According to NDSU Extension-Ward County information, Best of Show in static exhibits is based on the large project area groupings as defined in the North Dakota State Fair 4-H Division Exhibit List. There are 10 categories to which exhibitors can enter their static exhibit. Within each category there are multiple divisions and classes. For example, brownies, cookies, and pies are all judged under the broader Foods and Nutrition category. Similarly, project areas like knitting, quilting, consumer education and child development are grouped under Family and Consumer Science category.

In Ward County, one teen (ages 13 – 18) and one pre-teen (ages 8 – 12) are honored for each category whose exhibit demonstrates outstanding quality. Some categories are especially competitive; like Communication and Expressive Arts, which had 388 exhibits this year; while others, such as Civic Engagement, had fewer entries, but still required top-notch work to earn the Best of Show title.

The 93rd Annual Ward County 4-H Achievement Days were held June 16-19 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot.

Thirty-four judges evaluated more than 1,000 exhibits and listened to more than 250 youth share their learning, growth and pride in their exhibits. With each ribbon and exhibit, these young people are not only showcasing their skills, they are building futures.

Pre-Teen: Finnley Neshem, Burlington, member of Peppers 4-H Club - Native American Display.

Static Exhibit Best of Show winners are as follows:

Animal Science

– Teen: Elizabeth Hanson, Velva, member of Souris River Wranglers 4-H Club – Beef Interview and Record Book.

– Pre-Teen: Braya Auch, Minot, member of Prairie Tumbleweeds 4-H Club – Horse Interview and Record Book.

Civic Engagement

Pre-Teen: Skylar Fetzer, Douglas, member of Rocky Acres 4-H Club - Feather USA Flag Macrame Wall Hanging.

– Pre-Teen: Finnley Neshem, Burlington, member of Peppers 4-H Club – Native American Display.

Communication and Expressive Arts

– Teen: Amber Braasch, Minot, member of Dakota Stars 4-H Club – Leathercraft Graduation Hat Topper.

– Pre-Teen: Skylar Fetzer, Douglas, member of Rocky Acres 4-H Club – 8 x 10 Photograph – Horse’s Eye.

Environmental Education

Judges at the Ward County 4-H Achievement Days review entries.

– Teen: Cole Whitcher, Minot, member of Mighty Mustangs 4-H Club – Repurposed Wagon.

– Pre-Teen: Hadley Yoder, Minot, member of Mighty Mustangs 4-H Club – Bench Made From a GMC tailgate.

Family and Consumer Science

– Teen: Amber Braasch, Minot, member of Dakota Stars 4-H Club – T-Shirt Quilt.

– Pre-Teen: Skylar Fetzer, Douglas, member of Rocky Acres 4-H Club – Feather USA Flag Macrame Wall Hanging.

Teen: Morgan Keen, Donnybrook, member of Sunshiners 4-H Club – Orchid Plant.

Foods and Nutrition

– Teen: Jason Shappell, Minot, member of Gasmann Helping Hands 4-H Club – Heart-shaped Macarons.

– Pre-Teen: Eva Novak, Minot, member of Prairie Tumbleweeds 4-H Club – French Bread.

Healthy Living

– Teen: Zach Peterson, Minot, member of Dakota Stars 4-H Club – Survival Kit Poster.

Pre-Teen: Hadley Yoder, Minot, member of Mighty Mustangs 4-H Club - Bench Made From a GMC tailgate

Personal Development and Leadership

– Teen: Breanna Mindt, Minot. member of Afton Country Kids 4-H Club – How to Prepare for a Vendor Show Poster.

Plant Science

– Teen: Morgan Keen, Donnybrook, member of Sunshiners 4-H Club – Orchid Plant.

– Pre-Teen: Vaida Schilken, Minot, member of Prairie Tumbleweeds 4-H Club – Lemonade-themed Fairy Garden.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

– Teen: Brynn Hanson, Burlington. member of Peppers 4-H Club – Open Bookshelf.

– Pre-Teen: Skylar Fetzer, Douglas, member of Rocky Acres 4-H Club – How to Turn Milk into Plastic Report.

Teen: Jason Shappell, Minot, member of Gasmann Helping Hands 4-H Club - Heart-shaped Macarons.

Pre-Teen: Eva Novak, Minot, member of Prairie Tumbleweeds 4-H Club - French Bread

Teen: Cole Whitcher, Minot, member of Mighty Mustangs 4-H Club - Repurposed Wagon.

Teen: Zach Peterson, Minot, member of Dakota Stars 4-H Club - Survival Kit Poster.

Teen: Breanna Mindt, Minot. member of Afton Country Kids 4-H Club - How to Prepare for a Vendor Show Poster

Teen: Elizabeth Hanson, Velva, member of Souris River Wranglers 4-H Club - Beef Interview and Record Book.

Pre-Teen: Skylar Fetzer, Douglas, member of Rocky Acres 4-H Club - 8 x 10 Photograph - Horse’s Eye.

Teen: Amber Braasch, Minot, member of Dakota Stars 4-H Club - Leathercraft Graduation Hat Topper.

Pre-Teen: Braya Auch, Minot, member of Prairie Tumbleweeds 4-H Club - Horse Interview and Record Book.

Teen: Brynn Hanson, Burlington. member of Peppers 4-H Club - Open Bookshelf.