Stephenson County 4-H exhibitors participated in their first 2020 Virtual Show on June 23, 2020.  The Public Presentations contest had three 4-H exhibitors for 2020.  Youth were required to submit entries via video link to Fair Entry for judging.  The judge was able to then access the 4-8 minute speeches from Fair Entry, assign ribbons, awards and state fair delegates and offer comments.  Michelle Marck from Freeport Fantastics 4-H Club was the Champion Ages 14-18 and trophy award winner for her Oral Interpretation of, “I am not a bully.”  Nathaniel Stache of the Davis Rockets 4-H Club was the Illustrated Speech Champion Ages 8-13 for his speech about the Heisey Glass Company.  University of Illinois Extension County Director Margaret Larson shares, “We are pleased to see our 4-H members taking advantage of the “Virtual 4-H Show” option that we have made available to them.  The opportunity exists for their projects to be completed, shared and judged by our local experts. We are proud of our Public Presentation participants, who always represent the 4-H community so brilliantly.”

Both exhibitors earned State 4-H Fair Delegate.  Illinois 4-H State Shows in August will continue in the same virtual format that local county 4-H exhibitions have taken this year.   “Though the format is virtual, 4-H members will still receive expert-level evaluation of their project work,” says Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and state 4-H director.  “All youth will be eligible for awards and prizes, as in the past, and we are thankful for the continued support and partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture on this important event.”

For more information on IL 4-H, contact your local Extension Office or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw.