Four 4-Hers from southeastern Vermont were among the 37 4-H club members participating in 4-H State Day, held virtually this year.
Three siblings from Windham and the River Riders II 4-H Club took part this year: Anna Carson, 11, performed a series of violin melodies, earning a blue ribbon. James Carson, 9, also received a blue ribbon for his illustrated talk on basic grooming kit tools for horses and how to use them. Megan Carson, 14, entered a photo, “The Stand of Time,” for which she was awarded a red ribbon.
Vernon 4-Her Whitney Dunklee, 15, a member of the Solids, Stripes, and Spots 4-H Club, entered a photo, “Buffalo Bill,” and a photo-based design, “Beautiful Moments,” earning blue ribbons for both.
This annual capstone experience provides an opportunity for 4-H youths, ages 8 to 18, to share what they've learned through their projects and club activities.
For the second year, entries were accepted via video and email in 16 categories and evaluated on a number of criteria, including presentation, creativity, and workmanship, with feedback provided to the exhibitor.
“Every year our 4-Hers impress us with their ambitious goals surrounding communication and public speaking skills,” Allison Smith, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H youth learning experiences coordinator, said in a news release.
“Their illustrated talks, demonstrations, posters and other presentations illustrate their ability to research a subject, break down complex concepts for the audience, and deliver information clearly and concisely,” Smith said.
Despite the pandemic, a remote competition had some advantages.
“In the past, exhibits and public speaking were performed live, and the moment was fleeting,” she said. “Now, the knowledge passed along in the videos and photos of exhibits by outstanding 4-Hers like these can be shared with different audiences and also used to help upcoming 4-Hers see what a quality and successful presentation looks like."
To learn more about 4-H in Windham and Windsor Counties, contact Lisa Muzzey, UVM Extension 4-H educator, at lisa.muzzey@uvm.edu or 802-885-8386.