For the last 2 years, the pandemic forced 4-H Presentations to happen online and away from the traditional practice of in-person with multiple people watching other than judges at the same time.  This year, youth were back in full-force across the State of North Carolina.

In Craven County, youth who want to participate in the 4-H Presentation Program go through multiple levels of participation.  Eighteen (18) youth participated at the club level, giving their presentations to family and friends.  All who participate at the club level are invited to County Presentation Day to present in front of judges who will give them feedback to help them prepare for District level competition. Of the 18 who presented at the Club level, 16 youth from ages 7-16 presented at County Presentation Day.

All youth who participated at the County level are invited to present at the District level.  Twelve (12) youth elected to participate at District.  Of those youth who participated 11 of them (ages 8 and up) qualified to present at the State level. And one, aged 7, participated in the Cloverbud Division (ages 5-7). At District, all 11 youth who were eligible won medals, and 10 of those 11 qualified to compete at the State finals! Over 600 youth competed across the State in District-Level events.

State presentation finals are held at North Carolina State University's Campus each year that they have been in-person.  This year, we were back on campus with the 7 youth who elected to continue on for that competition!  They are (from back left to right, then front left to right): Connor Howard (13), Elizabeth Peluso (13), Aedan Smith (14), Matthew Peluso (15), Lyra Mathews (11), Caelum Mathews (8), Anna Howard (12).

These 4-Hers rose to the challenge and represented Craven County with honor and skill. Connor presented in the Agriculture Safety Category with his presentation on Pesticide Safety and won gold.  Elizabeth presented in the Open Category with her presentation on The Art of Baking and won gold.  Aedan presented in the Forestry and Wildlife category with his presentation on Invasive Plants in the Croatan Forest and won silver.  Mathew Peluso competed in the Horticulture Category with his presentation on Using Animals to Aid in Garden Productivity and made us proud!  Lyra presented in the Safety Category with her presentation on Dog Safety and made us proud!  Caelum competed in the Digital Reality Category with his presentation on the game Minecraft and won gold. Anna competed in the Small and Companion Animals Category and made us proud!

Public speaking is listed as the number-one fear by most adults.  These youth have stepped up to the plate and, honing skills and going above and beyond to not only conquer these common skills, but thrive in them! Congratulations to all of our amazing 4-H State Presentation Finalists!  You are an inspiration!