On Saturday, April 26, 2025, 4-H members, families, and community partners gathered to celebrate a year of incredible growth, leadership, and service at the Wake County 4-H Annual Awards Celebration. With photo opportunities, light refreshments, and moments of joy and reflection, the event highlighted the outstanding achievements of our youth, volunteers, and clubs.

Club and District Honors

Whale Robotics Club received special recognition for their exceptional STEM teamwork—winning their local league and qualifying for the state robotics competition.

Emily Pirhalla was recognized for her leadership as a District Officer, especially for coordinating Teen Retreat.

Record Books, Projects, and Participation

Achievement Plan Participants: Emma Peeples, Oliver Peeples, Lucille Stevenson, Walter Stevenson

Record Book Honorees: Ezra Wredberg, Kishan Virdy, Emma Peeples

Horse Program Participants: Morgan Grossheim, Karly Stevens, Eva McCarty, Lawton Patterson, Marissa Rathbun, CeCe Springett, Micaela Maynor, Emmy Creek

Livestock Program Participants: Mazie Bunn, Mack Bunn, Charley Jennings, Xavier Jacob, Zoey Jacob, Norah Jacob

Statewide Recognition: Marissa Rathbun – Photography Contest and NC State Fair Exhibition

4-H Presentations

Dozens of youth showcased their communication skills in the annual presentation contests. Our outstanding winners included:

Cloverbud Presenters

• 1st place – Forestry & Wildlife: Walter Stevenson

• 1st place – Poultry: Lily Morgan

Ages 8–10

• 1st place – Egg Chef Challenge: Ava Wolfram Hinton

• 1st place – Poultry: Annalise Oettinger

• 1st place – Small & Companion Animals: Lucille Stevenson

Ages 11–13

• 1st place – Small & Companion Animals: Emori Hotchkiss

• 1st place – Careers & Entrepreneurship: Ezra Wredberg

• 1st place – Food & Nutrition: Allison Morgon

• 2nd place – Food & Nutrition: Solomon Robertson

Ages 14–18

• 1st place – Small & Companion Animals: Sahas Vijayabaskar

• 1st place – Agricultural Safety & Health: Jo Slootweg

• 1st place – Citizenship & Community Service: David Morgan

• 1st place – Science & Technology: Mohammed Arhaan Lnu and Nikhil Kumar

• 2nd place – Science & Technology: Sara Reinert

Head, Heart, Hands, Health Awards

These awards honored members who best embodied the four core values of 4-H:

• Head: Sanvi Asaigoli – Leadership as County Treasurer

• Heart: Kyla Horton – Kindness in SET Program

• Hands: Makayla Marlow-Pridgen – Dedication to service

• Health: Emori Hotchkiss – Commitment to animal care and education

Outstanding Volunteers

Wake County 4-H would not be possible without the passion and commitment of our volunteers. This year, we recognized several who went above and beyond:

• Outstanding Leader: Dr. Mary Fousnaught – Poultry Pack leadership

• Outstanding Co-Leader: Heather Graig – Supportive presence in Poultry Pack

• Outstanding Volunteer: Justin Wredberg – Creative leadership in State Fair hay bale project

• Outstanding New Volunteer: Emma Grace Alphin – Youth engagement and flexibility

4-H Club of the Year

The Poultry Pack was honored as the 2025 Wake County 4-H Club of the Year for excellence in service, STEM learning, and creative projects—including their standout NC State Fair hay bale display.

Youth Excellence Awards

The Wake County 4-H Youth Excellence Awards celebrated 4-H’ers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their agricultural or livestock projects, shown initiative and guidance as leaders, made meaningful contributions through service, and actively engaged in civic life to create positive change in their communities.

• Project-Based Achievement: Mazie Bunn – Champion in multiple livestock show events across North Carolina and beyond

• Leadership:

• Emma Peeples (Junior) – President of Growing Minds 4-H Club

• Kira Wiguna (Senior) – Vice President of LOL & Teen Council

• Community Service:

• Aari Varahala (Junior) – Dedicated garden volunteer and team player

• Brandon Estevez (Senior) – GIS mapping for social justice and mentoring

• Citizenship:

• Brandon Estevez – Civic engagement and national collaboration on food systems

Character and Growth Awards

These awards recognized 4-H’ers who contributed to a positive and welcoming community through their character and personal growth.

• Sportsmanship: Jocsan Serrano Contreras (Cloverbud), Ezra Wredberg (Junior), Kishan Virdy (Senior)

• Compassion: Amber Hockaday (Cloverbud), Emmanuel Hockaday (Junior), Isa Garcia-Bishop (Senior)

• Most Humorous: Jibri Tuck (Cloverbud), Makai Evans (Junior), Jy’Meir Fleming (Senior)

• Social Butterfly: Jordan Taylor

• New Member Award: Ava Wolfram-Hinton

• Rise to the Occasion: Mia Burgess

• 4-H Grows Here: Joelle Royster (Junior), Aaron Howard (Senior)

Outstanding 4-H’er Awards

This prestigious award honored youth who consistently demonstrated leadership, service, and excellence across all areas of involvement:

• Lily Morgan (Cloverbud) – Embryology enthusiasm and active learning

• Aari Varahala (Junior) – Dependable leadership in the Cary 4-H Club

• Emmy Creek (Senior) – Accomplished in horse judging and mentoring younger members

Congratulations to all of our award recipients! Your achievements are a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion, and creativity thriving in Wake County 4-H. We’re so proud of each of you and look forward to another inspiring year ahead.

Did your 4-H’er win an award?

If your child won an award but you were unable to attend or did not receive their recognition, please contact Riley Holcraft at riley.holcraft@wake.gov to arrange pickup.

Photos from the event are available here:
View the Awards Ceremony Photo Album

Awards Presentation Notes

Read the award ceremony speeches to learn more about each honoree and why they were recognized.