Denver, Colorado – Four Spalding County 4-H’ers joined more than 1000 youth from over 33 states including Alberta, Canada attended the Western National Roundup January 4-7, 2018 in Denver, CO. The Conference, now in its 98th year, is held annually in early January, coinciding with the National Western Stock Show. This year’s theme of “Unmask the Superhero in YOU” was aimed at helping participants gain the confidence to help them create a unique experience for themselves and others and to thrive in their self-defined future through 4-H and FFA.

4-H and FFA members between the ages of 14 and 19 have the opportunity to qualify for Roundup by winning their home state’s contest or being chosen as a state delegate. The competitions held at Western National Roundup include horse and livestock judging, livestock quiz bowl, hippology and horse demonstrations. Competitions in Public speaking (prepared and unprepared), parliamentary procedure, consumer decision making were part of the Round up along with family consumer science presentations, a skill-a-thon and bowl and meats identification. Workshops are offered throughout the week that provide a learning experience for the youth exposing them to topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to communication and team building, dance and leadership development.

Youth participants develop a mastery of their respective subject matter, but more importantly gain new friendships, and life-long skills such as public speaking, professionalism, and good sportsmanship. The memories, friendships and skills learned will outlast the trophies and ribbons that were won.

Spalding County 4-H sent a team to the Family and Consumer Science Skill-athon and an individual competitor to the Family and Consumer Science Presentation.

Hannah Rutledge placed 2nd in Family and Consumer Science Presentation for her speech on Home Canning. The team that competed in FCS Skill-a-thon included Ben Rutledge, Hannah Rutledge, Isabel Rutledge, and Carrianna Simmons. 4-H Program Assistant Wendy Sauley-Simmons coached Spalding County’s competitors.

Group Picture:
Family and Consumer Science Skill-a-thon Team from Spalding County 4-H:

L-R: Isabel Rutledge, Hannah Rutledge,
Coach Wendy Sauley-Simmons, Carrianna
Simmons, and Ben Rutledge

Individual Picture:
Family and Consumer Science Presentation competitor from Spalding County 4-H:
Hannah Rutledge: 2nd place winner

For more information, contact the UGA
Extension Office Spalding County at 770-467-4225
or Email: uge2255@uga.edu
or visit www.ugaextension.org/spalding