08/10/2026
Congratulations Erica!!
The prestigious Key Award, one of the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive, honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are ones who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
Erica has been a member of Deertail 4-H Club for 6 years and has served as Secretary, Vice President and is currently President. Erica is also Secretary of the Junior Leaders Organization and is youth board member of the Livestock Committee. Erica has been a camp counselor at Rusk/Sawyer 4-H camp for the past 3 years and is integral to leading and supporting youth. Erica has gained skills in mentoring younger club members, leading meetings, sharing youth voices on committees, and volunteering her time and talents in Rusk County 4-H. Erica is continually active in showing swine and has learned how to care for and raise an animal for sale. Erica has also excelled in projects such as poultry, houseplants, nutrition, woodworking, vet science and more. Erica has earned Outstanding Record Book Awards for 6 years and is a young woman who has the skills and abilities to achieve her plans for the future. Erica is also active outside of 4-H and has held different offices for her class, currently as Treasurer, is President of the Ladysmith High School FFA, and has been on the Student Council for 8 years. Erica will graduate from Ladysmith High School in the 2027 class.
Letters of Recommendation for Erica recognized that she consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, responsibility, dedication, and integrity while working for Marcy Christman. “Erica’s enthusiasm for learning and personal growth is evident in the way she embraces new challenges and encourages others to do the same” Marcy Christman, owner of the Inn Between. It is also noted that she is patient, hardworking and earns the respect and trust of her coworkers and clients. Jill Brooks of Ladysmith Middle School has noted that Erica is active in the Student Council and is a volunteer at the SnoBall Dance for students with special needs. Erica is dedicated, kind, hardworking and makes a positive impact on those around her. “Erica is active in fostering school spirit and advocates for student interests,” Jill Brooks.
Key Award recipients are high school students with at least three years of experience in 4-H and one year as a youth leader. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company sponsor the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award program. They have sponsored these awards for over 25 years, helping 4-H to honor some of Wisconsin’s finest youth.
