Two youth from St. Joseph County were named winners of prestigious state awards during Michigan’s 4-H Exploration Days at Michigan State University in June.
Taylor Johnson received the 2025 Michigan 4-H State Award in Junior Companion Animal Science, while Taylor Trattles won in Junior Swine Science, according to a community announcement.
Michigan 4-H awards
The Michigan 4-H State Award is considered the highest honor for Michigan 4-H participants. The annual program recognizes members ages 12 to 19 for leadership, project expertise, and community involvement across 21 project areas. It includes both junior and senior divisions, as well as a group award.
To qualify, 4-H members submit a detailed application including a resume, cover letter, personal 4-H story, and responses to questions about their experience and growth through 4-H. Finalists from across the state are invited to compete at the event.
This year, 38 youth representing 15 counties applied for awards. In addition to the two winners, three other members from St. Joseph County earned recognition: Claire Propst in Junior Beef Science, Sidney Torrey Long in Junior Swine Science, and Katelyn Trattles in Junior Rabbit Science.
All five award recipients are part of the Burr Oak 4-H Club.
For more information about the 4-H State Awards Program and for details about local programs, visit the Michigan 4-H Awards website.
This story was created by David DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
