Meet four Virginia teens making a difference in their communities
They’re building STEM clubs, planting school gardens, coding health apps, and advocating for inclusion. Four extraordinary Virginia teens are using their talents to serve — and 4-H is celebrating their leadership.
At the Evening with 4-H celebration in Richmond, Virginia 4-H honored Mary Grace Menuey, Gabe Ringley, Pranav Kalidindi, and Jordan Wright with its 2025 Youth in Action Awards.
The awards recognize outstanding 4-H’ers who embody the four pillars of 4-H: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM. From food and farming to tech and advocacy, these teens are turning their ideas into impact:
Mary Grace Menuey — Agriculture
When Mary Grace Menuey noticed that many young students lacked firsthand experiences with agriculture, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. As the 2023–24 National Teen Miss Agriculture USA, she launched an outreach initiative that brought fun, hands-on ag lessons — like planting blueberry bushes — to more than 400 elementary schoolers. A Loudoun County 4-H’er since age 8, Menuey now serves as Northeast District ambassador on the Virginia 4-H State Cabinet, sharing her passion for agriculture and education across the state.
Gabe Ringley — Civic Engagement
Growing up in Wise in a household with his deaf grandparents, Gabe Ringley developed a deep appreciation for American Sign Language and a lifelong commitment to inclusion. Now a student at UVA-Wise and an ambassador for the Southwest District, Ringley is working to establish Deaf History Month and bring ASL courses into local schools. Through 4-H, he’s turning personal experience into powerful advocacy — and helping make Virginia a more accessible place for all.
Pranav Kalidindi — Healthy Living
What if technology could help people manage stress and stay healthy? That’s the question driving Pranav Kalidindi’s work. As president of the Loudoun County 4-H Innovation Club, he’s developing StressReliefBuddy, an AI-powered app that helps users reduce stress. His other inventions — including a water-quality sensor and a wearable posture monitor — reflect his commitment to combining science and service in the name of wellness.
Jordan Wright — STEM
When Jordan Wright couldn’t find local STEM clubs for homeschooled students, she created one. Her club, STEM Innovators, offers hands-on learning in areas like coding and 3D printing. Wright designs the curriculum, mentors peers, and creates opportunities for homeschooled students to dive into tech. As a Henrico County 4-H member and STEM advocate, she’s making sure that access to innovation starts at home.
“These youth truly exemplify the 4-H motto, ‘To Make the Best Better,’” said Jeremy Johnson, state 4-H leader and associate director for youth programs with Virginia Cooperative Extension. “Their stories reflect the power of 4-H to transform lives and communities.”
Each recipient received a $500 grant to support a community project, a scholarship to attend the Virginia State 4-H Congress at Virginia Tech, and the opportunity to serve as a statewide youth spokesperson throughout the year.
As these students step into their new roles as youth spokespeople, they’re also showing what the future of leadership in Virginia looks like: creative, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.
Want to support programs that empower young leaders? Learn how you can get involved with or contribute to Virginia 4-H at https://ext.vt.edu/4h-youth.html.