On Friday, March 13, Barton County 4-H members that qualified at our local 4-H Club Day event gathered at the Great Bend High School to compete at Regional 4-H Club Days. This was an event designed for youth to exhibit their communication skills related to projects they have been working on throughout the year. Some also showcased their musical skills, talents, and parliamentary procedure knowledge.

4-H contests are often judged on a Danish System. There are four ribbon colors that represent different levels of achievement. Purple – outstanding on all standards. Blue – exceeds minimum standards, minor improvements can be made. Red – meets minimum standards, needs improvements. White – fails to meet minimum standards.

Representing Barton County 4-H in the Project Talk contest were George Debes and Everett Negaard. The subject of George’s talk was geology and what he has learned in that project. He received a purple ribbon. The subject of Everett’s talk was wind energy related to his work in the Electric and Renewable Energy project. He received a red. They both did a great job and we’re proud of them for not only qualifying, but having the courage to stand up in front of a crowd and talk about their projects.

Representing Barton County 4-H in the Junior Demonstration/Illustrated Talk contest were Catarina Debes and Hannah Suchy. The Catarina demonstrated how to show a dairy goat. She received a blue ribbon. Hannah described the safety equipment needed to play softball and the steps in preparing for a game. She received a blue ribbon. This was the first year of participating at Regional Club Days for both young ladies, and they did great!

Representing Barton County 4-H in the Senior Demonstration/Illustrated Talk contest were Kassie Linsner and Addie Broeder. Kassie presented her steps on how to prepare a pig for show. This is a project Kassie is very passionate about, and she received a purple for her presentation. Addie presented the steps of preparing and showing a rabbit. She received a blue ribbon.

Representing Barton County 4-H in the Application, Resume, and Interview contest was Adessa Prosser. Adessa received a blue ribbon for her interview and application materials. The judge informed her that she did a great job and would happily hire her!

Representing Barton County 4-H with her piano solo was, Chloe Vaupel. She performed “Moonlight Sonata” and received a purple ribbon for her performance with several glowing praises from the judge.

Representing Barton County 4-H in the talent contests, we had several participants. The Ellinwood Energizers performed a skit entitled, “Clue at the Fair”, where they met periodically to write their own script and ensured each member was able to have a part and be involved. They received a purple ribbon for their performance. Catarina Debes performed a very detailed and choreographed dance routine that received a blue ribbon. Michelle Broeder read an illustrated book to which she added her own flair and voices to the characters. She received a blue ribbon with lots of praise from the judge for adding so much of her character into the reading.

Each 4-H member received feedback from the judges on their performance. Safe and constructive feedback in this setting is critical for bolstering the confidence of the youth and helping provide guidance on how they can improve in the future, “To Make the Best Better!” Congratulations to all the 4-H members that competed at Regional Club Days. We hope that you learned lots and are already looking forward to participating in your local Club Days next year.

For more information on 4-H Youth Development or K-State Extension call 620-793-1910, email 4-H Agent Ben Sims at benjam63@ksu.edu, or stop by the Great Bend office at 3007 10th St. Follow K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood Extension District on Facebook and check the website cottonwood.k-state.edu for the most up-to-date information about Extension programming.