New Named 2024 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Youth Sportsperson of the Year

By Autumn Converse

Good sportsmanship is a critical skill for youth. Competitive events and activities provide a great opportunity for young people to learn how to be fair, respectful and gracious - whether they win or lose. Demonstrating good sportsmanship is not just for youth 4-H members – it applies to everyone involved, including volunteers, parents, leaders and others.

The Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes one youth member and one adult 4-H leader who exemplify the definition of sportsmanship. The winners of this award have gone above and beyond to lead by example and lend a helping hand to those around them during animal science programs.

The 2024 youth winner of this award is Keegan New, a 4-H member in St. Joseph County who participates in dairy beef, sheep, swine and poultry projects. Keegan received a glowing nomination from St. Joseph County 4-H Program Coordinator Kayla Mitchell, who also worked with Keegan as a beef project leader in the Burr Oak 4-H Club for eight years. It is clear that Keegan exemplifies good sportsmanship in all aspects of his 4-H experience.

Kayla said, “I have seen many young show people come and go, but Keegan uniquely stands out above the rest. From the time he was a second-year member, he has not only been willing but also excited to work with other 4-H members to help them in any capacity he can. He is one of the most respectful 4-H members in my program, always helping others and never thinking about what he’ll receive in return.”

Kayla continued, “Keegan has been very successful throughout his 4-H career. However, it is not his achievements I want to highlight, it’s his incredible drive to help others – whether they are 4-H members or leaders. Keegan has shown extraordinary qualities of leadership, respect, responsibility, helpfulness and personal growth. He leads by example in work ethic, personality and morals. In competition, he is the first to congratulate his peers on their successes, regardless of how he places himself.”

Keegan is a member of the St. Joseph County 4-H Youth Council, a 4-H camp counselor and a Cloverbud mentor. Kayla mentioned that he plans to become a 4-H volunteer and assist the sheep superintendent with summer workouts and other youth learning opportunities in the future. It is clear that Keegan lends so much of his time to helping others in his 4-H community.

This nomination speaks volumes to Keegan’s character and the impression he makes on everyone around him. Congratulations, Keegan!

Eighteen youth from across Michigan were nominated for the 2024 Michigan 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year Award. Each of them deserves recognition for the ways they demonstrated good sportsmanship this year. The nominees were:

• Emarie B., Newaygo County
• Eliotte H., Newaygo County
• Isabella K., Wayne County
• Elizabeth L., Ingham County
• Brieanna M., Bay County
• Corbin M., Saginaw County
• Mariah N., Hillsdale County
• Madeline N., Midland County
• Abigail O., Chippewa County
• Bridget P., Menominee County
• Caitlin P., Dickinson County
• William R., Washtenaw County
• Elizabeth S., Ottawa County
• Faith S., Wexford County
• Aarian V., Newaygo County
• Shelby W., Bay County
• Samantha W., Genesee County

The 2024 adult winner of this award is Diane Turland, a 4-H leader in Genesee County. Read more about why she was selected in this accompanying Michigan State University Extension article.

Interested in becoming involved in 4-H animal science projects? Contact your local MSU Extension Office to find a 4-H club near you.