The 2016-17 La Plata County 4-H year is coming to a close. 4-H members had a successful local county fair, and many members participated in the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, which wrapped up on Labor Day.
La Plata County had members compete in performing arts, shooting sports, foods and nutrition, livestock and horse contests. Members gain great confidence and life experience by competing at the state level. Our organization is very proud of our members’ accomplishments.
In addition to all the contests at the state fair, we enter a variety of general projects, which qualified at our county fair. Again, we had members perform very well. From projects in leather crafting, model rocketry, entomology, clothing construction and many more, La Plata County 4-H shined at the state fair.
In particular, I would like to highlight the exceptional work done by Bethany Quimby. Bethany has been a member of the Mountaineers 4-H Club for the majority of her life. She has shown such wonderful growth and leadership throughout the years. She is always willing to help a younger member and our community in any way possible.
I have always been impressed with how well-rounded Bethany has become. She takes full advantage of the variety of projects 4-H offers. For many years, Bethany has enrolled in projects she is passionate about. She loves animals. Her involvement in the 4-H dog and swine projects has helped her keep that passion strong. In addition, she has gained important skills in responsibility and commitment.
Bethany is also passionate about heritage arts, particularly the art of macramé. As we try to keep heritage arts alive in our communities, I will look to Bethany to be a leader in this field. Her projects have been nothing short of magnificent. She was state champion this year for her project.
And then, there is Bethany’s love for cake decorating. Like most of the last seven years, she won our county cake decorating contest. Bethany enrolled in Unit 10 – wedding cakes – this year. Her hard work paid off. Not only was she our county grand champion, she was the senior grand champion of all cake decorating projects at the state fair.
This is a major accomplishment. This qualifies Bethany to attend the 4-H National Congress in Atlanta in November. This is the premier leadership conference for 4-H members.
Unfortunately, this will be Bethany’s final year. However, she will be a 4-H’er for life. She plans to continue to be a youth mentor and help others reach their potential. Congratulations, Bethany.
The new, 2017-18 4-H year will begin in October. We are planning some great enrollment events for October so be on the lookout for advertisements around the county. Joining a 4-H club is a great way to get involved in making our community a better place.
The heart of 4-H is our volunteers. I wanted to personally thank all of our amazing volunteers for a great year and look forward to the next.
Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach him at gregory.felsen@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.
Greg Felsen
