MSU Extension 4-H

Vincent Coppola is 14 years-old and in his seventh year in the Michigan 4-H program. He has been a member of the Livingston County 4-H club Roots and Wings for all seven years. He enjoys art and shares that one of his greatest successes was receiving the State Ribbon award at his county fair. Earlier this summer, Vincent received the junior Michigan 4-H State Award for Visual, Performing and Expressive Arts.

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Michigan 4-H member and provides an opportunity to receive recognition for their engagement in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development. State award applications are divided into four categories: Mark of Excellence essay contest (11-12 years old), junior state award (13-15 years old), senior state award (16-19 years old) and group awards (13-19 years old).

“Being in 4-H has increased my interest in helping the community and has encouraged me to be a part of improving my county’s welfare,” said Vincent.

In 2024, Michigan State University Extension recognized outstanding 4-H members in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program following the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 19. Learn more about winner, Vincent Coppola.

How did you become involved in 4-H?

I became involved in 4-H in 2017, as a way for me and my siblings to become more involved with the community.

What other projects have you participated in outside your award area?

I have participated in a 4-H PFAS special interest (SPIN) club. After participating in this club, I feel much more educated and informed about PFAS in general. In addition, last year I presented a written study of the nutrition that domestic ducks require to live sustained and healthy lives. I presented this to judges at the fair and won the silver ribbon award. I also had the chance to present this to an audience of people.

What are some skills you’ve learned in 4-H?

Some skills I have learned in 4-H have been organizing, stress management, marketable skills and communication. I have learned these skills by creating art through visual, performing and expressive arts.

How has 4-H helped you grow as a leader?

One way 4-H helped me grow as a leader was when I volunteered at the Spring Break Cloverbud camp. I helped direct kids to their activities and helped them with their activities. I learned how to get a large group of small kids to pay attention to me while I directed them in an activity. Managing this group was hard at times but it was a learning experience.

What are some ways you give back to your community through 4-H?

My family and I volunteered in the kitchen at our county fair. I was given the job of doing the dishes. I was in charge of washing, sanitizing, rinsing and drying the dishes for several hours during the fair.

I have also gathered donations for the Howell Nature Center. I collected paper towel rolls, blankets and other items the Nature Center might be able to use to help the animals they take care of at the wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

What unique opportunities/experiences have you had through 4-H?

Last year I participated in planting native plants in a county conservation-owned field. We planted hundreds of seeds, and several months later I was able to visit and see how all the plants grew. There were a variety of grasses and flowers, all native to Michigan. I think this was my favorite experience because it was interesting to see the process of planting and then returning to see the impact on that land, see all the pollinators, and see that I did something that made an impact.

How has your 4-H involvement influenced your future plans?

In the future, I hope to become a professional cartoon animator or comic book author, displaying my skill in art through these careers.