Gwendolyn Zolman, in pink, shows her 324-pound hog in the swine show. The hog placed fourth in Class 4.

Text and Photos
By Madison Hart
InkFree News

WARSAW — Four-H is a great opportunity to for kids to build confidence, according to Mariah Roberts.

Roberts leads the Syracuse Community Helping Hands 4-H Club. It holds monthly meetings for students in third through 12th grade between November and June .

“The kids get practice in leadership … in a way that is manageable for the age,” says Roberts. This includes electing officers, writing reports and giving demonstrations on a skill they have.

Kids also participate in general projects, which is the culmination of all of the child’s work and skills development.

“It’s a great way to build kids up and give them skills that could translate to a hobby, the home or a job someday,” said Roberts.

As a student, Roberts was a 10-year member at Mentone United 4-H. She found community in the program that she wants to carry forward as a leader.

Roberts says that there is a lot of camaraderie during fair week because the kids have to stay with their animals, so they end up spending quality time together. This includes Roberts’s own children, the oldest whom shows dairy feeder calves.

The 4-H general projects are available for viewing in the Shriner Building from noon to 9 p.m.

There are many opportunities to get involved with 4-H.

“Four-H always looking for great people to mentor youth. The best part is when an adult has a skill they want to teach younger people. Kids love to come to more workshops for that,” said Roberts.

To reach out about volunteering in any capacity, contact the local extension office.

The Kosciusko County Fair also included the following activities on Tuesday, July 9: