4-H Students Dazzle in Cobleskill

COBLESKILL — On Saturday March 7, my husband  Jeremy Clapper and I, were asked to fill in as judges for the 4-H Public Presentations at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Cobleskill. If you know Aunt Nancy Brumaghim, she loves to help youth and we couldn't tell her no. We have never been judges before, so we showed up early to learn about proper judging and etiquette for the presentations.  There were 40 children registered for the day.  Morning  presentations took place 9:00 -12:00. Afternoon presentations were 12:30-3:00. 

Judging was held in three different  rooms at Cornell Cooperative Extension.  Ahead of judging, we had been split into three different  rooms, with the proper paperwork we needed. Thankful to have a seasoned judge with us to guide us and we thank you, Michelle.

Our room had six children we were able to listen to and learn from. First we listened to the presentation from Elizabeth Zurek. She is a local CRCS student who taught us about Mini Rex rabbits. She even brought her rabbit Angela, I love the name! Angela sat so still during her slide show presentation. She showed us to to set a rabbit and what judges look for in competitions. Elizabeth  did a great job!

Next, we listened to a presentation from Westin Jakeman. Weston's presentation was about how to draw a Nintendo Switch. He had the steps listed and even walked us through step by step, as he made one in front of us. Weston became very involved in questions for the rest of the presentations as well. Good job Weston!

Emilia Wallace was our third presentation.  She had many visual aids about Corgis. One of them She even made by herself! Emilla taught us where they were from and some information on Queen Elizabeth. Emila did research on this breed because she is getting one for a pet next month! Good luck with your new puppy Emilla!

Edith Wallace presented next. Edith has loved chickens since she was little.  So her presentation was on Rhode Island Reds. She taught us about the  weights from different stages in their life. The characteristics of this breed, like skin color and egg production. She hopes to get her own chickens this summer.  They have a spot picked out for them at their new home! We hope you enjoy your chickens, Edith!

Oliva Ostrander was up next. Oliva has raised beef cows for most of her life. She even shows them. Oliva created a presentation slide show on the proper way to fit cows for competitions. She brought the brushes she uses for the competitions, and the proper way to use each one. This was her first in person competition.  Great job Oliva!

To end our day we listened to Sophia Ostrander.  Sophia also raises beef cows and talks halters. She brought in two to show. She showed us the proper way to put on a halter and clean it. Showed her favorite cleaner and what cleaner to use on what part. Thank you Sophia!

This was an amazing  morning.  I have known four of this kids from previous competitions.  It was so amazing  to see them grow. If you would like to be a judge in future competitions please reach out to Cornell Cooperative Extension. They may need judges for Districts in April. They 

are also possibly looking for judges at the fair. So thank you to Cornell Cooperative Extension for allowing us to take part of this in our community.