NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members from across the state showcased their creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style during the Illinois 4-H State Fashion Revue on June 6 at Heartland Community College.
The event featured youth ages 8 to 18 competing in junior and senior divisions across three categories: Constructed, Purchased, and Upcycle Your Style. Participants completed interviews with judges and took part in a public fashion showcase, demonstrating not only their clothing selections and construction skills but also their ability to communicate, present themselves professionally, and express their individuality.
"The State Fashion Revue gives young people an opportunity to build confidence while sharing their creativity and hard work," said Danielle Gapinski, University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist. "Whether they designed and constructed a garment, carefully selected an outfit, or transformed existing clothing into something new, participants develop valuable skills in decision-making, communication, and self-expression."
The Constructed category highlights youth who create garments through sewing and textile arts. The Purchased category focuses on selecting and coordinating outfits that reflect personal style, fit, and value. Upcycle Your Style challenges participants to creatively transform existing garments into new fashion pieces while emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
"Fashion projects help young people explore both creative and practical skills," Gapinski said. "Participants learn goal setting, problem-solving, budgeting, and presentation skills while gaining confidence in who they are and how they share their ideas with others."
State Fashion Revue winners included:
In the Constructed Junior Division, Lyndi Maurer of McLean County earned first place, followed by Clara Ochs of Kane County in second and Audra Ochs of Kane County in third.
In the Constructed Senior Division, Anna Wier of DuPage County earned first place, Eva Ochs of Kane County placed second, and Ruth Glinke of DuPage County and Karlie Schultz of Bureau County tied for third place.
In the Purchased Junior Division, Sophia Faulkner of Clark County earned first place, Brandon Wier of DuPage County placed second, and Hannah Brawley of Macoupin County earned third place.
In the Purchased Senior Division, Victoria Bade of Tazewell County earned first place, Katheryne Jungmann of Mercer County placed second, and Aleya Bare of Edwards County earned third place.
In the Upcycle Your Style Junior Division, Greta Dickison of Macoupin County earned first place.
In the Upcycle Your Style Senior Division, Eulalia Earl of DuPage County earned first place.
Illinois 4-H provides opportunities for youth to explore interests, develop life skills, and discover future career pathways through hands-on learning experiences. Fashion projects help participants build confidence while developing skills in design, construction, consumer decision-making, and public presentation.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
For Further Information Contact:
Source: Danielle Gapinski, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.