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. Yarger 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, he has participated in shooting sports, the goat sponsorship program and communications. In 2023, he 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. In 2023, MSU 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.  

“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 Yarger. “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.” 

Learn more about winner, Justin Yarger, following.  

How did you become involved in 4-H? 

My dad grew up showing horses through Washtenaw County and later became a part of Monroe County 4-H. My older sister was inspired by my father’s 4-H stories and decided to join 4-H. 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 have participated in rockets, scale models and tin punch. One of the biggest opportunities that I was offered was the goat sponsorship program where 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. 

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. 

To learn more about sponsoring a Michigan 4-H State Award, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/state-4-h-award-sponsors/.