Burlington--Clever Clovers 4-H Club members Sylvia and Zach Johnson of Tunbridge were among the 37 Vermont 4-H'ers participating in the virtual 4-H State Day this year.

The event is sponsored annually by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H. It provides a platform for talented 4-H'ers from throughout the state to share what they've learned in 4-H projects and club activities through action exhibits, illustrated talks, stage presentations, demonstrations, photographs and several other categories.

Sylvia, 11, presented an individual demonstration, showing how to make homemade slime. The judges gave her a blue ribbon for her presentation, which she submitted by video for evaluation.

Fourteen-year-old Zach entered the Maker/Tinker category and received a blue ribbon for engineering a backyard rope tow. Entries in this category are evaluated on creativity, design, craftsmanship and other criteria and typically involve science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) principles, which are an integral part of the 4-H curriculum.

"Every year for 4-H State Day 4-H youths offer impressive demonstrations and exhibits on a variety of subject areas of interest to them," says Allison Smith, UVM Extension 4-H Youth Learning Experiences coordinator. "One positive aspect of using a virtual platform is that we have wonderful videos of 4-H members like the Johnsons giving presentations on subjects that they are passionate about while demonstrating important life skills.

"In the past, exhibits and public speaking were performed live, and the moment was fleeting. Now the knowledge passed along in the videos and photos of exhibits can be shared with different audiences and used to help upcoming 4-H'ers see what a quality and successful presentation looks like."

For information about Orange County 4-H programs and clubs, contact UVM Extension 4-H educator Molly McFaun at molly.mcfaun@uvm.edu.