4-H presentations prompt learning

SANDERS COUNTY – Over one hundred 4-Hers had a busy weekend of presentations. They rehearsed their speeches, practiced their chosen skill, finished their posters, loaded their props and tried to repress any nervousness. Some scored higher than others but all gained a learning experience.

According to 4-H Extension Agent Meghan Phillippi, there is a wide variety of subjects the 4-H members cover.

“Usually the topics vary quite a bit from livestock projects to cooking to other things,” Phillippi said.

Some of the topics listed for the Sunday, March 9 presentations included how to make a hoofpick, how to make a paracord bracelet and how to make rice crispy treats.

Tanner Ovitt did a demonstration of roping. He led the judges and spectators outside into the Hot Springs High School parking lot where he had his props set up. He had a stack of hay ready with a plastic bull’s head attached in order to demonstrate roping an animal. He explained the technique behind roping in addition to the different purposes of varying rope sizes.

With such diversity among the topics, it can be difficult for the judges to compare one contestant to another. The judges are volunteers from within the community and they evaluate the presentations with a ranking of either needs improvement, good or excellent.

Due to the large number of participants, the judging was stretched to two days.

“We offer two days of demonstrations and the reason for that is even if everyone could do one day the likelihood of it working is pretty low,” Phillippi said.

There were six platforms set up for each day so six presentations were going at once for better efficiency.

From the hundred plus presenters, the judges will select the ones that will be competitive to move forward.

The participants are divided into two different groups. The juniors are 8-13 years old and the seniors are 14-18 years old. The winners of the two groups are awarded different honors.

“The top four junior members will win a spot at camp on Loon Lake which is valued at $120 each,” Phillippi said.

The members of the senior group with the highest scores earn the right to move forward in the competition.

“The top four senior members will be recommended to go on to State Congress in July and their registration is paid for,” Phillippi said. “Typically, Sanders County members do well there.”

According to Phillippi, last year one of the Sanders County 4-H members placed first at the Montana State Congress and that was her second consecutive year at State.

The weekend of presentations was a success and Phillipi attributes the success and popularity of the Sanders County 4-H program to the community.

“We have a very strong demonstration in our county. It is the result of tradition and continued support from the community,” Phillippi said. “Years ago, a lot of counties had similar programs but the emphasis was lost and it is very difficult to rebuild. We are fortunate to maintain it.”