2025 Recipients

Melodie Cook of Sanders County in Visual Arts

Melodie has been in this project for 8 years. From teaching youth to paint, and exploring new mediums in their artwork, she grew their Visual Arts skills. So much so, that they were able to open their own business to sell their work. Melodie has shown how a passion and 4-H can lead to great things as a young person.

Madelyn Myers of Hill County in Leadership

Madelyn has been in the Leadership project for 3 years, and has served as a County and State Ambassador enthusiastically over that time. They have spent time helping younger members in their county, and led major community service projects to benefit their community.

Cadence Sims of Yellowstone County in Leadership

Cadence started this project with low expectations, not thinking it would lead to anything big. By the end of their 8 years in the project, they have embraced Leadership in many major roles. Among many county roles and programs, her most notable leadership role within 4-H is tenure as the 2024-2025 Publicity Chair. Please welcome to the stage.

Ayla Mundinger-Adsay of Lewis and Clark County

Ayla has been in the Dog project for 4 years. They have demonstrated to other members in their county how to wrap dog paws, and they have spoken to local and state leaders to promote 4-H and 4-H projects. Ayla has demonstrated how 4-H can truly open doors to the community.

Lauren Deegan of Judith Basin County in Sheep

Lauren has been in the Sheep project for 8 years, but has worked with many different types of livestock. From learning the basics of lamb showmanship to learning how to apply their lamb knowledge to the real world of ag, this 4-H member has pushed the project to its limits excelling in mentorship and ag advocacy.

Ellie Weldon of Beaverhead County in Poultry.

For 9 years, Ellie has participated in the poultry project and excelled in showmanship. In her time in this project, she found ways to incorporate her love of chickens into other competitive categories and leadership activities. They were also a strong advocate for the resurgence of the ambassador program in Beaverhead County.

Cadence Kallenberger of Hill County in Entomology

Cadence has spent 7 years growing their curiosity and confidence in this project. They have embraced opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. This is reflected in their mentoring of younger members and teaching elementary school students about pollinators.

Nicole Berger of Gallatin County in Shooting Sports

Nicole participated in this project for 8 years, serving as a Junior Coach in her club and sharing their experience with the Unlimited Leaders Council to promote the project. They emphasize giving back to the program that was so impactful for her. Nicole also served as a National Shooting Sports Ambassador.

2024 Recipients

Bonnie Radke From Gallatin County in Leadership

Bonnie has helped plan 4-H events in their county for 3 years, such as Parent’s Night Out, and has continued to expand and reimagine their leadership project to challenge themselves. While their involvement in 4-H has extended far beyond the leadership project, the foundation this project has built for them is undeniable. 

Wade Bekkedhal From Yellowstone County in Welding

Wade began welding in 2020, and has found it to be a life skill and preparation for the workforce. In their 4 years in this project, they built their welding skills and continued to challenge themselves yearly by finding more challenging and technical pieces.

Mattie Oostema From Gallatin County in Poultry

Mattie has been working with poultry since 2014. They have played a key part in educating and promoting 4-H to young minds in Gallatin County over the years, and are passionate about informing others about the part that chickens play in agriculture. 

Stella Duran From Lewis & Clark County in Leadership

Stella has been in the Teen Leadership project for 4 years. They have served as a county ambassador, an advocate for the 4-H program, and has been an integral part of Lewis and Clark county 4-H. 

Lina Sturman From Lake County in Dog

Lina has been part of the dog project since 2020. They understand that there is noreplacement for the dedication of showing up week after week, year after year, and giving your dog your undivided attention. Please help me welcome Lina Sturman (Ster-men) of Lake County to the stage.

Laney Jensen From Missoula County in Beef

Laneyhas been a part of the Beef project for 3 years. They have progressed from just wanting to do well in showmanship to expanding their project to breeding heifers and beyond. They has also been an advocate for their local 4-H program, by promoting fair and other events.

Ariel Petersen From Yellowsone County in Textiles

Arielstarted the sewing project when they were 9. They have served as a camp counselor, as a county ambassador, and they make baby blankets for the Northern Cheyenne Midwife Clinic.