her dad brought home a beehive. Since then, she’s been hooked on learning more about honeybees and pollinators. However, once she moved out to the country, Lauren realized how little her farming community...

Andrew Mullen
Agriculture
Growing up in a long family tradition of 4‑Hers, Andrew Mullen knew the club would have a place for him. What he didn’t know is how greatly 4‑H would impact him. Naturally introverted, 4‑H gave Andrew the confidence to connect with others, pushed him to...

Trevor Martinez
Civic Engagement
Trevor Martinez’s world changed just a month after being elected President of his county 4‑H club when he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg that, despite many surgeries, led to amputation. He struggled through hospital stays, physical therapy, and months away from home. During...

Gabby Neddermeyer
Civic Engagement
4‑H taught Gabby Neddermeyer that youth voices matter, but her district school boards didn’t share that same viewpoint. Determined to create a seat at the table for students like herself on district school boards, Gabby lobbied at her state capitol. After being rejected by nearly...

Olivia Hall
Healthy Living
At the start of 2020, Olivia Hall had big plans to address food insecurity in her community, but at the onset of the pandemic, she was forced to re-strategize. She saw how the pandemic exacerbated food insecurity, while also recognizing that school and business closures...

Samantha Whysong
Healthy Living
Samantha Whysong
After being bullied as a child, Samantha Whysong created an anti-bullying curriculum to help prevent the loneliness and seclusion she experienced. After talking with a 4‑H leader, she developed “Jumping Over Bullies”, a curriculum for elementary students. She incorporates her dwarf miniature horse,...

Emilee Coxsey
STEM
4‑H gave Emilee Coxsey a place to overcome bullying and equipped her to create a place of belonging for others. As a baby, Emilee Coxsey underwent sight-saving surgery, but she was constantly bullied as a kid because of the scar it left behind. Her...

CJ Harris
STEM
CJ Harris used to be so shy his mouth would dry up when it came time to speak. Today, thanks to 4‑H, he has become a confident teacher and leader in his community and state. When CJ learned that 3D printing could effectively and...
2021 Award Recipients
Madelyn Zimmerman
Agriculture
Elizabeth Weidner
Civic Engagement
Mayyadah Zagelow
Healthy Living
Aidan Spencer
STEM
2020 Award Recipients
Janya Green
Agriculture
Breanna Burkhead
Civic Engagement
Micah Palacios
Healthy Living
Joseph Huff
STEM
2019 Award Recipients
Clyde Van Dyke
STEM & National Winner
Mason McClintock
Civic Engagement
Addy Battel
Agriculture
Elisabeth Watkins
Healthy Living
2018 Award Recipients
Cassandra Ivie
National Youth in Action Award and STEM Pillar
Serena Woodard
Agriculture Pillar
Kyra-Lee Harry
Civic Engagement Pillar
Sophia Rodriguez
Healthy Living Pillar
2017 Award Recipients
Amelia Day
National Youth in Action Award and Civic Engagement Pillar
Samuel Sugarman
Agriculture Pillar
Bryanne Sanchez
Healthy Living Pillar
Ava Lonneman
STEM Pillar

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Discover 4-H Youth Voices
In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. 4‑H Youth Voices highlights diverse perspectives from youth who are creating positive change in the world around us.