Mastery of skills is an important tenant of 4-H. Each year, youth across Escambia County pursue educational projects that help them develop knowledge in areas such as raising livestock, robotics, leadership and citizenship, environmental and outdoor education, shooting sports, and marine science. As part of a project, youth can choose to demonstrate their skills in competitive events at the county level. If a youth receives a blue ribbon for their entry, they can advance to the district, and eventually, the state level to showcase their knowledge and abilities.

There are over 45 projects youth can choose to participate in as part of 4-H. Each project allows youth to learn skills by engaging with the activities that make them up. As part of their projects, youth may raise hogs, build their own robots, participate in mock legislature events, build model aquifers, learn archery, or interact with sea life, for example. In doing this, youth are able to master skills and demonstrate their knowledge to others.

This year, Escambia County youth participated in a variety of events and were able to send four talented youth to state level competitions at 4-H University. Florida 4-H University is a week-long overnight event for senior 4-H youth (4-H age 14-18) held at the University of Florida. Attendees participated in educational workshops led by University of Florida faculty. 4-H youth explored career opportunities, interacted with youth from all over the state, and had fun while developing critical life skills that will help them become productive and engaged citizens of their community

Winners from Escambia County are Danielle Tinker and Michelle Tinker who took a 1st place/blue ribbon in Team Demonstrated/Illustrated Talk in Animal Industry; Amanda Tanner taking a 1st place/blue ribbon in Public Speaking.
Danielle Tinker and Karrigan Scott with a 1st place/blue ribbon in Share the Fun. In the category of Senior Photography, Amanda Tanner won 1st place in Flora, 2nd place in 4-H Theme and Evan Bush took 1st place in 4-H Theme.
For Intermediate Photography, Ami Rodgers won 1st place in Flora, 2nd place in Architectural Design, and 2nd place for Photo Story.

In addition to winning in competitive events, Danielle Tinker was also elected Florida 4-H state treasurer and also won a travel scholarship to National 4-H Congress.

Congratulations to all the participants!

Jenny Savely

4-H Program Coordinator

Hank Bignell

4-H LIvestock and Small Farms Agent

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