Title: Celebrating Talent and Achievement at the 2025 4-H State Day in Vermont
4-H State Day, the capstone event for 4-H, took place on May 17 at the Barre Auditorium in Barre. Talented 4-H club members from throughout the state participated in the 2025 event, demonstrating what they have learned in 4-H through stage performances, action exhibits, fashion revue, illustrated talks, and other activities.
All entries were evaluated, with several chosen to advance to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in September. Selected photos and posters received People’s Choice awards, earning the most votes from visitors to State Day.
Entries that will represent Vermont at Eastern States are:
ACTION EXHIBIT:
Blazing Bridles 4-H Club, Danville (“Lucky Jewelry Hanger.” Participants: Devin Davidson and Eva Lamothe, both from Barnet; Kaylee Demars and Thea Ross, both from St. Johnsbury; Jaida Jenkin, Wheelock); Blazing Bridles 4-H Club, Danville (“Memory Shoes.” Participants: Adriana Holbrook, Hardwick; LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott; Catherine Mangan, Cabot; and Natalie Taylor, Danville; Jenesy Zwart, Barnet); Kingdom Hoofbeats, Derby Line (“Galloping Through Careers.” Participants: Penelope Longe, Newport; Carlie Rondeau, Coventry; and Abby Shelp, Derby); Kingdom Hoofbeats, Derby Line (“Never Refuse to Reuse.” Participants: Quinn Charest, Derby Line, and Alina Phillips, Newport); Kingdom Hoofbeats, Derby Line (“Ouch Pouch.” Participants: Taylor Peck, Sheffield, and Piper Parsons, Derby); Tuff Riders 4-H Club, Rutland Town (“Horse Jumping.” Participants: Anna Campopiano, Thea Chase, and Cecelia Pearson, all from Mount Holly).
DEMONSTRATION (INDIVIDUAL):
Nora Dechen, Rutland (How to Make Recycled Paper); Breeana Garcia, Woodsville, New Hampshire (“How to Do CPR on Your Dog”).
DEMONSTRATION (TEAM):
Ian Kascha-Hare, Milton, and Lane Fortune, Georgia (“Life Cycle of a Chicken–Egg to Hen”).
FASHION REVUE:
Billie Bowdish (summer dress with butterflies and hummingbirds) and Charleigh Wilson (dinosaur print fleece pants), both from Middlebury; Tea Ferris, Jeffersonville (crocheted tunic); Elsie Kidder (blue overalls and a white shirt) and Ophelia Ross (palazzo pants with contrasting pockets), both from Newbury; Sati Lazuli, Corinth (green overalls); Fallyn Norton (rainbow scarf) and Sophia Welch (yellow floral sleeveless top), both from Bridport; Isabelle Spooner, Piermont, New Hampshire (pig print overalls with pig buttons).
ILLUSTRATED TALK:
Caleb Morrison, Danville (“Cats vs. Dogs”); Luke Morrison, Danville (“The Founding of Luke’s Military Museum”); Sophia Welch, Bridport (“Horse Conformation and Common Leg Injuries”).
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Nora Dechen, Rutland (“Endangered Beauty”); Lane Fortune, Georgia (“Curious Chick”); LeighAnn Judd, Wolcott (“Close Up”); Kassie Koehler, Derby (“Winter Wonderland Brown Bear”); Liam Palmer, Williston (“World of Possibilities”); Thea Ross, St. Johnsbury (“It’s Something”); Jenesy Zwart, Barnet (“Through the Clouds”).
POSTERS:
Eva Bury, Derby (“Seasons of Sap”); Charlotte Clark-Lietaur, Williston (“Chickens”); Nora Dechen, Rutland (“Gypsy Vanner Horses”); Lane Fortune, Georgia (“Chatty Chickens”); Aubrie Houle, Vernon (“Tricky Trailering”); Julie Merlo, Swanton (“Training a Sled Dog”).
PROMOTIONAL 4-H VIDEO:
Kaila and Lily Call, Waterford (“Are You Bored, You Need 4-H!”).
SMART SHOPPER:
Anna Campopiano (school concert outfit), Thea Chase (black and white dress), and Cecelia Pearson (ready for Spring outfit), all from Mount Holly; Breeana Garcia, Woodsville, New Hampshire (special occasion outfit); Sati Lazuli, Corinth (Bridgerton-themed silk party dress). For this category, the 4-H’ers used their budgeting skills and understanding of fashion to assemble an outfit for $25 or less.
STAGE PRESENTATION (GROUP):
Remi Barry, Rutland, and Adeline White, Pittsford (vocal duet); Addalynn and Madison Fuller, Lunenburg (dance); Aliza Smith, Tinmouth; Lucia Stubbins, Rutland Town; and Adeline White, Pittsford (puppetry trio).
STAGE PRESENTATION (INDIVIDUAL):
Remi Barry, Rutland (vocal solo); John Crowningshield, Fair Haven (guitar and vocal solo); Madison Fuller, Lunenburg (vocal solo); James Shorey, Fair Haven (two vocal solos and a monologue); Aliza Smith, Tinmouth (vocal solo); Lucia Stubbins, Rutland Town (puppetry); Adeline White, Pittsford (vocal solo).
TABLETOP DISPLAY:
Andrew Guyette, South Burlington (“Raising Baby Chicks”); Rose Guyette, South Burlington (“Granny Squares”); Chace Petrin, Addison (“Lake Champlain”).
4-H State Day was sponsored by University of Vermont Extension 4-H. To learn more about the 4-H program, call the State 4-H Office at (802) 656-7630 or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).
![Title: New York State 4-H Launches Equine Ambassadors Program for Aspiring Leaders
Applications are open now and due by June 13, 2025
PUBLISHED ON May 28, 2025
“This program is about more than just horses,” says Brieanna Hughes, NYS 4-H Equine Youth Specialist. “It’s about giving young people the confidence, skills, and connections they need to pursue their dreams—whether that’s in agriculture, animal science, or any field that sparks their passion.”
ITHACA, N.Y. — The New York State 4-H Horse Program is thrilled to announce the launch of the Equine Ambassadors Program, a yearlong leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors across New York State.
Designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of equine industry leaders, this free program offers youth a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, build professional networks, and engage in hands-on learning experiences alongside industry professionals.
Applications are now open, and all interested youth are encouraged to apply—no prior 4-H membership is required.
“This program is about more than just horses,” says Brieanna Hughes, NYS 4-H Equine Youth Specialist. “It’s about giving young people the confidence, skills, and connections they need to pursue their dreams—whether that’s in agriculture, animal science, or any field that sparks their passion.”
Program Highlights:
3-4 overnight leadership events across New York State
Participation at the NYS Fair (3 days/2 nights) in the 4-H for Horses Building
Resume building, public speaking, and career readiness training
Mentorship from equine professionals and industry leaders
A supportive community of youth who share a love of horses and leadership
Selected participants will graduate as official NYS 4-H Equine Ambassadors, ready to represent the equine industry and lead in their schools, communities, and beyond.
How to Apply:
Interested youth should email Brieanna Hughes to request the application form. Applications are due by June 13, 2025, and must include:
Completed application form
Cover letter
Letter of recommendation
Full program details and a downloadable flyer are available upon request.
About the NYS 4-H Equine Program:
The New York State 4-H Horse Program connects youth across the state with hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and pathways to careers in agriculture and animal science. The Equine Ambassadors Program is supported in part by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.
For questions or more information, contact:
Brieanna Hughes
NYS 4-H Equine Youth Specialist
[Email]
—NYS 4-H Equine Program](https://i1.wp.com/www.morningagclips.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Equine-Ambassadors.jpg?w=696&resize=696,0&ssl=1 "Title: New York State 4-H Launches Equine Ambassadors Program for Aspiring Leaders
Applications are open now and due by June 13, 2025
PUBLISHED ON May 28, 2025
“This program is about more than just horses,” says Brieanna Hughes, NYS 4-H Equine Youth Specialist. “It’s about giving young people the confidence, skills, and connections they need to pursue their dreams—whether that’s in agriculture, animal science, or any field that sparks their passion.”
ITHACA, N.Y. — The New York State 4-H Horse Program is thrilled to announce the launch of the Equine Ambassadors Program, a yearlong leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors across New York State.
Designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of equine industry leaders, this free program offers youth a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, build professional networks, and engage in hands-on learning experiences alongside industry professionals.
Applications are now open, and all interested youth are encouraged to apply—no prior 4-H membership is required.
“This program is about more than just horses,” says Brieanna Hughes, NYS 4-H Equine Youth Specialist. “It’s about giving young people the confidence, skills, and connections they need to pursue their dreams—whether that’s in agriculture, animal science, or any field that sparks their passion.”
Program Highlights:
3-4 overnight leadership events across New York State
Participation at the NYS Fair (3 days/2 nights) in the 4-H for Horses Building
Resume building, public speaking, and career readiness training
Mentorship from equine professionals and industry leaders
A supportive community of youth who share a love of horses and leadership
Selected participants will graduate as official NYS 4-H Equine Ambassadors, ready to represent the equine industry and lead in their schools, communities, and beyond.
How to Apply:
Interested youth should email Brieanna Hughes to request the application form. Applications are due by June 13, 2025, and must include:
Completed application form
Cover letter
Letter of recommendation
Full program details and a downloadable flyer are available upon request.
About the NYS 4-H Equine Program:
The New York State 4-H Horse Program connects youth across the state with hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and pathways to careers in agriculture and animal science. The Equine Ambassadors Program is supported in part by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.
For questions or more information, contact:
Brieanna Hughes
NYS 4-H Equine Youth Specialist
[Email]
—NYS 4-H Equine Program")
