4-Hers rack up State wins

Press release

Six members from several Fluvanna 4-H Clubs attended Virginia 4-H State Congress June 22-27 on the campus of Virginia Tech.

4-H Congress provides competitive and non-competitive educational experiences to Virginia teens, helping them to develop life skills and leadership abilities in order give back to their communities.

The week began with two-day Google computer science workshop where members learned how to use a variety of gadgets such as drones, MakeyMakeys, Ozobots and Spheros, as well as the program GameChangineers to teach coding skills. Members will be hosting youth computer science workshops in Fluvanna this fall.

In a record-breaking performance, all four Fluvanna youth that competed during the week earned state championships in their respective competitions. Amy Glowatch, Teen Leader club president, earned the blue ribbon in extemporaneous speaking, a contest that allows competitors 15 minutes to prepare a five-minute speech on a designated topic. Amy was also elected to the position of Northern District ambassador to the Virginia State 4-H Cabinet. This prestigious position allows Amy the opportunity to work with 4-H leaders across the state to develop 4-H opportunities for youth.

Josiah Kerley, Livestock and Homeschool Club member, delivered a presentation on Flemish Giant rabbits, earning the state championship in the extremely competitive animal science: dairy, livestock, poultry and horse category.

Brayden Jones from the Horse ‘N Around 4-H Club was the state winner in table setting. His Super Bowl-themed table setting with a menu incorporating Virginia agriculture products such as soybeans, chicken and tomatoes was the overwhelming favorite among the judges.

Khai Davis from the Teen Leaders 4-H Club rounded out the Fluvanna competition winners at Congress. As a first-time competitor, Khai earned the state championship in the instrumental division of the Share-the-Fun talent contest. His win also gave him the opportunity to play in the evening awards program. Khai played “Never Enough” from the movie The Greatest Showmanto earn his blue ribbon.

Eighty 4-H members and volunteers from across the state were recognized for their volunteer and leadership efforts in the Virginia 4-H All Star Initiation Ceremony. Sara Hernandez, Fluvanna 4-H Livestock Club leader, was welcomed into the organization for her efforts to promote 4-H on the local, district and state level. Hernandez has given over five years of service to Fluvanna 4-H and was the only Fluvanna 4-H member initiated as a Virginia 4-H All Star in 2019.

For more information on how to become involved in Fluvanna 4-H, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension Fluvanna office at 434-591-1950.