Honoring the Journey: Celebrating 4-H Youth through Recognition and Awards
Recognition for hard work is something we all appreciate—and no one deserves it more than our dedicated Johnson County 4-H youth! These young people work year-round to learn, explore, experiment, and develop skills in their project areas, reflecting the very best of hands-on learning. With more than 34 diverse projects available—from woodworking to rabbits, photography to public speaking, and flowers to foods—there’s truly something for every interest and talent.
The Power of Recognition
Recognition in 4-H is more than a ribbon or trophy—it’s a meaningful way to highlight perseverance, learning, and growth. Recognition is most effective when it's personal, timely, and tied to specific accomplishments. It builds confidence, motivates youth to continue challenging themselves, and reinforces the value of their efforts.
Recognition is both intrinsic—what youth feel when they know they’ve done their best—and extrinsic—when others acknowledge their hard work. That’s why formal recognition, like trophies and special awards, plays a vital role during the 4-H year, culminating at one of our largest events: The Johnson County Fair.
The Johnson County Fair: A Showcase of Dedication
The county fair is the crowning moment for many 4-Hers, giving them the opportunity to present the results of their year-long journey. Each entry reflects countless hours of practice, research, and problem-solving. With community support, we ensure fair entry fees are never a barrier to participation. Thanks to the Johnson County Extension Education Foundation (JCEEF), financial support is available so that every youth—regardless of means—can be part of this celebratory experience.
How You Can Help: Supporting Awards and Trophies
To continue recognizing our youth in meaningful ways, we rely on community generosity. Each spring, donations are solicited to fund trophies, special awards, and other forms of recognition that honor excellence across project areas. Over the last four years over $30,000 has been collected to support hundreds of youth in receiving lasting tokens of achievement.
Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to our community, your contribution helps inspire and empower the next generation of leaders. If you have interest in supporting, please email joco4-h@jocogov.org
by Tara Markley, Johnson County K-State Extension Director and Community Vitality Agent