Nine local 4-Hers exhibit at State Day, virtually

4-H State Day adopted a virtual format this year to allow 4-Hers, including nine enrolled in Rutland County clubs, to showcase their talents and recent project work.

A total of 82 club members from 11 counties participated in this University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H event, submitting entries in 16 different categories via video and email for evaluators’ feedback on exhibit presentation and workmanship.

Categories included tabletop exhibits, demonstrations, photography, posters, action exhibits, stage acts, technology and fashion revue, among others.

“Just a few months ago none of us could have imagined that we would be social distancing and that major events in the 4-H year, like State Day, would be canceled,” said Allison Smith, UVM Extension 4-H Youth Learning Experiences coordinator. “Taking this event online was a new endeavor for all of us — staff, volunteers and youth.”

“However, as the exhibits poured in, 4-Hers led the way in their excitement, innovation and ability to adapt quickly to change. They took their illustrated talks into the field, added music to their team demonstrations and exercised new skills in photography and videography to creatively capture their communications and public speaking projects,” she said.

Evelyn and Lorryn Trujillo from North Clarendon both entered tabletop exhibits. Evelyn’s was on the art of Olympic fencing. Lorryn shared kitchen tips and hacks. The sisters are members of the Otter Creek 4-H Club in Clarendon.

Crafty Critters 4-H Club member Paytyn Borkowski of Rutland entered the individual stage presentation category, performing a solo lyrical dance. Siblings Adeline and Micah White of Pittsford and the Wind Riders 4-H Club in Rutland performed a hula hoop and jump rope dance. Adeline also gave a solo performance, singing and acting “Solla Sollew” from “Seussical the Musical.”

The 4-H’ers all belong to the Tuff-Riders 4-H Club in Clarendon.