ST. CHARLES, Ill. – Kane County 4-H families celebrated the culmination of their 4-H season virtually this year, through an online project show. More than 320 entries were submitted in this format as families embraced this adaptation to their normal in-person summer fairs and shows.
“While a different experience, the 4-H virtual show still has real benefits for youth,” said Doris Braddock, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. “Our 4-H members work hard throughout the 4-H year to learn new things and develop skills, which they then demonstrate through 4-H exhibits. This year, photos and videos of those project exhibits, along with one-page reports for each entry, were uploaded to the FairEntry tool in place of being brought to a physical event.”
During the 4-H year, members select projects that interest them from a list of more than 80 across the broader areas of animal science; civic engagement; creative arts; environment; healthy living; science, technology, engineering and math; and career and leadership development. Once youth choose projects, they dive into learning on their own, through local workshops or clubs, or with the help of caring adults in their lives. Often their goal is to show off their project work through the summer 4-H show.
Mighty Titans 4-H Club member Maria Ochs earned honors with many projects this year, and she is especially proud of her STEAM Clothing project. “I have a new one-of-a-kind dress I can wear, and I learned lots of new sewing skills and techniques,” she said.
During the 2020 virtual show, just like with in-person competitions, youth had the opportunity to get feedback on their work through judging. Knowledgeable judges reviewed virtual submissions and provided positive, constructive feedback to help 4-H’ers continue growing and learning into the next year.
“We want to thank all the Kane County 4-H show volunteer judges, award sponsors, superintendents, club leaders and other volunteers for giving our youth such an important experience in a memorable year,” said Braddock. “Thank you also to our 4-H members and families for your hard work and dedication.”
Top award winners in each of this year’s project areas are as follows: (listed by project, award, 4-H member name, 4-H club and city of residence)
Child Development
Grand Champion Child Care – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
State Fair Delegate – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
State Fair Alternate – Mikayla Apulello, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
Communication Arts
Grand Champion Creative Writing – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Champion Creative Writing – Evan Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Grand Champion Photography I – Dana Kave, Primrose Clovers, South Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion Photography I – Morgan Hahn, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
Grand Champion Photography II – Cameryn Rockwell, A Bit More, St. Charles
Grand Champion Photo Editing – Olivia Young, A Bit More, Carol Stream
State Fair Delegates – Photography
- Dana Kave, Primrose Clovers, South Elgin
- Cameryn Rockwell, A Bit More, St. Charles
- Olivia Young, A Bit More, Carol Stream
State Fair Alternates – Photography – Morgan Hahn, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
State Fair Delegates – Creative Writing
- Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Evan Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Community Development
Grand Champion Civic Engagement-Individual – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion Civic Engagement-Individual – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion Intercultural-Individual – Olivia LaFrance, Mighty Titans, Elgin
Grand Champion Intercultural-Individual – Megan Baker, Lucky Maples, Sycamore
Grand Champion Intercultural-Club – The Helping Hearts, Aurora
Grand Champion Leadership – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion Leadership – Andrew Krulac, The Helping Hearts, Aurora
State Fair Delegate – Civic Engagement – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
State Fair Delegate – Intercultural Individual – Olivia LaFrance, Mighty Titans, Elgin
State Fair Alternate – Intercultural Individual – Megan Baker, Lucky Maples, Sycamore
State Fair Delegate – Intercultural Club – The Helping Hearts, Aurora
Engineering and Technology
Grand Champion Computers – Kristopher Frisbee, The Helping Hearts, Aurora
Grand Champion 3-D Printing – Evan Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
State Fair Delegate – 3-D Print & Design Maker – Evan Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Food & Nutrition
Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 101 – Aaron Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 101 – Mia Jimenez, The Helping Hearts, Aurora
Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 201 – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 201 – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 301 – Evan Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 301 – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion 4-H Cooking 401 – Charlotte Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Grand Champion Food Science – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion Food Science – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
State Fair Delegates – Food & Nutrition
- Aaron Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
- Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Evan Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
- Charlotte Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
- Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
State Fair Alternates – Food & Nutrition
- Mia Jimenez, The Helping Hearts, Aurora
- Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Mechanical Sciences
Grand Champion Aerospace – Patrick McCafferty, Fantastics, Geneva
Grand Champion Electricity – Oliver Ulaszek, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
Grand Champion Woodworking – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion Woodworking – Mary Kelley, Lucky Maples, Elburn
State Fair Delegate – Aerospace – Patrick McCafferty, Fantastics, Geneva
State Fair Delegate – Electricity – Oliver Ulaszek, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
State Fair Delegates – Woodworking
- Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Mary Kelley, Lucky Maples, Elburn
State Fair Alternates – Woodworking
- Cameron Kave, Primrose Clovers, South Elgin
- Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Natural Resources
Grand Champion Natural Resources – Olivia Gorden, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
Grand Champion Outdoor Adventures – Olivia Gorden, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion Outdoor Adventures – Rachel Yu, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
State Fair Delegate – Natural Resources – Olivia Gorden, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
State Fair Delegates – Outdoor Adventures
- Olivia Gorden, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
- Rachel Yu, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
- Liam Stanford, The 4-H Falcons, Elgin
Plants & Soils
Grand Champion Floriculture – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion Floriculture – Olivia Young, A Bit More, Carol Stream
Grand Champion Horticulture – Vincent Cervone, North Aurora Narwhals, Aurora
STEAM Clothing & Textiles
Grand Champion STEAM Clothing I – Isabel Stohlquist, Burlington Ag, Poplar Grove
Reserve Grand Champion STEAM Clothing I – Eva Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion STEAM Clothing II – Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion STEAM Clothing III – Andrew McCafferty, Bunkers & Boots, St. Charles
Reserve Grand Champion STEAM Clothing III – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
State Fair Delegates – STEAM Clothing
- Andrew McCafferty, Bunkers & Boots, St. Charles
- Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Isabel Stohlquist, Burlington Ag, Poplar Grove
State Fair Alternates – STEAM Clothing
- Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Eva Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Visual Arts
Grand Champion (CCP) – Kyler Healey, Primrose Clovers, South Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion (CCP) – Maria Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion (Nature) – Ella Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
Grand Champion (Food Decorating) – Faith Miller, The Challengers, St. Charles
Grand Champion (Heritage Arts) – Aaron Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Grand Champion (Fiber) – Morgan Hahn, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
Reserve Grand Champion (Fiber) – Cameryn Rockwell, A Bit More, St. Charles
Grand Champion (3D Mixed Media) – Charlotte Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
Grand Champion (Clay) – Olivia Young, A Bit More, Carol Stream
State Fair Delegates
- CCP on Canvas, Paper, or Glass – Kyler Healey, Primrose Clovers, South Elgin
- Nature – Ella Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
- Food Decorating – Faith Miller, The Challengers, St. Charles
- Heritage Arts – Aaron Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
- Fiber – Morgan Hahn, Primrose Clovers, St. Charles
- 3D Mixed Media – Charlotte Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
- Clay – Olivia Young, A Bit More, Carol Stream
- CCP on Wood, Metal or Fiber – Charlotte Sass, The Challengers, Elgin
State Fair Alternate – CCP on Canvas, Paper, or Glass – Maria Ochs, Mighty Challengers, Algonquin
Public Presentations
Grand Champion Public Presentations (ages 8-12) – Eva Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Grand Champion Public Presentations (ages 13-18) – Maria Ochs & Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
Reserve Grand Champion Public Presentations (ages 13-18) – Neale Guvenoz, A Bit More, St. Charles
State Fair Delegates
- Maria & Cecilia Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Eva Ochs, Mighty Titans, Algonquin
- Neale Guvenoz, A Bit More, St. Charles
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Beef
Grand Champion Steer – Jessica Dunteman, Big Rock Cowhands, Big Rock
Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Morgan Fidler, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Grand Champion Female – Isabella Forbes, Burlington Ag, Lena
Reserve Grand Champion Female – Laci Wernicke, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Champion Angus Steer – Jordyn Block, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Reserve Champion Angus Steer – Morgan Fidler, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Champion Hereford Steer – Morgan Fidler, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Reserve Champion Hereford Steer – Madyson Block, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Champion Shorthorn Steer – Jordyn Block, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Steer – Madyson Block, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Champion Crossbred Steer – Jessica Dunteman, Big Rock Cowhands, Big Rock
Reserve Champion Crossbred Steer – Morgan Fidler, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Grand Champion Grade Fat Heifer – John Lenz, Burlington Ag, Maple Park
Champion Rate of Gain Steer – Jordan Block, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Reserve Champion Rate of Gain – Madyson Block, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Dairy Cattle
Grand Champion Other Breeds – Thomas Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Reserve Grand Champion Other Breeds – Graham Olson, Lucky Maples, DeKalb
Jr. Champion Other Breeds – Thomas Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Reserve Jr. Champion Other Breeds – Graham Olson, Lucky Maples, DeKalb
Grand Champion Red & White – Ella Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
Reserve Grand Champion Red & White – Kaitlyn Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
Jr. Champion Red & White – Ella Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
Reserve Jr. Champion Red & White – Kaitlyn Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
Supreme Dairy Champion – Ella Dorn, Burlington Ag, St. Charles
Reserve Supreme Dairy Champion – Thomas Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Goats
Grand Champion Dairy Goat – Samantha Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Goat – Elizabeth Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Horse & Pony
Grand Champion Western Pony Showmanship – Willa Getzelman, A Bit More, Hampshire
Grand Champion Western Horse Horsemanship – Samantha Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Grand Champion Pony Hunter Hack – Willa Getzelman, A Bit More, Hampshire
Grand Champion English Pony Equitation Pattern – Willa Getzelman, A Bit More, Hampshire
Grand Champion English Horse Equitation Pattern – Madison Solomon, Fantastics, St. Charles
Reserve Grand Champion English Horse Equitation Pattern – Samantha Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Poultry
Grand Champion Standard Cockerel – Ashley Werner, Burlington Ag, Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion Standard Cockerel – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Grand Champion Standard Cock – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Standard Cock – Miranda Schramer, Lincoln Highway, Maple Park
Grand Champion Standard Pullet – Ashley Werner, Burlington Ag, Elgin
Reserve Grand Champion Standard Pullet – Aric Abbott, A Bit More, Hampshire
Grand Champion Standard Hen – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Standard Hen – Miranda Schramer, Lincoln Highway, Maple Park
Grand Champion Bantam Cockerel – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Bantam Cockerel – Ashley Werner, Burlington Ag, Elgin
Grand Champion Bantam Cock – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Bantam Cock – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Grand Champion Bantam Pullet – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Bantam Pullet – Ashley Werner, Burlington Ag, Elgin
Grand Champion Bantam Hen – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Bantam Hen – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Grand Champion Duck – Willa Getzelman, A Bit More, Hampshire
Reserve Grand Champion Duck – Connor Lind, Hampshire Jr. Farmers, Hampshire
Rabbits
Grand Champion Small Breed – Samantha Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Reserve Grand Champion Small Breed – Thomas Lind, Lucky Maples, Maple Park
Sheep
Grand Champion Ewe – Miranda Schramer, Lincoln Highway, Maple Park
Grand Champ Ram – Willa Getzelman, A Bit More, Hampshire
Reserve Gran Champion Ram – Miranda Schramer, Lincoln Highway, Maple Park
Grand Champion Market Lamb – Morgan Fidler, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb – Willa Getzelman, A Bit More, Hampshire
Swine
Grand Champion Production Gilt – Ashleigh Wackerlin, Big Rock Cowhands, Hinckley
Reserve Grand Champion Production Gilt – Brooke Wackerlin, Lincoln Highway, Waterman
Champion Crossbred Market Gilt Over All Weights – Ethan Stohlquist, Burlington Ag, Poplar Grove
Reserve Champion Crossbred Market Gilt Over All Weights – Isabelle Stohlquist, Burlington Ag, Poplar Grove
Grand Champion Single Market Gilt, Overall – Ethan Stohlquist, Burlington Ag, Poplar Grove
Reserve Grand Champion Single Market Gilt, Overall – Isabel Stohlquist, Burlington Ag, Poplar Grove
Champion Crossbreed Barrow Over All Weights – Laci Wernicke, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
Grand Champion Single Barrow – Jon Genslinger, Lincoln Highway, Waterman
Reserve Grand Champion Single Barrow – Laci Wernicke, Burlington Ag, Sycamore
For more information on 4-H opportunities in DuPage, Kane or Kendall County, visit go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk/