4Hers compete at congress
<p>Mahala Sweet of the South Side Sparks 4-H Club (Plains) demonstrates how to spin using a top whorl drop spindle during her first place demonstration at Montana 4-H Congress. Photo by Sarah Naegeli</p>
Eight Sanders County youth attended the 83rd Annual 4-H Congress held on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman July 9-12. “4-H in Action” was a perfect theme for the event at which youth gained skills in the areas of technology, leadership, communication, community service and team work; powerful tools that will benefit them on their journey through life.
Joining over 300 other 4-H members from across the state were Tanna Cole, Abby Croft, Logan Naegeli, Austin Newman, Anna and Emily Snell, Mahala Sweet and Josh Wulfekuhle. Chaperoning the group were Sarah Naegeli & Karen Dwyer, 4-H Leaders, and Meghan Phillippi, Extension Agent.
Mahala Sweet of Plains won the State Demonstration Contest with a demonstration on spinning wool. During her presentation Mahala spun several yards of yarn using three different methods and wool from her own sheep. As a reward Mahala will be attending National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia this November. Logan Naegeli (Leadership) was one of a handful of State 4-H Award recipients across Montana. The leadership Logan has shown over the years in a variety of projects, including building birdhouses, organizing a marathon program at the grade school, and much more made him an excellent candidate for the award. Logan Naegeli placed second in the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) and Abby Croft placed third. In addition to these competitors Emily & Anna Snell, Tanna Cole and Josh Wulfekuhle received a red award in the Demonstration contest. Austin Newman received a red in the Livestock Judging.
The youth had opportunities to gain knowledge in areas such as health and fitness, Ranch Management, international activities, and more. As part of the community service project, counties contributed items for schools.
Motivational speakers Brandon Lee White and Kent Julian delivered messages that encouraged members to stand up for what they believe in and be in charge of how they handle the events in their lives. Popular with all was speaker Chief Petty Officer Thomas McNulty, an alumni of Montana 4-H. McNulty described his successes and challenges in 4-H, and how the skills he learned in 4-H have continued to benefit him through his career in the U.S. Navy. Since 2008 McNulty has served at the Vice President’s residence as Executive Chef/Enlisted Aide.
On the return trip the delegation stopped at the Lost Creek State Park near Anaconda to see the beautiful waterfall and at the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg.