The National 4-H Council has revealed the finalists of its 2025 Youth in Action Awards, a national program that highlights the achievements of four exceptional young leaders who have positively impacted their communities. Sponsored by Bayer, the award comes with a $5,000 scholarship for each honoree, alongside opportunities to share their stories and inspire other youth throughout the year.
From nature-driven healing journeys to deep explorations in STEM, these individuals represent the diverse impact of 4-H across the country.
Esther Bonney
After experiencing the tragic loss of her brother in 2019, Esther found solace in nature. At just 13 years old, she turned to outdoor spaces for comfort and healing. Through 4-H, Esther channeled her grief into environmental stewardship, leading nature-based mental health initiatives for other youth experiencing loss. Her journey shows the power of 4-H in supporting youth during difficult times and empowering them to create impactful projects.
Venya Gunjal
Venya’s introduction to 4-H eight years ago shaped her into a well-rounded leader. Balancing her passion for academics and the challenges of advanced coursework, Venya utilized 4-H to build a supportive community. She’s now a vocal advocate for youth mental health and academic success, leveraging her platform to support fellow students navigating the pressures of school.
Jafet Santos-Maldonado
Jafet’s fascination with insects blossomed after participating in a virtual 4-H Bug Camp in 2020. This experience opened his eyes to the wonders of entomology, driving his interest in environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability. Now an advocate for biodiversity, Jafet uses his entomology expertise to educate his community about the vital role insects play in ecosystems.
Susan Barrows
A 12-year 4-H member, Susan overcame a speech impediment that once made public speaking her greatest challenge. Through 4-H, she found a platform to develop her communication skills. Now a confident speaker, Susan leads workshops for youth with speech difficulties, showing them how to harness their voices and become leaders.
Kierra Eck
Kierra, once a shy young girl, has transformed into a leader through 12 years of 4-H participation. Her journey began with quiet admiration for older members, but today, she is a role model herself. Kierra’s leadership in community service and public speaking has made her an inspiration to younger 4-H’ers who look up to her.
Ojas Shah
Competing in over 15 projects annually, Ojas is a 4-H powerhouse who has excelled in STEM, healthy living, and community service. His standout skill is public speaking, which he developed through 4-H’s leadership programs. Ojas is committed to helping others master communication, knowing how vital it is in every aspect of life.
Paisley Tabor
Starting as a Clover Bud, Paisley has been a dedicated 4-H member for over a decade. Her early shyness gave way to self-confidence through the inclusive environment of 4-H. Today, Paisley leads several projects and uses her experiences to mentor younger members, encouraging them to find their voice in the 4-H community.
Austin Kamm
Growing up between Nebraska’s second-largest city and a rural ranch, Austin found a unique way to bridge his urban and rural worlds through 4-H. His involvement in livestock projects allowed him to explore his agricultural roots, while his urban background gave him a fresh perspective on modern farming challenges.
Ivy Prince
Ivy’s journey began at 12 years old when her family started a 4-H club within their homeschool group. Initially unsure about 4-H, she gradually took on leadership roles that shaped her into an advocate for youth involvement in local governance. Ivy’s experience highlights how 4-H can inspire youth to take active roles in civic engagement.
Victoria Wiggin
Victoria attributes her personal growth to her involvement in 4-H. Through leadership roles in community service and healthy living advocacy, Victoria discovered her purpose. Today, she is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness, using her platform to raise awareness and drive change.
Mya Chapman
Mya’s 4-H story began when she reluctantly attended her first session at age five. Despite her initial hesitation, Mya found a supportive environment in South Carolina’s 4-H program. She has since grown into a community leader, dedicated to service and youth empowerment, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Paige Dupps
Paige’s 4-H journey began as a response to bullying and isolation. Over the years, she has grown into a strong and resilient leader, finding solace and strength in 4-H livestock projects. Paige now mentors others facing similar challenges, using her experience to guide them through difficult times.
These finalists represent the core values of 4-H: leadership, community service, and personal growth. Their diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives are testaments to the enduring impact of 4-H in shaping future leaders who are passionate about making the world a better place.
Since its inception in 2010, the Youth in Action Awards have celebrated young people who have turned challenges into opportunities and used their 4-H experiences to leave a lasting legacy within their communities.
