Prairieland Youth Scholarship winners. (L to R) Vanessa C – 5th Place, Jory L – 4th Place, Ken H – 3rd Place, Owen G – 2nd Place, Madison L – 1st Place (Image Credit: Prairieland Park Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Youth leadership conference awards $12,000 in scholarships

Scholarships handed out to 4-H leadership

Feb 11, 2026 | 3:39 PM

Agriculture’s future leaders took centre stage at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, Sask. for the 17th annual Youth Leadership Conference last weekend.  

The two-day event had 38 young leaders gathered to work on communications skills, build confidence, and enhance leadership capacity while competing for scholarships. 

This year’s theme “Lead Out Loud” encouraged participants to find their voices and learn how to share the story of agriculture in meaningful and impactful ways. Throughout the conference, 4-H members engaged in hands-on leadership activities, team challenges, and communication focused workshops aimed at building practical, real-world skills. 

A highlight of the weekend featured presenter Evan Shout, speaker, storyteller, and host of the Growing the Future podcast. Shout worked with participants to explore the power of storytelling through modern communication platforms, demonstrating how tools like podcasting and digital media can help agriculture connect with wider audiences. Attendees were guided through the process of shaping their own messages using contemporary communication tools.  

Shout said he didn’t know much about the program before he arrived and wasn’t sure what to expect.  

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“I’m not sure what my views were before, but now my views are that agriculture has probably got a really good posture for going forward and the next generation whether that’s from a communication or relationship or networking status,” he said. “It’s a room full of really great kids that I think will take this industry and society to a better place.” 

Participants applied their learning through a group challenge, developing and presenting their own podcast style projects. Teams were evaluated on creativity, clarity, and communication, showcasing their ability to think critically and collaborate effectively.  

All competitors were assessed across three areas: their application, preconference assignment, and their participation throughout the event. Eight judges supported the evaluation process over the weekend. 

The conference concluded with the presentation of $12,000 in scholarships, recognizing outstanding leadership, engagement, and communication skills.  

First place and a $4,500 scholarship went to Madison Ley with the Kerrobert Multiple 4-H Club while Owen Guest of Nipawin placed second and received a $3,000 scholarship. Owen is with the Blazing Saddles 4-H Club.  

Third place and a $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Ken Hougham of the Hillmond 4-H Club from the Lloydminster area.  

Fourth and fifth place contestants were each presented with a $1,000 scholarship. Jory LaBatte of the 4-H Sask Next Step Club was fourth while fifth place went to Vanessa Charko of the Carrot River Light Horse/Moose Range Beef Club.  

Shout said gaining leadership and public speaking skills early on in life is very important.  

“I think the big one for me is that I probably didn’t see this until university so looking at a program like this and seeing how the kids interacted and networked and even went up on stage and did it their own way, that’s promising,” he added. “It’s something that I never got to do when I was younger, and obviously it’s a skill that I use quite a bit now, so if I’d had an extra 10 years with it, I think I’d be in a better place.” 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com