COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Bryan Shirk of Coldwater has been named the 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year by Michigan State University Extension.
This prestigious statewide honor is reserved for outstanding 4-H volunteers who have served their communities for 10 years or less.
Over the past seven years, Shirk has gone above and beyond to support youth development in Branch County and across the state, bringing leadership and fresh learning opportunities to local agricultural programs.
Megan Wilczynski, the Branch County MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator who nominated Shirk says ” Bryan consistently goes above and beyond, continually dreaming, innovating, and creating new opportunities to ensure youth have meaningful, high-quality experiences through 4-H.
Shirk said “My greatest reward is watching the individual youth that I’ve mentored grow up to become great young adults who give back to our community in so many ways,”
A former 4-H member himself, Shirk has utilized his personal experience to mentor the next generation through small animal initiatives.
His contributions include co-authoring the State 4-H Rabbit Showmanship Guide, organizing the State 4-H Rabbit Show, and donating rabbits to ensure local youth can participate in livestock projects.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment, a $400 monetary award will be donated in Shirk’s name to a 4-H program of his choice, and his achievements will be celebrated at the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards on October 3.
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