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Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

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Ohio State Fair project judging

A 4-H member being interviewed at the Ohio State Fair.

The Ohio State Fair looked different this year, but state 4-H special interest judging went on with nearly 3,900 4-H members traveling to Columbus to share their projects. This experience provides youth with an opportunity to showcase what they learned, giving them the opportunity to hone their public speaking and interview skills.  

Johannah Thacker, from Hardin County, brought the Family History Treasure Hunt project to the fair this year. It was her fourth year taking this multi-year project, A girl holding a folder.and her efforts were rewarded when she received a clock trophy—the top project honors at the State Fair. She said, “If you put your mind to it, there is always more you can learn.” 

Due to COVID travel restrictions, Johannah had to find a way to gather new information for her project. She created a third-grade curriculum that met state standards for history. It was a unit on one of her ancestors, who was the founder of a nearby town in her county. Johannah’s mother will use the lessons with her third-grade students. A girl standing grave marker.

Johannah said, “I hope they will learn something they did not know before, thanks to a project I took in 4-H.”

State project judging was possible thanks to support from the Ohio State Fair and Expo Center, 4-H professionals, volunteers, and our generous clock trophy donors. Find a complete list of clock trophy donors on the Ohio 4-H Foundation website.