2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Award recipients
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EmailTwo remarkable Michigan 4-H volunteers were named the 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners for their outstanding contributions to both county and state 4-H programs: Jean Martin of Washtenaw County and Bryan Shirk of Branch County.
Two remarkable Michigan 4-H volunteers were named the 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners for their outstanding contributions to both county and state 4-H programs: Jean Martin of Washtenaw County and Bryan Shirk of Branch County. These individuals join an elite group of 4-H volunteers who have dedicated their time to serve Michigan 4-H youth and help make the best better.
The Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards highlight the important work of 4-H volunteers across the state who share their time, energy and commitment with 4-H every day to improve the lives of Michigan young people. Through the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards program, Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program honors outstanding volunteers for their unwavering dedication to 4-H and Michigan young people.
This year, Bryan Shirk, of Coldwater, was named the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence 4-H Volunteer of the Year. This award is bestowed on outstanding Michigan 4-H volunteers with 10 years of service or less. For the past seven years, Shirk has been a dedicated 4-H volunteer whose leadership and passion have enriched youth development at the county, state and national levels. He has strengthened small animal programs through educational workshops, fair leadership, statewide resources and innovative learning opportunities. Shirk also mentors youth through events, project support and animal donations, helping young people build confidence, responsibility and life skills. His commitment to service, teamwork and mentorship has left a lasting impact on Michigan 4-H.
“Bryan consistently goes above and beyond, continually dreaming, innovating, and creating new opportunities to ensure youth have meaningful, high-quality experiences through 4-H,” said Megan Wilczynski, the Branch County MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator who nominated Shirk.
Receiving the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award, which honors a 4-H volunteer with more than 10 years of service, is Jean Martin of Ann Arbor. Martin has been a dedicated leader and volunteer in Washtenaw County 4-H for 33 years, contributing her time, expertise and mentorship across countless program areas. From leadership roles on advisory councils and committees to teaching youth skills and supporting county events, Martin has strengthened 4-H opportunities for generations of young people. Her mentorship has inspired former members to become volunteers and leaders themselves, while her guidance has supported staff and families. Martin’s lifelong service has left an enduring impact on Washtenaw County 4-H.
“Jean is the picture of what an excellent club leader looks like,” said the Trott family, members of Martin’s 4-H club. “She is welcoming, organized and encourages youth to be involved and voice their opinions as well as develop ideas, projects and service. She has a natural leadership that both kids and adults benefit from greatly. Jean embodies the heart of 4-H and is an outstanding volunteer!”
Recipients of the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards receive a $400 monetary award donated in their name to the 4-H program, club or activity of their choice. These grants are made possible by the Michigan 4-H Volunteer Recognition Fund of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Awardees will also have their name engraved on the Salute to Excellence brick path located at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens in East Lansing, Michigan, and receive a personalized recognition memento at the upcoming Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration on October 3.
To make a tribute gift through the Michigan 4-H Foundation in honor of these outstanding individuals, visit mi4hfdtn.org/memorialtributedonation/. For more information about the 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards and past honorees, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/michigan-4-h-salute-to-excellence-awards/.
