Justin Yarger is 18 years-old and in his ninth year in the Michigan 4-H program. He is a member of Monroe County 4-H and has been a junior superintendent with the Monroe County Fair for five years. Justin is also treasurer for the Shooting Sports Association and serves on the Caprine Council as Sergeant in Arms. Over his years of 4-H involvement, Justin has participated in shooting sports, the goat sponsorship program and communications. In 2023, Justin won the senior Michigan 4-H State Award for Shooting Sports.

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member and provides an opportunity to receive recognition for their engagement in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development. State award applications are divided into four categories: Mark of Excellence essay contest (11-12 years old), junior state award (13-15 years old), senior state award (16-19 years old) and group awards (13-19 years old).

“Being in 4-H has helped me reflect on who I am, but also helped me feel confident enough to step out of my comfort zone,” said Justin. “From my experience in 4-H, I have realized that I have grown as a person but also developed many crucial life and career skills.”

In 2023, Michigan State University Extension recognized outstanding 4-H members in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program following the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 21. Learn more about winner, Justin Yarger

How did you become involved in 4-H?

My dad grew up showing horses through Washtenaw County and later became a part of the Monroe County 4-H program. My older sister was inspired by my father’s 4-H stories and made the decision to join 4-H in Monroe County. After watching how my sister grew as a person and hearing the stories from my dad, I wanted to broaden my horizons and join 4-H.

What other projects have you participated in outside your award area?

I participate in [4-H communication projects such as] extemporaneous, show and tell, public speaking, demonstrations and performing. I also have participated in rockets, scale models and tin punch. One of the biggest opportunities that I was offered was the goat sponsorship program. Within this program, I was allowed to show and take care of goats without owning them.

What are some skills you’ve learned in 4-H?

From my experience in 4-H, I have realized that I have grown as a person but also developed many crucial life and career skills. Because of 4-H, I am better at communicating, cooperating with others and problem-solving.

How has 4-H helped you grow as a leader?

Participating in 4-H shooting sports has allowed me to expand my leadership opportunities. Being in 4-H has helped me reflect on who I am, but also helped me feel confident enough to step out of my comfort zone. There are many opportunities at county practices, tournaments, and meetings to help mentor younger members. These experiences have positively influenced me enough to create a sporting clays team at our local high school.

What are some ways you give back to your community through 4-H?

Pennies for Turkeys is an annual activity that I participated in to raise money for low-income families. The Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars teamed up to raise money to buy turkeys and distribute them to people who are less fortunate. It felt great knowing that we helped some families and made our community a better place during the holiday season.

Another way that I have given back to my community through 4-H is participating in Relay for Life and supporting an organization called Aid in Milan. Relay for Life teams raise money for the American Cancer Society and they bring canned foods for Aid in Milan. Overall, it is a great chance to work with 4-H members, but to also help the community for a greater cause.

What unique opportunities/experiences have you had through 4-H?

One unique experience is participating in the Trunk or Treat that is put on by the Teen Ambassadors 4-H Club. The purpose of this is to expose other community members to what 4-H is. I enjoy discussing how 4-H is developing youth, but also helping the community.

How has your 4-H involvement influenced your future plans?

My involvement in 4-H has helped me step out of my comfort zone. I have learned about the career options of exploring the fields of engineering, math or physics. I have realized that I have grown as a person but also developed many crucial life and career skills.

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