OHIO CHILDREN SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH

In a world often preoccupied with future leadership, a group of young people in Ohio are already living it.

At the 2026 Ohio 4-H Conference held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, five outstanding teenagers were recognised for something deeper than achievement, their commitment to service, leadership, and the growth of others. These are not just high-performing young people; they are builders of community, mentors to their peers, and examples of what structured youth development can produce when it is done right.

Leading this year’s honourees is Sadie Wilhelmy of Brown County, named the 2026 Ohio 4-H Teen of the Year.

Sadie’s journey is defined by a simple but powerful decision to say yes. Yes to leadership. Yes to responsibility. Yes to opportunities others might hesitate to take. Through that mindset, she has shaped her 4-H experience into something extraordinary. From leading within her club and Junior Fair Board to mentoring younger members, Sadie has consistently stepped forward where it mattered.

Her impact is both practical and lasting. She revived Brown County’s livestock judging team after more than two decades of inactivity and helped lead Ohio’s first-ever 4-H Food Challenge team to national success. In doing so, she has not only created opportunities for herself but opened doors for others who will follow.

Alongside her, four exceptional young women were inducted into the Ohio 4-H Teen Hall of Fame, each bringing a distinct kind of leadership that reflects the diversity of the 4-H experience.

Campbell Reese of Geauga County stands out for her strong connection to agriculture and youth leadership. Through her sheep project, she has achieved excellence at local, state, and national levels, earning the State Sheep Achievement Award. Beyond her personal success, Campbell has played a key role in strengthening youth participation and voice within 4-H, while also expanding her leadership capacity through national platforms like the Roth Leadership Academy.

Edy Solet of Erie County brings a different kind of influence, one rooted in connection and inclusion. Known for her ability to make others feel seen and supported, she has created welcoming spaces for young people across camps, fairs, and leadership events. Her experiences, including cultural immersion trips to Puerto Rico and Greece, have shaped her into a leader who understands diversity and leads with empathy.

Leah Hamilton of Tuscarawas County embodies energy, creativity, and consistency. Whether mentoring young Cloverbuds, leading activities, or representing her county on larger platforms, Leah has a way of making participation feel exciting and meaningful. Her presence at camps and events has helped build a stronger sense of belonging among younger members, ensuring that no one feels left out of the 4-H experience.

Samantha Bader of Fairfield County has focused her leadership on creating supportive environments where others can grow. Through a mentorship initiative she developed, younger members are equipped with the confidence and skills needed to succeed. Her passion for environmental education is equally evident in her work establishing and maintaining a beehive project at a local school, an effort that earned her the State Natural Resources Achievement Award.

Together, these five young leaders represent the very best of what youth development programmes can achieve. Their stories are not built on isolated success, but on consistent service, intentional leadership, and a commitment to lifting others.

Their recognition at the Ohio 4-H Conference is more than a moment of celebration, it is a reminder that when young people are given structure, guidance, and opportunity, they do not just participate. They lead.