Youth earn Member of Excellence distinctions at Nebraska State Fair

Nebraska 4-H awarded sixty-one youth with the Members of Excellence distinction at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair. 4-H members earned the award for engaging in livestock-related learning experiences throughout the year in addition to caring for and exhibiting their 4-H livestock projects. Nebraska 4-H recognized Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas.
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the beef project area included:
- Bo Prospichal, Holt County
- Trapper Wilcox, Antelope County
- Ella Miller, Cass County
- Grant Miller, Cass County
- Calley Stewart, Cedar County
- Brayden Griess, Clay County
- Katelyn Griess, Clay County
- Dayton Pohlmann, Gage County
- Jolie Kreifels, Saline County
- Titus Hemje, Saline County
- Tatum Wright, Sarpy County
- Violet Nuss, Sarpy County
- Trevor Lindquist Sarpy County
- Mattielyn Brown, Scotts Bluff County
- Emma Hackbart, Seward County
- Mckinley Stoller, Hayes County
- Troy Lindquist, Sarpy County
- Olivia Beel, Brown County
- Ava Stewart, Cedar County
- Nathan Griess, Clay County
- Kyle Rote, Garden County
- AJ Prospichal, Holt County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Justus Kreifels, Otoe County
- Tristan Wright, Sarpy County
- Addison Rist, Sarpy County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the dairy goat project area included:
- Grace Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Hannah Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Madalyn Chevalier, Lancaster County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the meat goat project area included:
- Grant Meister, Sarpy County
- Jackson Luethje, Douglas County
- Kate Wagner, Sarpy County
- Drew Luethje, Douglas County
- Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County
- Graham Mueller, Dodge County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the poultry project area included:
- Elsa Castillo, Douglas County
- Marcus Schultz, Madison County
- Franklin Polacek, Madison County
- Hadley Bakan, Otoe County
- Mallory Beethe, Sarpy County
- Janae Oberg, Frontier County
- Anne Nygren, Saunders County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the rabbit project area included:
- Jocelyn Schmoll, Lancaster County
- Tenley Bauman, Lancaster County
- Marcus, Madison County
- Violet Nuss, Sarpy County
- Andrew Frain, Lancaster County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the sheep project area included:
- Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County
- Ella Crumbliss, Clay County
- Wyatt Cook, Kimball County
- Lena Gropp, Saline County
- Cora Maggie Roth, Boyd County
- Marshall Humphrey, Clay County
- Kaelyn Littrell, Clay County
- Eboney Tripe, Clay County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the swine project area included:
- Trey Cook, Kimball County
- Allie Cook, Kimball County
- Kirsten Knake, Otoe County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Kaden Knake, Otoe County
Youth received the Member of Excellence distinction through the Livestock Achievement Program, which launched in 2021. Youth applied to participate in the program at the beginning of the year. Accepted participants set goals for their 4-H project experience and reported on their accomplishments. Participants were also required to complete quality assurance requirements and project record books. To learn more about the Livestock Achievement Program, visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement.
Youth experience swine production

The Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort is designed to enhance the traditional 4-H swine project and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the swine industry by providing opportunities focusing on swine production as a goal of the 4-H member's project, along with accurate and complete record-keeping, industry knowledge, and engagement by the 4-H member. In order to participate, youth must be 4-H age 9-18, complete YQCA, and farrowed their project animals.
Youth involved in the cohort, participated in learning opportunities hosted by Extension Swine Specialist Benny Mote about nutrition, feeding, genetics, and more. They also maintained records related to swine management and basic care, which resulted in turning in a record book this weekend. Finally, they exhibited their Farrowed and Owned project animals at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair with the opportunity for special recognition for participating in the cohort.
The 2023 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned division at the Nebraska State Fair was sponsored by Parks of Nebraska LLC.
The following youth met the requirements of participating in 75% of the educational meetings from February - June and participating in the interview portion of the cohort at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair.
- Olivia Beel, Brown County
- Kade Goedeken, Platte County
- Kambryn Vaughn, Phelps County
- Keely Vaughn, Phelps County
- Kyper Vaughn, Phelps County
- Cullan Schmidt, Fillmore County
- Alli Ritter, Cuming County
- Eli Ritter, Cuming County
- Trevin Steuk, Saline County
Results from the live show:
- Grand Champion Farrowed and Owned Breeding Gilt: Cullan Schmidt, Fillmore County
- Reserve Champion Farrowed and Owned Breeding Gilt: Trevin Steuk, Saline County
- Grand Champion Farrowed and Owned Market Hog: Kade Goedeken, Platte County
- Reserve Champion Farrowed and Owned Market Hog: Eli Ritter, Cuming County
Cohort members learned the importance of accurate record keeping through a detailed record book they compiled with information about their farrowed and owned projects. The record books are used during an interview each cohort member participates in at the state fair. The interview is an important part of the cohort experience, as members gain valuable life skills from this experience.
Results from the interview portion of the cohort:
- 1st Place: Olivia Beel, Brown County
- 2nd Place: Keely Vaughn, Phelps County
- 3rd Place: Kade Goedeken, Platte County
Congratulations to all 2023 Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort members!
For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Farrowed and Owned Cohort learning opportunity, please visit 4h.unl.edu/farrowed-owned.
Nebraska teens emerge as change agents following Citizenship Washington Focus

One hundred teens across Nebraska recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime civic engagement experience through the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) program. Youth spent five days in Washington, D.C., learning our nation’s history and developing the civic engagement skills they need to be leaders in their communities.
CWF is the premier leadership and civic engagement event for Nebraska 4-H members and teen leaders. During their time in Washington, D.C., the high school students toured the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. They explored national monuments and memorials, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., World War I, and US Marine Corps Memorials. During a day on Capitol Hill, the Nebraska delegation attended the Nebraska Breakfast and connected with state senators and representatives. Youth engaged in workshops on media literacy, local government, advocacy, active listening, and civil discourse.
Using the nation’s capital as their classroom, the young leaders gained the skills and experiences to become effective change agents. Teens used what they learned to refine action plans to improve their local communities back home.
The Nebraska delegation left home on June 5, participated in the CWF program in Washington, D.C., from June 11-16, and returned to Nebraska on June 18. A group of 14 teens and four chaperones from Cherry County joined 14 youth and two chaperones from Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, and Richardson Counties. A group from West Nebraska consisted of 72 youth and eight chaperones from the following counties:
- Arthur
- Buffalo
- Custer
- Dundy
- Franklin
- Gosper
- Hayes
- Hitchcock
- Kearney
- Keith
- Lincoln
- Phelps
- Red Willow
"Being a part of this conference helped me realize that being a good citizen isn't necessarily just sitting around, waiting for change,” said one participant. “You have to go out and let it be known that change is necessary; otherwise, it won't happen."
“Youth spent time during the conference working on their own local action plans that they will hopefully implement in their communities,” said Molly Brandt, Nebraska Extension Educator who accompanied this year's group. “Youth started brainstorming on these ideas before the conference and were able to get more ideas and suggestions from others during the conference.”
Brandt believes one of the most valuable benefits of CWF is the opportunity for youth to interact with peers from their community and other young adults from across the country. “Youth learn the importance of being a good citizen and having respectful conversations with those who might think differently than they do,” said Brandt.
"It engaged me firsthand with people different from me or who had different views,” said one participant. “Learning how to effectively communicate with everyone is an invaluable skill needed in various parts of my life.”
“The conference gave the youth a newfound sense of energy, confidence, and purpose to be able to make local change,” said Brandt.
Coordinated by National 4-H Council, CWF is a national program designed as the premier leadership and civic engagement event for 4-H members and teen leaders ages 14-19. Weeklong sessions are offered through June and July each summer. Trips are coordinated regionally by local Extension Offices. For more information about CWF, please visit 4h.unl.edu/cwf.
4-H members speak up at new Premier Communication Event

4-H members from across Nebraska converged in Lincoln for the inaugural Premier Communication Event. The youth had the opportunity to participate in state-level contests, including Illustrated Presentations, Prepared Speeches, Impromptu Speeches, Radio Public Service Announcements, and Video Communications.
44 presenters participated in the Illustrated Presentations Contest, and the top seniors were:
- Ava Stewart, Cedar County
- Aubree Siffring, Butler County
- Emily Brhel, Clay County
- Libby Macklin, Webster County
- Tucker Robinson, Fillmore County
Intermediate division winners were:
- Mallory Beethe, Sarpy County
- Andrea Bettenhausen, Lancaster County
- Maggie White, Gage County
- Ella Jessen, Knox County
- Devon Rasmussen, Gage County
92 young people participated in the Prepared Speech Contest. The top five presenters in the senior division included:
- Hope Roscoe, Burt County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Sophia Burns, Dawson County
- Ella Brennemann, Frontier County
- Grace Brennemann, Frontier County
Top presenters in the intermediate division included:
- Lena Gropp, Saline County
- Brooklyn Reiman, Dawson County
- Lorelai Rickertsen, Dawson County
- Luke Olsen, Kimball County
- Griffin Owens, Dawson County
35 members participated in the Impromptu Speech Contest. The top five in the senior division were:
- Kara Brockman, Gosper County
- Grace Brenneman, Frontier County
- Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
- Adrian Svitak, Hall County
- Kathryn Vance, Scotts Bluff County
The top five intermediate division winners included:
- Nathan Brhel, Clay County
- Grace Finnegan, Boyd County
- Mallory Beethe, Sarpy County
- Amarita Payne, Lancaster County
- Ayla Foster, Box Butte County
76 Radio Public Service Announcements were submitted to the state contest. Those in the senior division recognized with top awards included:
- Campbell Snodgrass, Cuming County
- Alex Berghorst, Custer County
- Alexa Brodd, Dodge County
- Marshall Bratetic, Knox County
- Jonah Splichal, Scotts Bluff County
Award winners in the intermediate division were:
- Owens Griffin, Dawson County
- McKenna Stewart, Polk County
- Harley Hedrick, York County
- Cassidy Reiman, Dawson County
- Alexa Stewart, Polk County
Nine entries were submitted for the Video Communications Contest. Senior division winners included:
- Josiah Pitterson, Dodge County
- Emily Brhel, Clay County
- Ariana Pitterson, Dodge County
- Ashley Bauer, Buffalo County
- Jordan Wagner, Scotts Bluff County
Intermediate division winners included:
- Nathan Brhel, Clay County
- Kirstyn Beberniss, Garden County
- Mallory Beethe, Sarpy County
While new in 2023, the Premier Communication Event is intended to be an annual event held each June at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Participants showcase their communication skills and knowledge developed through other 4-H projects, explore issues related to the communication industry, discover college and career opportunities, and meet other 4-H youth from across the state. To learn more, visit 4h.unl.edu/pce.
Nebraska 4-H members earn entry into national animal science contests

4-H members from across Nebraska convened in Lincoln on June 21 and 22 to take part in the annual Premier Animal Science Event. Youth competed as individuals and teams in state-level 4-H contests, including Poultry Judging, Meats Judging, Livestock Skillathon, Livestock Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Judging contests.
64 youths participated in the Poultry Judging Contest. Gold medals were awarded to:
- Team: Saunders County - Anne Nygren, Hannah Strizek, Joseph Ondracek, and Tony Ondracek
- Intermediate Individual: Rachel Spawn, Platte County
- Senior Individual: Noah Jelinek, Lancaster County
68 young people participated in the Meats Judging Contest. Top awards winners included:
- Team: Dawson County - Parker Walahoski, Barton Beattie, and Preston Beattie
- Intermediate Individual: Paige Walahoski, Dawson County
- Senior Individual: Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
27 teams competed in the Livestock Skillathon Contest. Gold medals were awarded to:
- Senior Team: Dawson County - Bart Beattie, Jacie Wolfinger, Jaelin Wolfinger, Parker Walahoski, and Spencer Walahoski
- Intermediate Team: Buffalo County - Graden Forbes, Arabella Rolfsmeye, Kaitlyn Meints, and Laurynn Andrews
13 teams competed in Livestock Quiz Bowl, with top awards going to:
- Senior Team: Buffalo County - Gracie Wagoner, Justine Pope, Mason Janda, and Skyler Summers
- Intermediate Team: Boone/Nance County - Kahnen Pelster, Katernia Maricle, Dorothy Smith, and Emilyn Kurz
190 4-H members participated in the Livestock Judging Contest. Gold medal award winners included:
- Senior Team: Buffalo County - Justine Pope, Jaylea Pope, and Mason Janda
- Senior Individual: Justine Pope, Buffalo County
- Intermediate Team: Lincoln County - Allyson Kemp, Cauy Robinson, and Arian Gilmore
- Intermediate Individual: Allyson Kemp, Lincoln County
The highest-ranking eligible poultry judging, meats judging, quiz bowl, and skillathon teams now have the opportunity to participate in the National 4-H Contests. The top three senior livestock judging teams can participate in one of three national competitions, including the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, the American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, or the National Western Roundup.
The Premier Animal Science Event, also known as PASE, is a two-day event held each June at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Participants explore issues related to the animal industry, discover college and career opportunities, and test their livestock skills and knowledge. To learn more, visit 4h.unl.edu/pase.
Nebraska 4-H welcomes hundreds to the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships

Approximately 729 youth from 42 states will convene in Grand Island from June 25-30 for the 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships. The event will feature competitions across nine shooting sports disciplines, including compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting skills.
Fourteen Nebraska 4-H members are set to compete at this year's event. The shotgun team is coached by Larry Kotrous and includes:
- Hunter Isabell, Lancaster County
- Blake Byerly, Knox County
- Caden Ost, York County
- Jacob Smith, Knox County
The .22 rifle team, coached by Jennifer Thomsen, includes:
- Aubrie Birkel, Custer County
- Sara Thomsen, Pierce County
- Matthew Koehlmoos, Holt County
- Riata Remund, Custer County
The compound archery team is coached by Matt Carmin and includes:
- Ashton Koch, Pierce County
- Dylan Naslund, Cherry County
- Riley Peterson, Lancaster County
The hunting skills team, coached by Ross Rote, includes:
- Korryn Beberniss, Garden County
- Kyle Rote, Garden County
- Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
The 4-H shooting sports program focuses on the total development of its members. The activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development. With support from caring adult leaders, youth develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics in addition to shooting sports skills and knowledge, such as marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, and the principles of hunting and archery.
The 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships is coordinated and hosted by Nebraska 4-H and the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. For more information, visit 4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports/national.
Nebraska 4-H Foundation announces 2023 scholarship winners

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of its annual scholarships. Nineteen recent high school graduates were selected to receive higher education scholarships based on their outstanding accomplishments in 4-H, dedication to community service, and high scholastic achievement.
Scholarship winners include:
- Ashley Abrahams, Dodge County
- Paige Bunn, Dodge County
- Sierra Cain, Lincoln County
- Alexa Carter, Butler County
- Addison Cotton, York County
- Aleyna Cuttlers, Lancaster County
- Evan Hartman, Dodge County
- Jaci Larsen, Garfield County
- Creyton Line, Buffalo County
- Caleb Most, Keith County
- Abigail Owens, Dawson County
- Thomas Perrin, Keith County
- Kaylee Powell, Hall County
- Kyle Rote, Garden County
- Carson Sullivan, Hall County
- Gregory Treffer, Dawson County
- Olivia Vanderford, Lancaster County
- Spencer Walahoski, Dawson County
- Paige Wood, Nance County
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation provides up to $22,000 worth of scholarships each year to graduating seniors who have been actively involved in 4-H. To learn more about Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships, please visit Ne4HFoundation.org/Scholarships.
Nebraska 4-H Foundation announces 2023 Governor's Agricultural Excellence Award Winners

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the 2023 Governor's Agricultural Excellence Awards winners. Seventeen 4-H Clubs were selected to receive $500 grants to complete projects that will have lasting and meaningful impacts on their communities.
The following clubs have been awarded the 2023 Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Award:
- Country Kids 4-H Club, Boone County
- Minute Milker 4-H Club, Clay County
- Dog Gone Fun 4-H Club, Custer County
- Pathfinders 4-H Club, Gage County
- Grant County 4-H Council, Grant County
- Cloverdale 4-H Club, Holt County
- Shining Stars 4-H Club, Holt County
- 5-Star 4-H Club, Lancaster County
- Fusion 4-Hers, Lancaster County
- Hunter’s Pride, Lancaster County
- Lancaster County Teen Council, Lancaster County
- Blossomfield 4-H Club, Polk County
- Clover Rovers 4-H Club, Polk County
- Sheridan County Jr. Leaders, Sheridan County
- Badger Buddies 4-H Club, Washington County
- Tomorrow’s Leaders 4-H Club, Washington County
- Webster County Wranglers, Webster County.
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, NIFA, is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. For more information about the Governor's Agricultural Excellence Awards, visit Ne4HFoundation.org.
Nebraska 4-H delegates share their voice with federal officials

Three Nebraska 4-H members shared their voices with federal officials at the 96th annual National 4-H Conference, held April 14-19 in Arlington, Virginia. Nebraska's delegation included Lexi Johnson from Dawson County, Autumn Lindsley from Butler County, and Sarah Treffer from Dawson County.
During the Conference, federal partners presented Challenge Questions to delegates which were designed to provoke critical thinking about current issues. In roundtable groups, youth investigated and discussed the agency's current efforts and generated new ideas to bring about positive change. After working together for two days, the teams presented their recommendations to federal partners during 45-minute Youth Perspective Briefings.
"My favorite part of the Conference was the roundtable discussions where my group worked with the Smithsonian Institution," shared Autumn Lindsley. Lindsley and her team develop ideas for teaching more accurate and inclusive history education in classrooms and community settings. "I hope the suggestions my group made are able to help many people in the future," said Lindsley.
Lexi Johnson's group developed and presented recommendations for the 4-H program to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Agriculture, and Sarah Treffer's team presented a campaign against food waste to the Environmental Protection Agency. "[T]hey were very intrigued by the ideas that we presented to them and even talked about implementing some of our ideas as soon as they could," shared Treffer.
The experience empowers delegates to apply their learning and create positive change in their local communities. Treffer has already begun by informing her peers about food waste issues and challenging them to reduce waste. "Even though informing people about the issue will make a difference, I want to create a composting system at my school and do what I can to help prevent food waste," said Treffer.
"They have a unique opportunity to truly see how their voice matters, and even as young people, they can make a difference from their local club and community to our country and our world," said Dawn Lindsley, Nebraska Extension Educator who accompanied this year's delegation.
While at the National 4-H Conference, youth also made an impact through community service projects. Nebraska Delegates worked with the U.S Forest Service to plant over 400 native trees at the Woodend Sanctuary.
Nebraska Delegates had the opportunity to meet, listen, and speak with the Nebraska Congressional delegation during the Nebraska Breakfast and at the National 4-H Council Congressional Breakfast hosted on Capitol Hill. They also explored volunteer, internship, fellowship, and career opportunities across the federal government at the first-ever 4-H Youth Career Fair held in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
National 4-H Conference is the USDA's flagship youth development opportunity to develop the next generation of leaders. Each year, the event brings together over 300 young people, volunteer leaders, country and state Extension staff, Land-grant University faculty and administrators, and state and federal government officials from across the United States and its Territories.
The Conference serves as the premier civic engagement event for Nebraska 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 19. Nebraska delegates are selected through state-level Senior Achievement Applications and a thorough interview process. Delegates also receive funding for trip expenses through the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. For more information about National 4-H Conference, please visit 4h.unl.edu/conference.
Vrbka family builds a legacy through volunteering
In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.
The Ray and Betty Vrbka family is receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. The family, including four generations who volunteer with the Polk County 4-H program, was nominated by Colleen Pallas, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Polk County.
"The Late Ray and Betty Vrbka family has been an integral part of the Polk County 4-H program since I started 30 years ago," wrote Pallas. "But their service to Polk County started way before then!"
Ray was a Polk County 4-H member growing up showing dairy cattle in the 1930s. Betty started leading the Rainbow 4-H Club in 1961 and continued serving as the club leader for over ten years. Into the late 2000s, she also led workshops teaching local youth how to make her famous cinnamon twists, Kolaches and Kuchens.
The Late Susan Ott, their daughter, served as the Young Shelby Pioneers 4-H Club leader for many years, a 4-H Council member for nine years, and the Ag Engineering fair superintendent for over 25 years.
Angie King, another daughter, served on the 4-H Council for ten years and is the current 4-H Snack Shack manager. Angie also volunteers as a 4-H superintendent for Ag Engineering and Horticulture, serving over 25 years.
Ray and Betty’s grandchildren continue to be active and volunteer for the Polk County 4-H program serving as fair superintendents and workshop leaders. Stacy Ott Stewart is now a club leader, fair superintendent, and 4-H Council member. Chase King, Ashley King Robbins, Helen King Bender, Haley King Teten, and Cecelia King have helped lead workshops, sharing their skills and talents learned through their 4-H projects. The King kids continue to serve as fair superintendents and volunteer whenever asked.
Ray and Betty Vrbka now have great-grandchildren in the Polk County 4-H program. McKenna and Alexa Stewart volunteer to help with the 4-H Snack Shack and help with the Clover Kids program.
"Volunteering to serve in the Polk County 4-H program is a deep-rooted part of the Vrbka legacy," wrote Pallas. "The Polk County 4-H program is so thankful for all that this family has done throughout the years for our 4-H program."
Tell us about yourselves.
Angie King: I am a second-generation 4-H member. I have been volunteering as a superintendent for 25 years. My kids Chase, Ashley, Helen, Haley, and Cecelia all were members of 4-H in Polk County, where my parents and I were members. My kids have volunteered or currently volunteering at the fair. We are proud bakers, crafters, photographers, hog farmers, and sewers. I am looking forward to seeing my grandchildren be a part of 4-H in the near future.
Stacy Stewart: My brothers and I were raised as Polk County 4-H members in the Young Shelby Pioneers 4-H Club. Our mom Susan Ott was our leader. We showed sheep, pigs, and lots of other exhibits. I continue to live in Polk County and am currently on the Polk County 4-H Council and am the leader of the Blossomfield 4-H Club that my 3 girls are members of. My girls' favorite projects are Quilts of Valor.
What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?
Angie King: I look forward to helping the kids. 4-H is based on giving others skills to become better people, and we are lucky to share our talents and knowledge to others. Not many people are able to share with others, but 4-H has given us the opportunity to help others while improving our community.
Stacy Stewart: I love seeing the excitement in the youth of our county.
What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?
Angie King: Many memories consist of working with my sister and kids on check-in day. As the superintendent of Ag Engineering, we are able to help kids check-in projects and then convince them to speak with the judge. Watching scared kids face their fears and talk about their projects is fun for us. Watching a kid be scared and turn into a kid that is proud of their project is always one of my favorites.
Stacy Stewart: My favorite memory is serving alongside my mom during the fair experience.
How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?
Angie King: Our family showed hogs at the fair also. We were able to help kids gain skills and techniques to improve their showmanship. We were able to watch the excitement of working together and the community being built while teaching each other to become better people.
Stacey Stewart: I have loved helping youth learn new concepts and making projects to take to the fair.