On Saturday, April 11, 2026, 4-H members, families, and community partners gathered to celebrate 2025 accomplishments at the Wake County 4-H Annual Awards Celebration.

Special Recognition

Charley Jennings, a Wake County 4-H’er, was recognized by Wake County Commissioner Chair Don Mial for donating her two pigs after the 2026 Central Piedmont Junior Livestock Show. Her pigs earned both Champion and Reserve Champion titles.

The meat will be donated to Urban Ministries to help feed community members in Wake County. Way to go, Charley, for truly embodying the 4-H spirit and making a meaningful impact through your hard work and service.

4-H Competition Winners

HORSE PROGRAM

The 2025 North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Educational Teams completed a highly successful season, competing at the Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, and the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup is the largest youth equine educational competition in the country, with more than 270 youth from 26 states participating this year. North Carolina earned top honors in all four major team categories: Hippology, Communications, Horsebowl, and Horse Judging.

Southern Regional Educational Contest Results

Hippology

Team A – 1st Overall

1st Team Problem, 1st Exam/ID, 2nd Stations, 4th Judging

• Dai Akers – 1st Overall, 2nd Stations, 2nd Exam
• Emmy Creek – 3rd Overall, 9th Stations, 1st Exam
• Audrey Taylor – 8th Overall, 6th Exam
• Marissa Rathbun – 10th Judging, 10th Stations

Team B

• Morgan Grossheim – 6th High Individual, 8th Overall, 3rd Stations, 8th Exam/ID

Horse Judging

North Carolina – 2nd Overall

• 6th Halter, 4th Performance, 5th Reasons

Emmy Creek – 1st Overall

• 1st Halter, 3rd Performance, 1st Reasons

Quarter Horse Congress Results – Hippology

1st Overall Team

1st in Exam, Stations, and Team Problem; 6th in Judging

• Emmy Creek – 1st Overall, 1st Stations, 2nd Exam
• Dai Akers – 2nd Overall, 2nd Stations, 1st Exam
• Audrey Taylor – 10th Overall, 10th Stations, 6th Exam
• Morgan Grossheim – 12th Overall, 6th Exam
• Coach: Beth Morgan

Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup – Hippology

Team Members: Emmy Creek, Dai Akers, Morgan Grossheim, Audrey Taylor

Coach: Beth Morgan

• Emmy Creek earned High Individual Overall, including top scores in Stations, Exam, and Judging.

LIVESTOCK SHOW

Wake County youth demonstrated outstanding skill and sportsmanship at this year’s state livestock competitions, with strong representation from both 4-H and FFA programs.

4-H Results

Charley Jennings

• Champion Intermediate Showman – Market Hog
• Overall Champion Market Hog
• Champion Intermediate Showman – Lamb
• Champion Wool Market Lamb
• Overall Champion Breeding Ewe

Mazie Bunn

• Champion Senior Showman – Beef
• 1st in Class – Breeding Heifer
• 2nd in Class – Breeding Heifer
• Overall Reserve Heifer
• Reserve Champion Senior Showman – Lamb
• Reserve Wool Market Lamb

Mack Bunn

• Overall Reserve Champion Feeder Steer
• Champion Junior Showman – Lamb

Xavier Jacob

• Reserve Champion Junior Showman – Lamb

Norah Jacob

• Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman – Lamb

FFA Results

• Nathan Morgan – 1st in Class – Breeding Heifer
• Sara McAllister – 2nd in Class – Breeding Heifer
• M'Kenzie Scego – 3rd in Class – Breeding Heifer
• Savannah Williford – 2nd in Class – Breeding Heifer
• Emma Beasley – 4th in Class – Breeding Heifer; 2nd in Class – Feeder Steer

ROCKETRY CLUB

The Wake County 4-H Rocketry Team, a nationally recognized American Rocketry Challenge team, earned 2nd place in the ARC National Presentation Contest and was named Best Rookie Team of the Year.

The Wake County 4-H Rocketry Club has led multiple workshops on the basics of model rocketry through interactive lessons & exciting game activities, making it both, fun & educational with Wake County 4-H and NCSU.

ROBOTICS TEAM

The 4-H Whale Robotics Club (RoboWhales) had a strong 2025 season, culminating at the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas.

Season Highlights

• District Champions – FIRST NC Wake District
• Autonomous Award Winner – FIRST NC Wake District
• District Finalists – FIRST NC Wake District
• Industrial Design Award Winner
• Innovation in Control Award – NC State Championship
• Ranked 8th in North Carolina overall
• Alliance 2 Captain – State Tournament
• Autonomous Award – FIRST Robotics World Championship (Daly Division)

4-H Wake County Presentations

Presentations are a core part of North Carolina 4-H, helping youth build confidence and public speaking skills. Members research a topic, organize their ideas, and teach others while answering questions. This process strengthens communication, preparation, and leadership.

The following youth are eligible to advance to District Activity Day to compete in North Carolina 4-H NE District Presentations:

8-10 years

• 1st place - Health & Fitness - Lily Morgan
• 1st place - Fisheries & Aquatics - Isaac Wredberg
• 1st place - Open Class Category - Leo Romero

11-13 years

• 1st Place - Egg Chef Challenge - Ava Wolfram-Hinton and Allison Morgan
• 1st Place - Arts & Communication - Solomon Robertson
• 1st Place - Equestrian - Emori Hotchkiss

14-18 years

• 1st place - Forestry & Wildlife - Ezra Wredberg
• 1st place - Science & Technology - Mohammed Arhaan Lnu & Nikhil Kumar
• 2nd Place - Science & Technology - Ishaan Kurup
• 1st place - Environmental Science (Soil & Water) - Kessler Dickerson
• 1st Place - Poultry Biosecurity - Jo Slootweg
• 1st Place - Poultry Production - Lillie Inge
• 1st Place - Livestock & Dairy Production - Sara Reinert

Outstanding Volunteers

4-H would not be possible without the passion, insight, and dedication of our volunteers. Their time, mentorship, and care create lasting impacts on youth and the programs they lead.

Outstanding Adult Leader – Dr. Mary Fosnaught, Poultry Pack

Demonstrates strong leadership of the Wake County Poultry Pack through engaging, hands-on learning experiences and consistent youth support. Creates unique educational opportunities, including egg quality work at the NC State poultry lab, while also organizing meaningful service projects such as baking pies for a local women’s shelter. Leadership fosters both skill development and community impact.

Outstanding Adult Co-Leader – Ms. Jennifer Varahala, Cary 4-H Club

Provides consistent and reliable support across multiple club meetings each month, regularly going above and beyond in volunteer involvement. Led the club’s first youth officer elections by organizing logistics, securing ballot boxes, and creating custom ballots. Contributions strengthened youth leadership opportunities and overall club engagement.

Outstanding Support Volunteer – Ms. Laura Wahl, Just Horsein' Around 4-H Club

Plays a key role in the success and growth of the club by supporting all aspects of operations and programming. Provides leadership in organizing meetings, coordinating activities, and planning service projects that reach seniors, children with special needs, and shelter animals. Efforts create an inclusive, organized, and engaging environment for youth and families.

4-H Club Awards

Club of the Year – Poultry Pack

This club demonstrated outstanding leadership and agricultural engagement. Two members qualified for the National 4-H Poultry & Egg Conference in the Avian Bowl. They also led an embryology project with another county, mentored youth at the Turkey Show, and contributed to the State Fair hay bale project.

Club Citizenship – 4-H Teen Council

This club has created strong community impact through events such as the 4-H mental health walk and awards program. Members build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while creating a space where youth voices are heard and valued.

Club Community Service – Poultry Pack

This club combines hands-on learning with meaningful service. Members study poultry science through embryology, candling eggs, and breed identification while completing record books. Their service includes baking pies for a women’s shelter, supporting the Turkey Show, and contributing to an award-winning State Fair hay bale.

Project-Based Award (Agricultural)

Junior – Annalise Oettinger

Demonstrates strong commitment to poultry care and flock health education through hands-on experience and research. Shares knowledge through presentations and actively supports program operations by volunteering at Poult Pickup and training other volunteers. Efforts show initiative, skill development, and leadership within agricultural projects.

Senior – Lillian Inge

Demonstrates advanced leadership in poultry science through education, service, and mentorship. Supports the community by providing guidance on backyard poultry care and assisting with Extension outreach. Played a key role in organizing and leading the Embryology Clinic and chick vaccination clinic. Provides mentorship to younger members and applies knowledge gained through advanced programs to strengthen club learning experiences.

Leadership Award

Junior – Ousainou Jeng

Demonstrates leadership through strong character, communication, and peer support. Builds positive relationships, models respectful behavior, and creates an inclusive environment where others feel supported. Actively participates in group settings, encourages peers, and consistently contributes to a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

Senior – Julianne Waters

She has demonstrated leadership through grant writing, service, and youth advocacy. She led a grant-funded project supporting a women’s shelter and serves in leadership roles within Teen Council, promoting mental health awareness.

Community Service Award

Junior – Ava Wolfram Hinton

Demonstrates consistent dedication to service through involvement in both 4-H and the broader community. Volunteers through faith-based initiatives, supports Oak City Cares, and serves as Hospitality Chair within the Poultry Pack. Contributes to agricultural education by raising chicks for Extension programs in other counties. Service reflects leadership, generosity, and sustained community impact.

Senior – Mia Burgess

Demonstrates strong commitment to service through fundraising and awareness efforts for blood cancer initiatives. Integrates service work into 4-H involvement, encouraging peer participation and expanding impact. Contributions reflect compassion, leadership, and dedication to helping others.

Citizenship Award

Junior – Savanna Murray

Demonstrates strong sportsmanship and positive engagement with the public. Represents 4-H with professionalism and respect, contributing to positive community interactions and outreach efforts.

Senior – Claire Eveson

Demonstrates leadership in civic engagement through involvement in Junior Master Gardeners and Teen Council. Leads club meetings, mentors youth, and contributes to agricultural research and education. Selected as a Borlaug Scholar and represented North Carolina at the Global Youth Institute. Played a key role in planning and speaking at the Food Security Summit. Efforts reflect initiative, leadership, and commitment to community impact.

Character and Growth Awards

Best Sportsmanship – Abby Oley

Demonstrates a positive attitude, encourages peers, and supports team success through consistent effort and leadership.

Most Compassionate, Junior – Aaliyah Sanchez

Demonstrates strong empathy, emotional awareness, and ability to support others. Recognizes when peers or leaders need encouragement and responds with care and understanding. Builds meaningful connections and supports a positive environment.

Most Compassionate, Senior – Michaela Long

Demonstrates compassion and inclusivity by ensuring all peers can participate fully. Uses translation tools to support communication and actively helps others feel included, valued, and respected.

Most Humorous – Kira Wiguna

Creates a positive and welcoming environment through humor and strong interpersonal skills. Engages peers and adults in a way that builds connection and encourages participation.

Most Energetic – Jarrett Roberts

Actively participates in activities and learning experiences, contributing enthusiasm that encourages group engagement and teamwork.

Most Curious, Junior – Leo Romero

Demonstrates strong curiosity through active participation, asking questions, and exploring new concepts in poultry science and hands-on learning.

Most Curious, Senior – Ezra Wredberg

Demonstrates ongoing curiosity and commitment through presentations, volunteering, and leadership in events such as the State Fair hay bale project and community outreach.

Most Committed to Exploring Poultry Health – Annalise Oettinger

Demonstrates continued interest in poultry health through research, presentations, and hands-on experience. Supports program efforts through volunteer training and active participation.

Most Driven – Inez Robinson

Demonstrates strong motivation through active involvement in poultry, science, and creative projects. Consistently contributes effort, energy, and willingness to learn.

4-H Grows Here – Elise Roberts

Demonstrates significant growth through increased leadership, confidence, and involvement. Served as an MC at the Youth Advocacy Summit, presented as a TEDxYouth@ChavisWay speaker, and contributed as a founding member of the Civic Engagement Council. Growth reflects initiative, confidence, and commitment to making an impact.

Peer-to-Peer – Kishan Virdy

Demonstrates strong peer leadership as Teen Council President by creating space for all voices and supporting the development of ideas and initiatives. Builds an inclusive environment where members feel heard, valued, and encouraged to participate.

Outstanding 4-H'ers

Junior – Kyndal McLamb

Demonstrates strong growth through active participation in leadership, competitions, and service. Stepped into new roles, including club liaison and competitive events, while balancing multiple commitments. Growth reflects increasing confidence, dedication, and leadership.

Senior – Kessler Dickerson

Demonstrates leadership and initiative through involvement in the Youth Food Security Summit Planning Team and support of an Oxfam Hunger Banquet focused on food insecurity. Serves as Vice President of the LOL Club, supporting organization, communication, and inclusive participation. Participated in the Ag Ambassador Program, represented 4-H at the Farm Breakfast, served as an MC for the Youth Advocacy Summit, and joined the founding team for Wake County 4-H's first Civic Engagement Council.

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.