Awards and Recognition

Award Description: Youth are recognized for the number of years that they have been enrolled in the 4-H program. When members reach the milestones of 5 or 10 years they will receive a certificate and pin.

Award Description: The 4-H Achievement award encourages 4-H youth to reflect on their time in 4-H and all they have learned and experienced. The application consists of a form identifying the project area(s) the youth wish to submit and an essay sharing the story of their overall 4-H experience, leadership experience, community involvement, and interest in future careers. Applicants are encouraged to be creative and include visual items like photos and graphics to demonstrate and emphasize key topics.

Applications are evaluated against a rubric, by a committee from the 4-H Council and Extension Office. The top three submissions from each division will earn project pins and a premium check. 

Divisions

• Junior: ages 8-11
• Intermediate: ages 12-13
• Senior: ages 14-18

Links to additional forms or information: Jr. & Intermediate Application form, Sr. Application form, Junior evaluation rubric, Intermediate evaluation rubric, Senior evaluation rubric

To apply: Complete the application and turn it into the Extension Office.

Deadline: September 15, 5pm

Award Description: The 4-H Council awards college scholarships to up to two High School seniors each year. The exact amount of the award will be determined by the Council but is typically around $500. To qualify, applicants must:

• Currently be a senior in High School
• Exhibit a 4-H project in the current year's County Fair
• Complete the application 

The application form is a single page with three essay style questions about the member's 4-H leadership/citizenship/community service experiences, what they have learned from their time in 4-H, and how they will use those skills in the future. Applicants are encouraged to highlight accomplishments from 4-H, school, church, and community activities in their answers but may not exceed the single page. 

Links to additional forms or information: Application form

To apply: Complete the application and turn it into the Extension Office.

Deadline: September 15, 5pm

Award Description: The Clubs of Excellence award recognizes 4-H clubs and their efforts to encourage and empower members. The award is presented to Nebraska 4-H clubs that apply and meet the following criteria:

• Have at least five members from at least three different families.
• Recite the 4-H Pledge at meetings.
• Meet at least six times per year.
• Choose/elect youth officers.
• Have youth serve in leadership roles.
• Have one club project, related to curriculum, which they do together.
• Have an adult role model involvement.
• Be facilitated by organizational and project leaders who have successfully completed the volunteer screening.
• Have members who perform a presentation or public speaking at the club level or above.
• Complete one community service project.
• Have members who participate in county, district or state events.
• Celebrate member and club achievements.

Links to additional forms or information: More information on the Clubs of Excellence Award

To apply: Complete the Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence Annual Summary Form and turn it into the Extension Office or email a copy to Linda Jeffers at ljeffers2@unl.edu. 

Deadline: September 15, 5pm

For participating in the Cheyenne County Fair and Nebraska State Fair, 4-H youth can earn awards such as ribbons and premium checks. Those who place as Champion or Reserve Champion at the County level may also be awarded additional prizes such as personalized backpacks or Chamber Bucks.