Youth Spotlight: Maddie Adams blends science and creativity

At just 16 years old, Maddie Adams has already spent half her life immersed in the world of 4-H, and it shows. Whether she’s identifying insect mouthparts for entomology, judging produce for bruises and symmetry, or painting marine life in watercolor, Maddie brings a rare blend of scientific curiosity and artistic flair to everything she does.

“This is going to be my eighth year,” she says, her voice steady with pride. “I started when I was nine.”

Her main projects span market goats and lambs, entomology, horticulture, and creative arts. In each, Maddie has a sense of purpose and new skill sets. Her entomology team recently took first place at the state level, a triumph she describes with quiet excitement. “We judge insects and put them into their class and order, then identify their mouthparts. There’s a written test too. It’s really cool.”

Though nationals weren’t held this year for entomology, Maddie remains hopeful. “I think we’re going to have something cool planned for us entomology kids,” she says with a grin.

Her horticulture work is equally hands-on. From creating flower arrangements to identifying produce, Maddie has learned to spot quality in the smallest details. “We had no idea what an Asian eggplant looked like, it looks like a tomato!” she laughs. “We look at bruises, cuts, shape, and size. It’s all about consistency.”

But Maddie’s talents don’t stop at science. Her watercolor portfolio, 20 marine-themed paintings inspired by her self-led marine biology lessons, has become a centerpiece of her 4-H indoor projects. “I learned from tutorials and added my own spin,” she explains. “With my humpback whale painting, I entered it in Fine Arts and wrote a story to go with it. It’s a teaching opportunity, but also a way to show your own skills.”

Her favorite part? Sharing what she’s learned. “My biggest accomplishment would have to be teaching younger kids skills that I know, so they can grow up and say, ‘Hey, I know how to do this because someone taught me.’”

Homeschooled and self-motivated, Maddie thrives in an environment where she can follow her passions. “I’m really interested in science,” she says. “It’s my strong suit.” She’s also fascinated by history, especially the Vikings, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, and has explored the many forms of art, from sketching and painting to culinary expression.

Her future plans are as ambitious as they are heartfelt. Maddie hopes to earn her GED, take college courses in business, and eventually join the Coast Guard to pursue marine biology. “Even if we’re in the middle of the desert,” she says, “I love the ocean.”

With her blend of leadership, creativity, and scientific drive, Maddie Adams is a young woman charting her own course, one insect, painting, and goat at a time.