4-H Achievement Day Held Sunday, April 6
By: Hillary Robedeaux, Youth Development Educator
The Sullivan County 4-H Council hosted an Achievement Day on Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025 at the Milan Christian Church.
“We had record-breaking participation for this event! It’s incredibly rewarding to see both new and returning 4-H members come out and try new things,” says Hillary Robedeaux, Youth Development Educator
Achievement Day gives 4-H members the opportunity to showcase what they have learned in 4-H and engage in friendly competition with their peers. These events are typically held in the spring and no two events are the same from county to county across the state. More than fifteen Sullivan County 4-H members participated in five different areas of competition including Demonstrations, Personal Development, Judging, Creative Table Setting, and Public Speaking. Members were allowed to participate in as many or as few categories as they chose. All of these categories are designed to build member confidence in public speaking and life skills.
Demonstrations are a way for members to show others what they have learned in their 4-H projects and activities. Members are given a time limit and there are five main parts to their demonstration: introduction, steps, summary, questions, and conclusion. Two members gave demonstrations: Colton McCully, Green Hills 4-H Club – How to Make Peanut Butter Hershey Kiss Cookies and Amber Sayre, Green Hills 4-H Club – How to Make a Terrarium.
In the Personal Development portion of Achievement Day, 4-H members are scored on an interview with the judge on their grooming habits, attitude, personal appearance, and interview. When speaking with the judge they must be prepared to introduce themselves, telling the judge about their favorite 4-H project, subject, hobby or sport in school. Proper posture and eye contact are also important. Twelve members participated in the Personal Development category: Kevaeh, Wesley, Machlan, Colton, Liam, Ryland, Emma, Kimber, Amber, America, Harper and Kendra.
Judging at 4-H Achievement Day is an event where 4-H members and Clover Kids are asked to evaluate a set of items or animals (depending on the category) and then justify their decisions. Participants are typically asked to rank or place items based on specific criteria, such as quality, appearance, or suitability for a particular purpose. After placing the items or animals, they must explain their reasoning to a judge or audience. This helps develop skills in critical thinking, decision-making, and public speaking, as members learn to articulate and defend their choices. It’s a valuable experience for building confidence and learning to present their opinions in a constructive way. Twelve members participated in the Judging category: Kevaeh, Wesley, Machlan, Colton, Liam, Kaden, Ryland, Emma, Kimber, Amber, America, and Wade.
Public speaking at 4-H Achievement Day is an event where 4-H members have the opportunity to give a speech or presentation on a topic of their choice. Participants prepare and deliver their speeches in front of an audience or judges, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively, organize their thoughts, and engage with others. The speeches can range from extemporaneous, prepared, or technology assisted, and the goal is to help youth build confidence in public speaking, improve their presentation skills, and learn how to express their ideas clearly and effectively. This event is a great way for 4-H members to develop important life skills such as communication, leadership, and poise. Three members participated in the Public Speaking category by giving extemporaneous speech: Kevaeh, Liam, and Kimber.
Creative Table Setting at 4-H Achievement Day is an event where 4-H members are tasked with designing and setting a table with a specific theme or purpose in mind. Participants choose tableware, decorations, and arrangements that fit their chosen theme, while considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and proper table etiquette. The goal is to showcase creativity, attention to detail, and an understanding of dining etiquette. This activity helps youth develop skills in organization, design, and creativity, while also learning about the importance of presentation and hospitality. It’s a fun and educational way for 4-H members to explore design and event planning. Three members participated in this category: Emma, Harper, and Henry.
With a record-breaking participation, the event provided valuable opportunities for youth to demonstrate their skills, build confidence, and develop life skills that will serve them well in the future. Whether through public speaking, demonstrating projects, or engaging in friendly competition, members had the chance to shine in a supportive and educational environment. As the event came to a close, it was clear that Achievement Day not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also strengthens the 4-H community as a whole, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.
(Photo submitted by Hillary Robedeaux)
