Student Earns 3rd Place at Hootworthy 4H State Congress Competition!

On the latest episode of Hootworthy, we had the pleasure of hosting Shawna, a 2023 graduate of GCA, who achieved 3rd place at the 4-H State Congress competition during the summer. In our conversation, we explored the world of 4-H youth clubs and the valuable experiences they offer. These clubs delve into a wide array of subjects, from STEM to healthy living and leadership, providing numerous opportunities for young learners to compete and engage in exciting activities.

Shawna's journey into the 4-H world was unique. Typically starting in the 5th grade, she managed to get involved earlier due to her older brother's participation, often attending meetings with him. Her initial motivation for joining 4-H was to find social opportunities, as she confessed to being a bit shy in her earlier days. 4-H played a pivotal role in helping her overcome her shyness, connect with people, and build lasting friendships. One of her most cherished experiences was as a teen leader at Rock Eagle.

While Shawna's journey through 4-H brought her numerous life lessons, one of the most valuable was the art of public speaking. In fact, many of the 4-H competitions she participated in revolved around public speaking opportunities, which reinforced her communication skills and boosted her confidence.

The 4-H State Congress competition, where Shawna achieved 3rd place, is no small feat to reach. Participants typically need to win at sweepstakes or place at district competition to earn their spot. Shawna's ticket to the State Congress was her 2nd place victory at district competition. For this competition, Shawna showcased her crochet skills while presenting her beautiful, crocheted figurines. The competition itself took place in a hotel and spanned several days.

During her journey, she practiced her speech with a friend on the first night, then faced a panel of judges on the second day, answering their questions and delivering her presentation. The competition ended on a high note with a silent disco, where everyone, winners, and participants alike, danced the night away with headphones on. Winners were announced at the end of the night, and to Shawna’s excitement, she heard her name ringing out as the 3rd place winner, a well-deserved recognition of her talent and hard work.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Shawna reflected on her time as a GCA student. She highlighted the unique privilege of attending school in the comfort of her own home, often in her pajamas—a freedom that made her academic journey more enjoyable. Shawna also expressed her deep appreciation for the teachers who supported her. In addition, she gave a heartfelt shoutout to her mentors in Polk County 4-H, Williams and Ridgeway, who encouraged her to explore her potential and discover her passion for crochet. This was the beginning of her road to the State Congress, a journey that she'll cherish for a lifetime. Stay hootworthy, Shawna!

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Check out the full interview on our Youtube ▶ channel

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