Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development recently recognized several youth and adults for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the 4-H program. The Wisconsin Top 10 Key Awards and Volunteer Awards were presented at a ceremony during the statewide 4-H Fall Forum on Nov. 1 in Green Lake.
The Key Award is the highest honor a Wisconsin 4-H member can receive. In 2025, Top 10 Key Award recipients were honored at the state level. The Key Awards and Top 10 are sponsored by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation supports programs that encourage and cultivate agriculture education across the entire state of Wisconsin.
The 2025 Wisconsin 4-H Top 10 Key Award recipients are:
Jacob Adamski, Langlade County: Jacob is a 13-year member of the Tree Toppers 4-H Club. He has also been involved on the county level as an ambassador and summer camp counselor. Jacob was also a member of the Wisconsin 4-H Leadership Council and the Arts Ambassadors Communications Team, and participated in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Quiz Bowl.
Rylee Brattlie, Jefferson County: Rylee is a 10-year member of the Lake Ripley 4-H Club. She has held a variety of leadership roles in her club, and learned many life skills including communication and leadership. Rylee has been active in many different projects including beef, sheep, dairy goats, vegetables, and woodworking.
Kaarina Dunn, LaCrosse County: Kaarina has been a 4-H member for the past 12 years. She has served as president of her 4-H club, and also a member of the LaCrosse County Youth Ambassadors Club. Kaarina has helped with Cloverbud Day Camps and promoting 4-H at county events like the fair and Dairy Breakfast. She has also participated in many national educational travel experiences.
Aubrey Gott, Polk County: Aubrey Gott is a 10-year member of the Pleasant Lake 4-H Club in Polk County, where she’s led major youth events, educational programs, and livestock mentorships. Her primary project is beef, but she’s been active in leadership, arts, and judging contests throughout her 4-H career.
Kylie Heise, Waupaca County: Kylie is a member of the Sandy Knoll 4-H Club and serves as a club officer. She has been active with club community service projects. At the county level, she is a summer camp counselor, and assists with the county fair food stand. She participates in a variety of projects, including the 4-H Dog Project where she shows her dogs, Abby and Remi, in Showmanship, Obedience, Rally, and Agility.
Madeline Horvath, Dunn County: Madeline has been a member of the Cedarlings 4-H club since kindergarten. She’s been involved in a variety of projects like photography, cultural arts and Foods and nutrition. Her favorite 4-H memory is from the American Spirit Experience and meeting new people.
Madelynn Meulemans, Brown County: Madelynn has been a 4-H member in the Wrightstown 4-H Club for 10 years. She has been serving as a club officer, and enjoys working with other youth in that role. At the county level, Madelynn has participated in Foods Review and the Creative Arts Festival, and is a youth member of the Brown County Leaders Association.
Ben Seguin, Dunn County: Ben has been a 4-H member for 12 years. He is active in 4-H in a range of projects and activities. He has been president for both his club and the county Youth Action Council. Ben’s involvement also includes planning meetings, community service opportunities, and mentoring younger members.
Hannah Stommel, Fond du Lac County: Hannah has been a member of the Campbellsport 4-H Club for 12 years. She has been active in various projects, and also served as a club officer. She has been president of the Teen Leaders Association and helped lead Cloverbud Day Camps, plan community service projects, and teach classes at Family Learning Day.
Ruby Taggart, Sauk County: – Ruby has been a 4-H member for the past 7 years. She enjoys participating in several projects like Art, Exotic Animals, Foods and Nutrition, and Archery. During her time in 4-H, Ruby has also been a member of the Sauk County Junior Leaders Council for 5 years and the Wisconsin 4-H Arts Ambassadors Visual Arts Team for 3 years.
Volunteer Awards
Wisconsin 4-H is a strong organization because of the vast group of volunteers across the state who are dedicated to youth development. Our programs would not be the same without these caring adults supporting youth. New in 2025 was a statewide volunteer recognition program, honoring Emerging Volunteer, Outstanding Club Leader, and Outstanding Project Leader of the Year.
The 2025 Wisconsin 4-H Volunteers of the Year are:
Emerging Volunteer: Sarah Znidarsich, Sauk County
Sarah Znidarsich is a high school art teacher at Baraboo High School, and has been a 4-H volunteer for the past 2 years. In just two short years, Sarah has not only embraced 4-H but has also significantly expanded its reach and impact. She has proactively developed connections with local artists, creating a bridge between the 4-H program and the wider artistic community. Sarah strives to create fun and engaging learning environments for youth to grow.
Outstanding Club Leader: Trish Carlson, Polk County
Trish Carlson has been a 4-H club leader of the Pleasant Lake 4-H club for several years. She’s dedicated to creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for youth. She brings creativity, compassion and a passion for education to all aspects of the club. Her nominators said that “Trish isn’t just a club leader, she’s a mentor, role model and difference maker in the lives of so many.”
Outstanding Club Leader: Susan Thering, Sauk County
Susan Thering has been the club leader of the Happy Hustlers 4-H Club since 2023. She excels at building meaningful relationships in the club and encouraging members to try new things in 4-H. Her nominators said that “her unwavering positivity, seamless leadership, and dedication to member growth have transformed her club into a centerpiece within the community.”
Outstanding Project Leader: Bridget Lentz, St. Croix County
Bridget Lentz has been a 4-H volunteer for the past 17 years, and has been involved with the St Croix County 4-H Horse Project Committee. She advocated to create a successful youth-adult partnership on the committee, and has supported youth voice in the group. Bridget’s leadership has also doubled the number of horse project members to over 100 youth participants. St. Croix County 4-H Horse Project members are also competing at a state and national level in many horse project events. Her nominators said “her talents and passion have moved the horse project forward and she continues to inspire youth to find their spark.”
Outstanding Project Leader: Matt Rodgers, Sauk County
Matt Rodgers is an active volunteer in the Happy Hustlers 4-H Club. Matt found 4-H through his children, and was not a member as a youth. Matt has learned what possibilities 4-H holds for youth, and that these opportunities allow youth to develop and follow their passions. Matt stepped up mid-season in the archery project when another volunteer was unable to continue instructing. His nominators said “he ensures that countless youth have positive, enriching experiences in the 4-H program and his willingness to consistently say “yes” to new opportunities make him a true leader and inspiration.”
For more information on the Statewide Awards, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/state-4-h-awards/
