The 4‑H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4‑H youth who make a difference in their communities every day. It is a community of 4‑H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4‑H changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others.
For 2026, Minnesota 4-H alumnus Antonio Becker was selected as one of four national 4-H Youth in Action award winners.
4-H Youth in Action award winner: Antonio Becker
When high school pressures of unrealistic body image standards left him with negative health effects that led to hospitalization, Becker rebuilt his confidence through 4-H.
He credits his 4-H educator, Becky Moe of Morrison County, with seeing something in him he didn’t see in himself at the time and encouraging him to apply to be a Minnesota State 4-H Ambassador.
As an ambassador, he used his platform to champion emotional wellbeing, leading a series of workshops.
Becker shared more of his story in a video with the National 4-H Council.
As a winner, he will receive a $5,000 scholarship, a year of individual professional and media development, training and networking opportunities, all-expenses paid trips to travel as a spokesperson and key thought leader, and an official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.
4-H Youth in Action award finalists
Two Minnesota 4-H’ers were also selected as finalists for 2026: Laura Mohapatra of Blue Earth County and Seamus Schwaba of Winona County.
Mohapatra founded charity band to share the joy of music and fight hunger
Through volunteering with her local 4-H club, Laura Mohapatra was exposed to the poverty and food insecurity members of her community faced. This led her to combine two things she loved, music and volunteering with the elderly, to create a charity band and use all proceeds to fight hunger.
Mohapatra founded The Largest Crescendo with a few of her friends. They play concerts at assisted living facilities and nursing homes, spreading the joy of music to the elderly while raising money for others.
Her years of involvement with 4-H prepared her to recruit band members, schedule performances, track expenses and know how to advertise their upcoming shows.
Schwaba created belonging with his community theater company
Seamus Schwaba struggled to fit in, so he created a place where everyone is welcome: Sugarloaf Community Theatre.
Beginning as a 4-H project four years ago, Sugarloaf’s first undertaking was a musical written by Schwaba. However, he quickly realized there was much to learn and had great mentors to help get his musical to performance level.
This project taught him how valuable teamwork is and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Minnesota 4-H prepares youth
Minnesota 4-H is proud to have Becker represent University of Minnesota Extension on a national stage through his Youth in Action spokesperson role, as well as to have Mohapatra and Schwaba selected as finalists. These youth exemplify how Minnesota 4-H prepares Minnesota youth to become beyond ready for their futures through skills developed in the program.
Permission is granted to news media to republish our news articles with credit to University of Minnesota Extension. Images also may be republished. Check for specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.