MANHATTAN — The Kansas 4-H Youth Development program has recognized more than two dozen youth as state project award winners. 

Local project winners were Jonas Kern from the Cottonwood District - Barton County, in the Wildlife category, and Kierra Eck from the Midway District - Russell County, in the Foods and Nutrition category.

Sarah Maass, state leader for the Kansas 4-H program, said being a state project winner indicates prior excellence and points to the winners’ future potential.

“Youth must display leadership skills and hearts for service by organizing events like community service projects, project meetings to share their expertise with younger 4-H members, and other unique efforts,” Maass said. 

One state winner is selected yearly from the senior division (ages 14-18) in 27 project categories. Kansas 4-H youth submit a project report form, a summary of their work in a certain project.

Maass notes that in addition to learning new project skills, these youth must also demonstrate growth and strength in leadership, organization, civic engagement, and communication within the project.

Award winners were recognized during the Emerald Circle celebration, hosted each year by the Kansas 4-H Foundation. 

Officials say project report forms progress through county, regional and statewide evaluations before the state winner in each project area is named.

State 4-H project award winners are also eligible to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga., in November. Numerous donors provide support for project winner’s trip to the National 4-H Congress, through the Kansas 4-H Foundation.

 More information about opportunities available through the Kansas 4-H Youth Development program is available online athttps://www.kansas4-h.org/