For 15 Vermont 4-H’ers, the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, held February 28, offered a participatory look at the inner workings of state government.

University of Vermont Extension 4-H hosted the Montpelier event to give middle and high school students a first-hand look at how Vermont’s legislative system works. It also provided an opportunity for participants to meet government officials and share their 4-H stories.

two youths sitting at a desk in a government conference room
4-H’ers Josh (left) and Caity Packer, Barre Town, sit at the desk of their grandfather, Rep. Francis McFaun (R-Washington-Orange District) during a tour of the State House as part of the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, held February 28. (photo: Molly McFaun/UVM Extension)

The 4-H’ers were introduced on the floor of the House by Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun (D-Windham), who spoke with the group about how a bill becomes a law, including sharing her perspective as a legislator. They also met with Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas who explained what her position entails and how her office works.

two youths at a podium
Two members of the Whispering Pines 4-H Club Emma Babyak, Fairfax (left), and Josephina Kascha-Hare, Milton, served as attorneys for the defense in the mock trial at the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, February 28 in Montpelier. (photo: Molly McFaun/UVM Extension)

The group toured the State House building to learn about its history and various legislative functions and observed Vermont’s legislature in session. In the Supreme Court Courtroom, they engaged in a mock trial to “participate” in Vermont’s legal system, taking on roles from the prosecution and defendant's attorneys to judge as they tried a hypothetical case about a man who drove drunk in his driveway and was arrested for it. The verdict reflected how a public highway is defined.

Participants, by county, were:

  • ADDISON: Caroline and Thomas Allen, Vergennes; Merissa and Olivia Gordon, Bristol
  • CALEDONIA: Cosimo Franklin, Lyndon Center
  • CHITTENDEN: Remington Card, Williston; Jane Curry, Burlington; Josephina Kascha-Hare and Silje Kruse, both from Milton; Andrew Shattuck, Essex
  • FRANKLIN: Emma Babyak, Fairfax
  • GRAND ISLE: Logan Russell, Alburgh
  • WASHINGTON: Caity and Josh Packer, Barre Town
  • WINDSOR: Sophia Fors, Bethel
youths in a government office
Participants of the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, February 28 in Montpelier, took part in a mock trial in the Supreme Court Courtroom, taking a break afterwards to check out the Supreme Court justices’ seats. (photo: Molly McFaun/UVM Extension)

To learn more about the Vermont 4-H program, contact the State 4-H Office at (802) 656-7630 or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).