The Nevada 4-H State Expo was held this past fall at the Rafter 3C Arena and the Fallon Trap Club. Nearly 200 youth from across the state partici-pated in the year’s culminating event.
The road to the Expo was long, as youth had to qualify for their con-test(s) or with their project(s) at a local or regional event before the expo.
There were a variety of contests, including shooting sports, a livestock quiz bowl and skill-a-thon, a horse show, a dog show, a herpetology show, and much more.
Additionally, youth exhibited baked items, art, leatherworking, and edu-cational posters and participated in communications contests and public speaking.
“It takes a village to plan and execute an event like this,” says Lindsay Chichester, Extension’s Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program Lead-er. “We have so many dedicated volunteers and staff, as well as the fami-lies of the participants and our sponsors who help make this all possible.”
This year, Nevada 4-H took the time to recognize a few volunteers who support the 4-H program.
2024 Volunteer of the Year: Kenni Brock
Kenni has been a pivotal leader and driving force in Humboldt County’s 4-H animal programs for nearly a decade. Her journey began when her own children needed a 4-H leader, inspiring her to step into the role of horse leader.
Although she briefly stepped away, Kenni returned to the program in 2019 to support the club again. In addition to her work with horses, Kenni took on leadership responsibilities with the Black Sheep Rebels livestock club in Winnemucca, the largest 4-H club in the county, where over 50 youth participants show a wide range of large animal breeds. Her dedication to 4-H is evident in her hands-on involvement. Whether stay-ing late to assist with beef projects or spending a whole day shearing sheep in preparation for a show, Kenni is always ready to lend a hand.
She regularly attends show clinics to bring back valuable knowledge to share with the community, helping to enhance the local 4-H program. Kenni also received a $1000 contribution to her 4-H program from the Nevada Ag Foundation.
2024 Youth Adult Partnership Award
Michael Hansen. Since becoming a 4-H Leader in 2016, Michael has co-led several clubs across three counties, including Cloverbuds, the 4-PAWS Dog Club, and Target Rippers Shooting Sports.
With his Level 1 Certification in archery and air pistol, Michael assists Shooting Sports Leaders and provides direct instruction to youth, em-powering them with new skills in both disciplines. His hands-on ap-proach fosters experiential learning, guiding youth in areas ranging from dog training to shooting sports.
Michael has volunteered as a chaperone at 4-H Camp for the past three years, offering invaluable support to campers, counselors, staff, and other volunteers.
His dedication inspires youth to embrace new experiences, overcome challenges, and develop a wide range of competencies. Michael also re-ceived a $300 contribution to his 4-H program from the Nevada 4-H Of-fice.
2024 Going the Extra Mile Award
Laurel Kleinman, Evelyn Cunningham, Robyn Davis, Eric Engelman, and Sean Luna. These individuals exhibited courage and quick thinking during the 4-H Camps at Lake Tahoe this past summer, which ensured a safe environment for the campers.
2024 Round of Applause Award
Sarah Chvilicek, Kenny Haack-Damon, and Kaitlyn Van Kirk. These faculty and staff exhibited courage and quick thinking during the 4-H Camps at Lake Tahoe this past summer, which ensured a safe environ-ment for the campers.
Congratulations to all of the youth exhibitors on your accomplishments, and thanks to all of the staff, volunteers, and families who helped make the Expo possible.