Courtesy photo Alison Borowski poses with her goat during the 2025 Alpena County Fair where she was the 4-H Showman of Showman Goat Winner. Earlier this year, Borowski was awarded 4H’s highest award by the state for goat science.

Alison Borowski, a 4-H member from Alpena County, was selected as the winner of the 2025 Michigan 4-H State Award in Senior Goat Science. The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program took place June 18 during 4-H Exploration Days at Michigan State University.

The Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members. The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is an opportunity for 4-H members to receive recognition while developing their leadership skills and personal portfolio. The program features a junior and senior division in 21 project areas as well as a group award category.

Alison Borowski has been a 4-H member for 13 years. In addition to the goat project, Alison participates in the Alpena County Livestock Club, served on the Alpena 4-H Council as a teen leader, has completed projects in almost every species as well as other home economic and agriculture areas. Alison was a previous 4-H member of the year and has been selected for state awards in poultry and sheep. Alison ‘s favorite 4-H memory was when she participated in the small and large animal sweepstakes at the Alpena County Fair in 2021 and won both! Alison believes 4-H has helped them break out of their shell from a young age and grow as a leader and be a mentor for others. Alison also stated that it has taught her responsibility, discipline, and confidence between raising livestock as well as career development. Alison has just completed her final year in 4-H and local MSU Extension Program Coordinator Michelle Eagling said Borowski is true testament to the success of this program because of her her drive, dedication, and ambition have made a lasting impact.

“She will be greatly missed, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished through 4-H,” Eagling said in a press release on Friday.

To enter the competition, 4-H members submitted an application that 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. Applications were scored, and up to 12 finalists in the junior, senior, and group divisions for each project area were invited to represent their county in the statewide competition.

Senior finalists advanced to further competition where they completed a video conference interview with the selection committee. This year, 38 youth representing 15 counties applied for a 4-H State Award.