Berrien County 4-H Awards Five Alumni
Published: Friday, December 12, 2025
Five 4-H Alumni received scholarships on Nov. 9. Scholarships were presented during the Berrien County 4-H member and leader recognition banquet, at Hidden Pointe in Benton Harbor.
The recipient of the 2025 4-H Joseph Cerny and Evelyn Cerny Memorial Scholarship was Kyle Smith of Stevensville. Smith was presented with a scholarship for $1,000 towards his education.
For over 15 years, Kyle Smith of the Galien Chanters, Fuzzy Friends and the We Can Ride 4-H Clubs has exemplified leadership, passion and heart for service. Beginning his 4-H adventure at just 5 years old, Kyle has embraced nearly every opportunity 4-H has to offer—excelling in project areas such as sewing/quilting, baking, photography, flower arranging, rabbits and llamas just to name a few. His well-rounded involvement has earned him numerous recognitions, including county medals, all-achievements, and the prestigious outstanding 4-H'er.
As his 4-H leader notes, "Kyle is a great role model for our younger members and a great community member of Berrien County."
He is always ready to jump into a new challenge and consistently puts forth his best effort. Smith's humility, creativity, and unwavering dedication make him a true asset to his community and a shining example of what it means to be a 4-H'er.
Smith is currently studying at Saginaw Valley State University, where he is pursuing dual certification in secondary education for English and Theater. On campus his involvements include roles in marching band, E-Sports (where he served as JV team captain), speech and debate, theater tech, and as president of the campus internet radio station. Through it all, he continues to draw on the critical life skills 4-H helped him develop—especially time management, communication and networking.
Additionally, the 2025 Berrien County 4-H Alumni Scholarship was awarded to Sarah Hackett of Eau Claire, Paul Pirri of Niles, and Brooklyn Strefling of Galien. Each 4-H alumni was presented with a $1,000 scholarship towards their continuing education.
Hackett the 2023 Exceptional 4-H'er from the Exchange, has been a lifelong 4-H member and has been active in the We Can Ride, Straight Shooters, and Double Bridle 4-H Clubs. Her journey reflects passion, perseverance and purpose. Over the past decade, she has grown from a behind-the-scenes youth volunteer to a respected teen leader, equine caretaker and board officer. Hackett has continued her education through a formal certification program by becoming a professional farrier, which is a much-needed profession in the area.
Strefling has also been a lifelong 4-H member who has taken on several leadership roles in the Galien Chanters 4-H Club, where she is the current president. Strefling has participated in a wide range of project areas including beef, swine, sewing, foods, personalization, and community service. Some of the most valuable skills she has gained through 4-H is time management, problem solving, adaptability and goal setting. She has used her skills working on an active dairy farm and as she starts her college career at Southwestern Michigan College.
Pirri was an active member of the Blue-Ribbon Bandits 4-H Club and was active in the rabbit project area. Pirri's time in 4-H helped build his public speaking and communication skills. Pirri has transferred back to Michigan to continue his academic career. Currently, Pirri is an Adviser for the Berrien County 4-H Foundation.
Lastly, the 4-H Equine Educational Scholarship recipient went to Lauren Lovell of St. Joseph. Lovell was presented with a $250 scholarship towards her continuing education.
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