08/17/2026
💚🍀 State Fair Reflections 🍀💚
As we get back home and settled after Wyoming State Fair, I’ve had some time to reflect on our Platte County youth and just how much they accomplished this past week.
Behind every project that made it to State Fair were long hours, missed events, sleepless nights, early mornings, sacrifices, setbacks, and a whole lot of determination. I am incredibly proud of the way these kids continued to show up for themselves every single day.
At the end of the week, it isn’t just about the color of the ribbon, the banner hanging on the wall, or the buckle around their waist. Those things are exciting and certainly worth celebrating, but what our youth are taking home with them is so much bigger. They made new friendships, created lifelong memories, gained confidence, learned lessons, and completed projects they committed to months—and in some cases, nearly a year—ago. They set goals, put in the work, and followed through.
Competing at the State Fair level is an honor. These youth chose to challenge themselves, put their hard work on display, accept feedback, and compete alongside some of the best youth from across Wyoming. That takes courage, and I hope every one of them recognizes what an accomplishment simply getting there truly is.
As several judges mentioned in the ring this week, these young people are the next leaders of our communities, our industries, and our world. As an Extension Educator, getting to play even a small role in shaping that next generation is something I will never take for granted.
I am so grateful to be in Platte County. I’m grateful for the incredible families who put in just as many early mornings and late nights, for the volunteers, leaders, supporters, and community members who stand behind these kids, and especially for the exceptional youth I have the privilege of working with every day.
I get to cheer them on when they succeed, celebrate when the hard work pays off, and help pick them up, dust them off, and encourage them to try again when things don’t go the way they hoped. And everything in between is what makes this work so special.
Platte County, you represented us exceptionally well. Be proud of the ribbons, banners, buckles, and accomplishments—but be even prouder of the work, growth, character, friendships, and memories it took to earn them.
I’m already looking forward to next year and seeing just how much these kids continue to grow. 💚
Congratulations to all of our Platte County 4-H youth. We are so incredibly proud of you! 🍀
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