Robeson County Brought Home the Gold (Silver and Bronze too)!

Admittedly it was an early morning as we loaded up at the Extension office at 6 am to head to Raleigh for one of the biggest 4-H days of the year.  Saturday now marks the official start to 4-H Congress with State Presentation day.  We had six competitors who won gold or silver at district making them eligible to compete at District.  Also at the same time we are packing those up who are attending a week at Congress.  After traveling the roads and dodging a foot race, we arrived safely on the campus of NC State's Campus.

First up was Promise Thorton with the Voices in Praise 4-H club.  She was competing in the 9-10 year old division of public speaking.  After wowing the judges on why they should use 911 she was rewarded with a silver medal.  Imagine going all the way to state and placing second your first year out. Way to go Promise!

Up next was Christian Tice with the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club.  Christian competed in the 11-13 year old division of fruit and vegetables.  He talked with the judges about making an edible basket.  For his sweet and tasty efforts he was rewarded with a bronze medal.  This is not Christian's first time competing, and word is he is already come up with an equally tasty treat for next year.

Jeshaiah Moore of the Young Leaders and Doin' It Big 4-H Clubs was up next.  She competed in the 11-13 year old age division of Caeers and Entreprenurship.  In case you missed her budding fashion apparel business, Jeshaiah started crocheting ruffle scarves.  Each time she gives the presentation showing how to make them, she sells two or three more to audience members.  Phew creativity and entrepreneurial spirit got her a bronze medal this year.

  In our senior division we had three competitors; Katee Hiller, Jaylyn McNair, and Shawndora McNair.  Katee, like Christian, is a member of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club and also competed in fruit and vegetable use, but in the 14-18 year old age division.  Katee wowed the judges with her presentation on how to make a portobello mushroom burger.  This is not Katee's first time at state but it was probably her best showing competing in a really tough category.  She brought home an honorable mention for her efforts. Shawndora McNair with the Inspirational Youth Leaders was up next in Family hands consumer Sciences.  She took a class she didn't want to take into a presentation that made the judges smile at the knowledge she had gained.  Showing off the items she made in her apparel one class, Shawndora's presentation had some sewing basics, fashion basics, and life skill basics that everyone should have the opportunity to learn.  For her strong efforts, in a tough category, she brought home an honrable mention.  

Not to be outdone by his sister, Jaylyn McNair also of the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club took to the grill.  He competed in Chicken BBQ.  His winning sauce and poultry knowledge not only landed him a gold medal, it gave him a slot to attend national competition I. November.

  Congratulations to all of our winners!  A very special thank you to their parents, club leaders, and others who supported and encouraged them on their winding road to state.  Can't wait to see what they decide to do next year!

After all the days events you would think we would be headed home for a nap right?  Oh no, that was just the beginning.  For those staying for 4-H Congress it was time to get checked in, moved into the dorms, and get dinner before congregating at the McKimmon Center on NCSU's Campus.  Then it was time for opening meetings, county salute, and honor club tapping.  After all the speeches, high fives, meeting new folks, and general first night events we retired to the dorms to rest up for the day ahead.  Looking at the schedule we just might need to get a running start.