Westerose, AB – The Premier’s Award is the highest honour bestowed to a 4-H Alberta member. The award was donated personally by the Honourable E.C. Manning, Premier of Alberta, and was first presented to an outstanding 4-H member in 1964. The Premiers Award recipient is chosen from the pool of current 4-H Ambassadors and represents 4-H at a variety of events over the following year. 

Sophia Hoogland, a remarkable eighteen-year-old high school student from Lacombe County, has been on an incredible journey with 4-H Alberta. Her dedication and passion for 4-H have led her to be chosen as the 2023 4-H Alberta Premier’s Award Recipient, a recognition of her outstanding achievement as an Ambassador and her commitment to the growth of 4-H. 

On March 25, 2024, Sophia Hoogland had the privilege of meeting Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Alberta, RJ Sigurdson.  Premier Smith introduced Hoogland in the Legislature Assembly of Alberta’s first spring sitting, marking a significant recognition of her achievement. Sophia was accompanied by her proud parents, Kurt Kinnear, 4-H Alberta CEO, Christine Suominen, 4-H Alberta Board Chair. 

Sophia Hoogland says, “4-H has taught me so much over the years, but the one thing it has taught me most is that hard work does pay off. It might take a year or maybe 8, but one day, if you keep working at it, it will. So stay dedicated, be persistent, remain positive, and dream big.” 

For the last nine years, Sophia has been an active and dedicated member of the Crestomere 4-H Multi Club, primarily in the sheep project, where she has held various executive positions. Her commitment to 4-H extends beyond her club, as she has also been an avid participant in various club, district, regional and provincial 4-H activities. Sophia’s leadership skills have also shone through as a Youth Leader at 4-H summer programs, and she has completed one year as a 4-H Alberta Ambassador.

Hoogland says “Meeting Premier Smith and Minister Sigurdson was an experience to remember and glad she could represent 4-H Alberta at the Legislature.”. 

Sohpia was also awarded the Ted Youck Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in 4-H Alberta Award. This new award was generously donated by long-time 4-H supporter, and former 4-H Alberta Branch Head with the GOA, Ted Youck.

4-H Alberta Ambassadors are enthusiastic Senior Members who are driven to grow 4-H in Alberta by sharing their 4-H experiences, developing opportunities for the 4-H community, and representing youth. 4-H Ambassadors will support 4-H in their region and across the province.