Four recipients of the inaugural 4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D) were revealed Wednesday at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.

Austin Pizzey of Binscarth, Manitoba (near Russell) was named as one of the winners.

The other three winners hailed from Saskatchewan, BC and New Brunswick.

The 4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction were made possible through a commitment of $600,000 from CN.

"L.E.A.D. is a very special program that recognizes deserving 4-H'ers as they embark on their post-secondary careers and will support them to learn and excel," said Shannon Benner, CEO of 4-H Canada. "As one of 4-H Canada's oldest corporate partners, we are grateful to CN for their support of youth in the agriculture community and across Canada. CN has very tangibly shown their dedication to fostering and recognizing youth leadership, notably in the area of safety in rural areas."

Recipients will each benefit from four-year scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per year toward their post-secondary studies.

They also will be matched with a mentor who plays a leadership role in their industry and community, to help forge their careers.