Kansas 4-H names state project award recipients

Annual honors announced during Emerald Circle celebration

At a glance: The Kansas 4-H Youth Development program recognized 34 youth as state project award recipients during the recent Emerald Circle banquet.

More information: Sarah Maass, 785-532-5800, semaass@ksu.edu

June 17, 2026

K-State Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H Youth Development program has recognized 34 youth as state project award recipients.

"Being a state project recipient is a reflection of a young person's dedication, growth, and commitment to making a difference — not just in their project area, but in their community and beyond," said Sarah Maass, state leader for the Kansas 4-H program.

"These young people do not just develop skills within their projects; they lead, they serve, and they inspire others along the way. From organizing community service initiatives to mentoring younger 4-H members, state project winners demonstrate what it truly means to be Beyond Ready," Maass said.

One state winner is selected yearly from the senior division (ages 14-18) in 45 project categories. Kansas 4-H youth submit a project report form, which is a summary of their work in a certain project.

"What sets these award winners apart is the full picture they present," Maass noted. "Yes, they have mastered their project skills, but they have also shown remarkable growth in leadership, civic engagement, communication and their ability to organize and inspire those around them. That combination is what 4-H is all about."

This year’s award recipients, in alphabetical order by county or extension district, are:

Jackson Strecker, Butler County – Dairy Goats

Garrett Dunn, 21 Central District – Civic Engagement

Annabelle Lehmann, Coffey County – Woodworking

Taryn Vogts, Coffey County – Pets

Russell Kern, Cottonwood District – Foods & Nutrition

Samantha Negaard, Cottonwood District – Performing Arts

Anthony Jelinek, Cowley County - Agronomy

Braden Gillespie, Frontier District – Sheep

Caroline Brethour, Johnson County – Health & Wellness

George Delancy, Johnson County – Leadership

Joshua Eflin, Johnson County – Computer Science

Iris Schrotberger, Johnson County – Sewing & Textile Design

Emilia Barr, Kearney County – Shopping in Style

Mason Jenkins, Lyon County – Swine

Will Hardwick, Marais des Cygnes District – Electric & Renewable Energy

Conway Patrick, McPherson County – Photography

Aurora Hoffman, Meadowlark District – Shooting Sports

Carina Johnson, Meadowlark District – Poultry

Harry Langill, Meadowlark District – Veterinary Science

Robert Langill, Meadowlark District – Dairy Cattle

Danielle Reeves, Meadowlark District – Dog

Ella Sourk, Meadowlark District – Horticulture & Landscape Design

Grayson Maxwell, Pawnee County – Self Determined

Taylor Bryant, Pottawatomie County – Entomology

Josie Heter, Reno County – Communications

Kate Bormann, Riley County – Horse

Sean Morgan, River Valley District – Meat Goats

Jonathan Wright, River Valley District – Rabbits

Victor Harding, Sedgwick County – Reading Adventures

Chris Mork, Sedgwick County – Geology

Corbin Russell, Wabaunsee County – Visual Arts

Kealie Bryant, West Plains District – Fiber Arts

Kamryn Kirkham, Wild West District – Beef

Tatum Francis, Wildcat District – Wildlife

Award recipients were recognized during the Emerald Circle celebration, which was hosted for the first time this year by the State 4-H Office with funding provided by the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Officials say each recipient’s project report forms progress through county, regional and statewide evaluations before the state winner in each project area is named.

“We also know our 4-H members’ success does not come without the support of family, mentors, volunteers and extension agents who work with our 4-H youth on the local level. The youth/adult partnership is evident at this level and we’re grateful for the time our adults give to guide our 4-H youth,” said Amy Collins, program coordinator with Kansas 4-H.

State 4-H project award recipients are also eligible to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, in November. Numerous donors provide support for the 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.

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