Pictured, back row from left, is Matthew Knap, Ulster; Seth Mosher, Austinville; Danielle Knapp, Ulster; Emily Elsbree, Sayre; Miranda Beauman, Towanda; and Abbagael Kelley, Granville Summit. Pictured, middle row from left, is Adrielle Blemle, Wyalusing; Bruce Hildebrandt, Towanda; Amanda Hunt, Laceyville; Hannah Kelley, Granville Summit; and Montana Hildebrandt, Towanda. Pictured, front row from left, is Katherine Porter, Sayre; Zane Pifer, LeRaysville; Nicole Hunt, Laceyville; and Kristen Cole, Towanda.

To many, the dates of Aug. 3, 4 and 5 don’t mean anything – but to 16 Bradford County 4-Hers they mean three days of fun and competition. During those dates the 2010 4-H State Achievement Days were held at Penn State University. This is an event that any 4-Her, ages 13 to 18, may register to compete in a wide variety of events.

This year, Bradford County had 16 4-Hers proudly represented. The kids not only came to compete, but they also came to help make a difference in someone’s life.

Bruce Hildebrandt took 1st place in Tractor Driving – Skid Steer.

On Aug. 3, the 4-Hers arrived at State Days, unpacked their things and got to work by helping out with the Service Learning Project. Bradford County 4-Hers made blankets to send to families in need and wrote letters to service men, women, and their families.

But it wasn’t all work and no play, many of the 4-Hers, after helping with a project, joined in on a game of volleyball with kids from different counties across Pennsylvania.

On Aug. 4, 4-Hers woke early and prepared themselves for their competitions. After a long and tiring day of competing they got to have some fun at a dance just for them to celebrate a job well done.

Pictured, back row from left, is 4th place team Amanda Hunt, Adrielle Blemle, Kristen Cole, and Hannah Kelley; and in the front, from left, is 1st place team Abbagael Kelley, Nicole Hunt, Danielle Knapp, and Emily Elsbree.

The next morning, on Aug. 5, 4-Hers from all over PA got to learn how well they each did in their competition, not only as individuals but also as a team.

The Dairy Judging Jr. Individual was Kali Terrel taking 5th place, Katherine Porter went for Fashion Revue, the Hippology Jr. Team Placed 1st with members were Danielle Knapp (5th individual), Emily Elsbree (6th individual), Abbagael Kelley (8th individual), and Nicole Hunt (13th individual). The Hippology Sr. Team placed 4th with team members Adrielle Blemle (8th individual), Kristen Cole (30th individual), Amanda Hunt (21st individual), and Hannah Kelley (7th individual). The Livestock Judging Team placed 6th with team members Miranda Beauman (29th individual), Montana Hildebrandt (13th individual), Matthew Knapp (20th individual), and Seth Mosher (26th individual). Zane Pifer went for Orienteering and placed 3rd in the Novice division, while Bruce Hildebrandt went for Tractor Driving – Skid Steer and placed 1st.

Each of these kids enjoyed their few days away from home to meet new people and show off their skills in the competition that they chose. Congratulations to all who participated in the 2010 4-H State Achievement Days.