Each year the Wright County Junior District Fair recognizes their graduating seniors who have participated in 4-H and FFA events. Despite the cancellation of the public portion of the fair, they are still recognizing these achievers who have given their all to their respective programs over the years. This year, they will be saying goodbye to six members. A few of them agreed to share some of their parting thoughts with us.
HannahJo Gustafson – Hodson is a 2020 graduate of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School and a member of the Dayton-Lake 4-H Club. She has participated in the Wright County Fair for the past 13 years, starting in the show ring with bucket bottle calves when she was in kindergarten. When she hit fourth grade, Hodson joined 4-H and has never looked back. In addition to entering static exhibits in the 4-H building, Hodson also showed market beef – saying it’s probably her favorite project area.
“4-H has changed me in so many ways. It helped me be confident when trying new things, I’m more bold and social, and I can take on new opportunities without hesitation,” she said of her experiences. “This will help me experience new people and places for the rest if my life.”
She admits she is a little disappointed COVID-19 had such an effect on her last year to participate in 4-H and the local county fair, but she is making the best of it.
“When COVID-19 first hit I thought I would eventually get to go back to school after a week or two but when quarantine got longer I was upset. I realized that I wouldn’t be able to finish my high school experience, 4-H meetings would be cancelled, and the fair would be affected as well.
Besides Wright County 4-H, I am involved in Iowa’s 4-H State council. Each year the council hosts a conference for Iowa youth, when the first wave of COVID-19 hit it was cancelled. I was even more upset than before, but I managed to change my opinion because it was for the better,” said Hodson. “I’m still sad that my last year was completely turned around but I’m glad that I can at least show my cattle.”
Hodson said that if there are any kids out there, no matter fourth grade or entering 12th grade considering joining 4-H, they should give it a try.
“If anyone is hesitant about joining 4-H, I would say go for it! It has helped me in too many ways to count. 4-H is life changing, it is about more than agriculture and it lets you explore who you are and want to be,” explained Hodson. “Take the chance to join and get ready for greatness in your future!”
Jozey Gump is a 2020 graduate of Eagle Grove High School and a first-year member of the Wright Warriors 4-H Club.
“With me being involved in FFA throughout high school, I didn’t have to be involved in 4-H, but since I have been involved in 4-H I was only able to make it to one in person meeting and that was absolutely amazing to see how much of an impact it actually has on younger children,” admitted Gump. “Children are learning more about agriculture and I love that…4-H has taught me things about agriculture and animals that I will need to know for my future.”
Gump has entered her steer into this year’s Wright County Fair. COVID has changed how she will be judged and the animals will not be able to be kept at the fairgrounds, but she is just happy there is still an opportunity for her to show her animal she has worked with.
“4-H has taught me more about the animals industry in general. I have learned more so about goats, sheep, and chickens since I have been in 4-H. I have also learned more about the beef industry and beef production from 4-H,” said Gump. “I have also found myself being more interested in the production side of things since I joined 4-H.”
Jonathan Koester is a 2020 graduate of Eagle Grove High School and a nine-year member of the Wright Warriors 4-H Club (actually belonging to the Troy Toppers before the Eagle Grove boys and girls club merged together).
Over the years, Koester has entered many project areas, but said his favorite has to be swine and science technology.
“4-H has taught me to work hard towards my goals, the pay off in the end is well worth it,” said Koester.
This stands true even in the case of COVID-19 this year and how it has changed how Koester and the other 4-H/FFA members will show at the Wright County Fair this year. Rather than dwelling on how it affected the fair, Koester stayed optimistic and chose to use the extra found free time to work on the project he will be entering this year.
“I’m glad that the static exhibits the 4-Hers have been working on for the past year, including myself, still get the opportunity to get these judged. Although the 4-Hers exhibiting animals have limited passes, it’s great that the Fair Board made this possible too during this pandemic time,” said Koester.”My project did not change, however it did free up time to complete my tractor restoration quicker.”
Other graduating seniors include:
Arianna Summers- Dayton Lake
Hannah Tew- Lake Clovers
Cole Lindaman- Liberty Pathfinders
These seniors were unavailable for comment.
