Learning on display at the Ohio State Fair

By Brianna Smith

While the Ohio State Fair showcases the state’s best livestock, it also highlights the achievements of 4-H members exhibiting still and book projects. Each day, 4-H’ers compete in a variety of project areas, from sewing, cooking, welding and woodworking to photography, creative arts and more. It takes a lot of time, commitment, and dedication to really shine with any project at the Ohio State Fair.

I had the opportunity to spend some time in the Lausche Building on quilting and mental and health project judging day. As I walked through the building, it was clear that every project represented months of learning, practice and hard work. I had the chance to visit with Stella Zippay, a Mahoning County 4-H member who earned a coveted clock trophy for her physical health project.

“The project I took to the State Fair this year was First Aid in Action,” Zippay said. “It is an introductory safety project that taught me what to do in an emergency situation.

“I learned skills such as how to stop bleeding from a cut, how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and several other skills that I’m going to be able to take with me to college and throughout my adult life as I continue my 4-H career and beyond.”

For Zippay, earning a clock trophy represented months of preparation and years of dedication to 4-H.

“Winning a clock trophy is absolutely amazing,” Zippay said. “There are so many wonderful 4-H’ers, and I’m honored to be able to hold this clock in my hand right now. All of our hard work does not go unnoticed. I’m just very proud of how far I’ve come in my 4-H career, and I feel like this is a great representation of that.”

The Ohio State Fair is about much more than ribbons and trophies. It is a celebration of the knowledge, skills, and confidence young people gain through 4-H and other youth programs.