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. 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 – Lyndon, 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 www.Kansas4-H.org and at each of K-State Research and Extension’s county and district offices.