The West Michigan Research Center in Hart was filled with excitement and pride Sunday, Oct. 13, as over 160 4-H members, volunteers and community partners gathered for the annual Oceana County 4-H Awards ceremony. The event showcased the remarkable achievements and dedication of the county’s youth and adult volunteers, highlighting the positive impact of 4-H on the community.
The ceremony began with the recognition of three outstanding youth as 2024-2025 4-H Youth Ambassadors: Grace Hallack, Emma Miller and Lillian Wasson. These young leaders were honored for their commitment to promoting 4-H throughout the county and state, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and embodying the core values of 4-H.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of various awards to both youth and adult volunteers. Whitney Hoeker received the Horizon Award for her impressive feat of growing a 4-H club from six to 17 members in just one year. Karen Porter was recognized with the Outstanding Service Award for her unwavering support and dedication to the 4-H community, including opening her farm to house animals for 4-H members.
The ceremony also celebrated long-standing volunteers, with recognition given to those who have dedicated anywhere from one to 20 years of service to the program. This display of commitment underscored the strong foundation of support that enables Oceana County 4-H to thrive.
Youth achievements were a central focus of the event. Blake Herremans and Alayna Hammerle received the Achievement Award for their overall excellence across various project areas. Alex Hicks and Rylee Ruggles were honored with the Leadership Award, while Kennedy Johnson and Anna Woller were recognized for their public speaking and demonstration skills. The Sportsmanship Award was presented to Kevon Gray, Brooklyn Storms and Hallie VanTuyl.
The Michigan 4-H Key Club Award was presented to Alayna Hammerle. This prestigious award recognizes 4-H members who have demonstrated exceptional participation and leadership within the program, meeting rigorous criteria including completion of multiple project areas, teen leadership projects, and participation in district and state 4-H events.
The Oceana County 4-H Lamp of Knowledge Award was given to Mary Bisard, recognizing her superior achievement and embodiment of the 4-H ideals throughout her years in the program.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of Youth Council Youth Awards, Citizenship Awards, and County Project Pins, celebrating the broad spectrum of accomplishments within the Oceana County 4-H community.
This annual event not only recognized individual achievements but also highlighted the collective impact of 4-H in fostering leadership, responsibility, and community engagement among Oceana County’s youth. As the 4-H program continues to grow and evolve, it remains a cornerstone of youth development in the region, preparing the next generation of leaders for success in their future endeavors.
