Springfield, Ill. – Local 4-H members from Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Williamson County recently competed at the state level at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The best of the best were on display on August 11 at the 4-H General Project Show. Award-winning 4-H members from across Illinois competed at the county level before advancing to the state level. 

In 4-H, project areas represent the culmination of individual learning paths where youth can show off their skills and expertise in front of thousands of fairgoers. Youth also participate in conference judging as a part of the experience. It involves one-on-one, face-to-face communication in which the volunteer judge and exhibitor talk directly. This allows 4-H'ers to learn from their experiences and knowledge of the volunteer judge.  

Exhibitors may qualify for grand champion, reserve champion, or an inspire award in their project area. Inspire Award winners occupy a special category of "judge's choice," signifying that the project inspired the judge. Local youth that placed included:

Grand Champion
Isla Calderon (Perry County) – Animated Video
Brody Leedle (Randolph County) – Beekeeping 1
Emma Rieckenberg (Randolph County) – Natural Resources 1
Nickolas Sloan (Williamson County) – Build Your Future

Reserve Champion
Lance Carnes (Jackson County) – Rock Hounds 1
Ruth Jones (Jackson County) – Design Decisions-Beginning
Ryleigh Richelman (Jackson County) – Soybeans
Micah Sattler (Randolph County) – Woodworking 2
Dominic Burkett (Williamson County) – Food Innovation

Inspire Award
Sophie Rieckenberg (Randolph County) – Natural Resources 1
Chase Smith (Randolph County) – Vegetable Plate

To learn more about how to get involved with 4-H in your community, visit 4h.extension.illinois.edu.