Orleans--The 2024 Northeast Region 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl debuted a new contest this year, adding a dairy goat component that attracted 10 4-H’ers.

An additional 30 4-H dairy members competed in the February 24 event, held at the Orleans Elementary School in Orleans. Both the cow and goat quiz bowls kicked off with a written test, followed by rounds of oral questions, where the competitors earned points for being the first to respond with the correct answer.

The 4-H’ers were divided into groups by age with ribbons awarded to the top 10 scorers in each group. 4-H Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, were invited to take part and were given rainbow-colored participation ribbons. All 4-H dairy members from clubs in Caledonia, Essex, Lamoille and Orleans Counties were eligible to participate.

In the dairy goat quiz bowl, Olivia Houghton, Derby, took first in the Senior Division (ages 14 to 18). In the Junior Division (ages 8 to 10) Gabriel Patenaude and Isabelle Haddad, both also from Derby, came in first and second, respectively. Third place went to Kinsley Lasko, Morgan, and fourth to Thea Ross, St. Johnsbury.

Several Cloverbuds also participated. They were Hazel Bowen, Coventry; Michael and Theodore Haddad, Orleans; Addi Fuller, Lunenburg; and Iva Houghton, Derby.

Results for the dairy cow quiz bowl were:

  • SENIORS: Nora Demaine, West Glover (first); Maddy Perry, East Montpelier (second); Alexa Graham, Richford (third)
  • JUNIORS  (12 to 13): CJ McNeely, Lunenburg (first); Emma Pothier, Newport Center (second); Emmeline Paquet (third) and Carys Wood (fourth), both from East Montpelier; Mya Marquis, Newport (fifth); Howie Demaine, West Glover (sixth); Reegan Kelley, Derby (seventh)
  • JUNIORS (10 to 11): Madison Fuller, Lunenburg (first); Katelyn Sibley, East Montpelier (second); Eli Lidback, Westmore (third); Brody McAllister, Morrisville (fourth); Patrick Paquet, East Montpelier (fifth); Henry Labrecque, Barton (sixth); Ella Purchase, East Montpelier (seventh); Kinnley Riendeau, Wheelock (eighth); Harlow Converse, Derby (ninth)
  • JUNIORS (8 to 9): Ellie Riendeau, Wheelock (first); Jasper Paquet, East Montpelier (second); Hazel Kelly, Morrisville (third)
  • Eight Cloverbuds took the test and participated in buzzer rounds although were not ranked. They were Hannah and Ida Birch, Derby; Jade Demaine, West Glover; John Jenkins, Newport; Emme McAllister, Morrisville; and Ella Paquet, Scarlett Perry and Sophie Purchase, all from East Montpelier.

University of Vermont Extension 4-H Educators Lindy Birch and Holly Ferris coordinated the quiz bowls with the help of several 4-H leaders, parents and volunteers. Lunenburg 4-H’er Liviya Russo also volunteered at the event, helping to run the contests. Liviya previously competed on the state quiz bowl team at regional and national events so was ineligible to compete.

Assisting with the contests were Sarah Birch, Sheena Brown and Missy Houghton, all from Derby; Kellie Jenkins, Newport; Joanna Lidback, Westmore; Missy Riendeau, Wheelock; and Deb Wickart, Morrisville. Other adults who helped out were Jared Birch and Nicole Verchereau, both from Coventry; Peggy Kelley, Derby; Hilary Paquet, East Montpelier; and Sean Somers, Lyndon.

To learn more about the 4-H dairy program in Essex and Orleans Counties, contact University of Vermont 4-H Educator Lindy Birch at melinda.birch@uvm.edu or (802) 656-7572. For Caledonia and Lamoille Counties, contact Holly Ferris at holly.ferris@uvm.edu or (802) 656-7562.