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4-H Achievement, Awards & Recognition Resource Page
Celebrating YOUth, Volunteers, and Community
From project achievements and participation awards to scholarships and community recognition, we honor the contributions that make 4-H thrive—youth members, club officers, adult leaders, and volunteers alike.
We’re committed to helping every member understand their path, stay engaged, and feel supported along the way. Thanks to the Chippewa County 4-H Leaders Association, many awards and scholarships are possible—ensuring milestones are celebrated and efforts valued.
Parents and guardians, your support matters! Explore opportunities to recognize achievements, inspire learning, and make this year unforgettable.
Due June 1: Key Award, Cloverbud Graduate, Member Graduate, Volunteer Awards
Due August 31: Participation Awards, Project Achievement, Specialty Awards, Officer Awards and Clover Award
Member Recognition
Participation and Achievement Awards are managed at the club level. Clubs may choose to recognize members for participation and project achievement. Please check with your club leader to learn about your club’s member recognition process. Club Leaders or Award Coordinators will place award orders on behalf of members through the Extension Office.
Participation Awards
Each year, members will be honored with a Chippewa County 4-H Participation Certificate to recognize their participation in the program. Additionally, Milestone Pins will be awarded to celebrate their involvement. Members who join as Cloverbuds in Kindergarten will be eligible to receive all the pins listed to the right throughout their 4-H membership.
For example: If a member joins in 5th grade, they will be eligible for the 1st-year pin, and as they reach 5 years in the program, they will receive the corresponding award. Participation awards are awarded based on the number of years completed in the program.
All submissions must be completed by August 31st and returned to Club Leader/Award Coordinator
Project Achievement
4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime and recognizes the hard work and dedication put into project work throughout the 4-H year. Achievement guidelines are set by the 4-H Leaders Association as a baseline, but can be adjusted based on individual circumstances/ needs and is up to the discretion of the individual club/club leaders.
To be recognized as an Achieving Member or be eligible for Educational Experience Funding, members must maintain good standing by meeting the following criteria:
- Be a Member in Good Standing
- Enrollment Deadlines: Returning members must enroll by November 1st. New members must enroll by April 1st. & Be in adherence to the Wisconsin 4-H Code of Conduct.
- Attend a Minimum of Four Club Meetings
- Clubs may have additional attendance requirements for funding requests, club trips, or programs. Please consult your club leader for details.
- Complete One Demonstration: The demonstration should be related to a project of your choice and may be conducted in person or *virtually. Some clubs only allow in person demonstrations, be sure to verify with the club leader to check eligibility.
- Exhibit at a Showcase: Options include showcasing a project at a 4-H meeting, county/tri-county event, Northern Wisconsin State Fair, Bloomer Community Fair, Colfax Free Fair, or another community event approved by the Leaders Association
- Participate in One or More Community Service Activities: 4-H Related or Non-4-H Related
- Engage in One or More County/State Programs: Examples include Camp, Clover College, Fair, or similar opportunities.
Project Achievement Milestones
Youth who complete a project record reflection are eligible to receive a bar pin each year, recognizing their continued achievement in project work. Pins are awarded annually—except during years 1, 5, 10, and 12/13, which are milestone years and follow a different recognition format.
Note: The project does not need to be the same each year. This award celebrates a youth’s commitment and accomplishment in project work over time
Milestones at a glance: Yearly: Varsity Bar Pin, Year 1: Varsity Bar and Club Hat or Varsity Clover, Year 5: Bronze Shield Pin, Year 13: Gold Shield Pin
All submissions must be completed by August 31st and returned to Club Leader/Award Coordinator
Member Award Nominations & Applications
Specialty Awards
Specialty 4-H member awards recognize the hard work and dedication of individual members who have made significant contributions to their club and community. There will be two categories for each award, Grades 3-6th or 7-12th. For these awards, applicants will complete the Member Award Application, and write a one-page essay answering an applicable question.
All submissions must be completed by August 31st
- Rising Star Award: Must be a first-year member (but could have been a previous Cloverbud) who did an outstanding job in ALL 4-H project work.
- Make Your Best Better Award: Applicants for this award should demonstrate increased participation and personal growth in 4-H through their involvement at home, within their club, and in the broader community.
- Excellence in Youth Leadership: This award recognizes one 4-H youth leader who has gone above and beyond in their leadership role, making a strong impact at the club or county level. Nominees should show outstanding contributions to 4-H programs and events, and exceptional support or guidance to fellow members. Youth may self-nominate or be nominated by any Chippewa County 4-H member, leader, parent, or group.
Officer Awards
Your dedication as a 4-H officer has positively impacted your club and community. To recognize your efforts, interested officers are encouraged to apply by completing the Officer Application and submitting the required documentation.
- President / Co-President / VP: Copies of agendas prepared by applicant
- Secretary: Current secretary book or copies of 3 minutes prepared by applicant
- Treasurer: Current treasurer’s book prepared by applicant
- Reporter, Historian, or Photographer: Copies or clippings from 4-H newsletters, any materials submitted by the applicant, and the current scrapbook with pages added during the year. Also include up to three photos of the applicant.
- Song, Game or Sunshine Leader: Description of three games, song lyrics, or activity led by applicant
All submissions must be completed by August 31st
County Award Nominations & Applications
County Award Opportunities are managed at the county level. Many of these awards require a nomination or application, so be sure to pay close attention to deadlines. Some awards are presented during our County Award Celebration in July, while others may be recognized at your club meetings in the Fall.
Key Award
The Key Award is the most prestigious award that a 4-H member can receive. Only 1% of the county membership is eligible to receive this award. Chippewa County can select up to two people this year to receive the distinguished Key Award.
Its purpose is to provide special recognition to 4-H members who have shown consistent growth in their 4-H program, who have developed their leadership ability, and who have been helpful members in their club and community. Older youth considered for this award must be in at least 11th grade, as of January 1 of the current year and must have completed at least three years of club work
All submissions must be completed by June 1st
A completed application/nomination submission will include:
Clover Award
The Clover Award recognizes 4-H members for active participation in Club, County, State, Regional, National, and International events. Members earn points through involvement and can work toward different recognition levels.
While members may take multiple years to earn an award, only one Clover Award can be received per year—except for older youth in 9th grade or above who may earn more than one per year if needed to complete all levels before aging out of the program.
Why should I work towards this award? This award recognizes your dedication and growth in 4-H. It’s a meaningful way to showcase your involvement, build leadership and life skills, and prepare for future success—whether that’s college, a trade, or a career. It also helps you stand out on applications and inspires others through your example.
Chippewa County 4-H Clover Award Point Tracker
All submissions must be completed by August 31st
County Honors
Cloverbud Graduate
When a 2nd-grade Cloverbud successfully completes the program year, they become eligible to “graduate” into full 4-H membership. To receive the graduation gift (cloverbud t-shirt and certificate), all graduating Cloverbuds must complete the Cloverbud Graduate Form in the spring.
Member Graduate
4-H members who choose to graduate at the end of 12th grade or after completing 13 years in the program are eligible for special recognition. To receive a graduation gift (blanket or jacket and certificate), all graduating members must submit the Graduation Form during the spring.
Academic Scholarships
As a 4-H member, you have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities at the county, state, and national levels. Chippewa County 4-H recognizes members’ achievements and dedication by offering several scholarships. Each scholarship has specific criteria, so please review them carefully. If you meet the guidelines, we encourage you to apply. Academic Scholarship Information can be found on our Academic Scholarship Resource Page
Volunteer Award Nominations & Applications
Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, is selected locally by the Chippewa County 4-H Leaders Association. This award honors volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service to 4-H at the club, county, state, and/or national levels. Recipients can only receive this award once.
All submissions must be completed by June 1st
Excellence in Volunteerism
This annual award honors 4-H adult leaders who go above and beyond in their roles—whether through exceptional project leadership, outstanding support at events, or meaningful guidance to youth. Nominations can be submitted by youth members, adult leaders, parents, clubs, or even self-nominated. Let’s recognize the dedicated volunteers who make 4-H thrive in our community!
- Rising Star in Volunteerism (1-5 Years): Must be a volunteer within their 1st-5th year who has done an outstanding job as a volunteer.
- Excellence in Volunteerism (5-15 Years): Must be a volunteer within their 5th-15th year who has done an outstanding job as a volunteer.
- Distinguished Volunteer (16+ Years / Every 5 Years): Must be a volunteer with 16 years of service who has done an outstanding job as a volunteer.
All submissions must be completed by August 31st
Alumni Award
The Alumni Award honors 4-H alumni who are actively contributing to youth development in their adult lives. Recipients can be alumni from any part of the county and must be current active leaders making significant efforts to support and mentor youth. This award can only be received once by an individual
All submissions must be completed by June 1st
Wisconsin Hall of Fame
Know a 4-H Volunteer with a Lasting Legacy in Chippewa County? Each year, up to 10 individuals are inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame to honor those who’ve made a lasting impact on youth, families, and communities through 4-H.
Application and nomination materials can be found on the State 4-H Hall of Fame Website
Community Awards
Friend of 4-H
Answer A club, member, or project group can nominate individuals for the Friend of 4-H Award. This award recognizes a citizen or organization from the community for their significant contributions to the 4-H Program. Nominees should have demonstrated outstanding support, dedication, and service to 4-H, helping to enhance the program and positively impact the lives of its members. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to support the growth and success of 4-H youth in Chippewa County.
All submissions must be completed by June 1st