Katherine Erickson of Kingsford, left, receives her 2019 Michigan 4-H State Award in Senior Shooting Sports from Amanda M. Masters of the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

EAST LANSING — Katherine Erickson, a 4-H member from the Big Shooters 4-H Club in Dickinson County, was selected as the winner of the 2019 Michigan 4-H State Award in Senior Shooting Sports.

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program took place during 4-H Exploration Days earlier this summer on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing.

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is an opportunity for 4-H members to receive recognition while developing leadership skills and a personal portfolio.

The program features a junior and senior division in 19 project areas as well as a group award category. Delegates are invited to participate in the program based on receiving a qualifying score on their application.

The 4-H State Awards Application includes a cover letter, resume, 4-H story and questions that highlight the life skills, project content knowledge, leadership development and civic engagement experiences 4-H members have gained through their 4-H projects. Up to 12 delegates in the junior, senior and group divisions for each project area were invited to represent their county.

During the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program at MSU, junior delegates participated in a Junior Leadership Program to help them build their interviewing and communication skills while senior and group delegates competed in interviews.

This year, 80 youth representing 31 counties attended the 4-H State Awards Program as delegates, where they had an opportunity to engage in career conversations with the program donors and MSU Extension staff.

Erickson has been a 4-H member for 10 years. In addition to the Shooting Sports project, she participates in the U.P. 4-H Summer Camp, 4-H Exploration Days, Capitol Experience and serves on the 4-H State Leadership Council.

She said she believes 4-H has helped her gain confidence and life skills that she will use every day for the rest of her life.

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to all 4-H members ages 13 to 19. For more information, go to www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/youth-recognition.