By TAMARA ROBERTSON
Cottonwood Extension District
Written by Lizzy Vajnar, Ellis County 4-H Member
4-H offers youth the opportunity to explore a wide range of project areas while developing responsibility, leadership, and essential life skills. From livestock and animal care to science-based projects, each experience helps members grow both personally and professionally. While the community gets to view exhibits at the Ellis County Fair, these projects represent a year-long commitment for 4-H members. Several Ellis County 4-H members shared how their projects have shaped their journeys and influenced their lives and future goals.
For Keeli Kimzey, the horse project is more than just riding; it’s about teamwork, patience, and accomplishment. “My favorite part about working with my horses is the feeling of accomplishment when we do something well,” Kimzey said. “By staying calm and working through problems, we’re learning together at the same time.” One of Kimzeys’ most memorable experiences came after her first Kansas State Fair Horse Show. “My family and I were leaving Hutchinson when my mom got a call saying I had won Grand Champion Intermediate Horse Showman,” she said. “We had to turn around and go back so I could receive my buckle.” Through the horse project, Kimzey has learned patience and perseverance—skills that continue to benefit her both inside and outside the arena.
Inside the building during the Ellis County Fair, Lizzy Vajnar enjoys showcasing her photography and educational displays. “I really have enjoyed having entries in the photography project for the past 10 years and assisting with educational displays at the fair. Watching my photography skills grow throughout the years has been truly unique.” Her dedication has earned her numerous Grand and Reserve Champion awards in both 4-H and open photography exhibits. “I believe these skills have improved my ability to photograph wildlife, take portraits of friends and family, and produce quality images for school journalism publications or other organizations. My educational displays help share the variety of projects and experiences I have learned from, as well as promote the 4-H program as a whole.”
Participating in shooting sports teaches many skills from the range to the meeting room. Alex Rohr, President of the Shooting Sports 4-H Club, enjoys the friendships and quality time the group shares during practices, meetings, and competitions. With effort and practice from the entire team, the Ellis County 4-H Shooting Sports team achieved First Place Overall Team at the Kansas 4-H State Shotgun Competition, with several team members earning top individual finishes in both Senior and Junior divisions. “One of the most rewarding aspects of the project is seeing personal growth through practice for competitions,” Rohr said. “I’ve learned how to get better at talking in front of a gathering of people, especially at our meetings. Shooting Sports has also taught me to keep a program organized and running efficiently.”
Together, these experiences reflect the wide impact of 4-H projects on youth across Ellis County. Whether in the arena, behind the camera, or on the shooting range,
members are gaining skills that extend far beyond their project areas. 4-H helps to build confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility that will serve all members well into the future. These stories highlight just a few of the many ways 4-H members grow through hands-on learning and dedication. Additional project experiences and member perspectives will be featured in a future article.
Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with Kansas State Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at [email protected] or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.
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