Earlier this week, 4-H members from across the Texas Panhandle gathered in Amarillo for the 4-H Big Fun in D1 contests, a series of fall competitions showcasing the knowledge and skills developed through their projects. This year’s event saw over 700 participants over three days, with 26 talented youth representing Gray County in various contests.
The 4-H Big Fun in D1 contests are a highlight within the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s 4-H program, offering youth opportunities to present their project work and demonstrate their expertise.
District Food Show Success The District Food Show tests participants on food preparation, nutrition, food safety knowledge, and presentation skills. Gray County had an impressive showing with 17 members competing:
• Nora Craig – 2nd Place in Junior Division - Appetizers
• McKinley Clark – 3rd Place in Intermediate Division - Healthy Desserts
• Nicky Price – 2nd Place in Senior Division - Side Dish
Other participants included Luke Kephart, Ellie Morton, Raylee Knox, Stephanie Price, Sutton Nachtigall, Brooks Morton, Ellie Oglesby, Abigail Collins, Allie Rogers, Angelique Ritchie, Baron Hudson, Avery Cross, Devyn Knox, and Blake Hembree.
Consumer Decision Making Contest In the District Consumer Decision Making Contest, youth applied their consumer education and money management skills. Gray County was represented by Eleanor Collins, Abigail Collins, McKinley Clark, Alexandria Hembree, and Allie Rogers.
District Food Challenge The District Food Challenge featured over 100 teams in a competition similar to popular cooking shows. Youth had to create a recipe, prepare and plate a dish, and deliver a presentation—all within 40 minutes. Gray County teams performed admirably:
Culinary Commanders (Senior Team: Charles Hembree, Devyn Knox, Blake Hembree, and Nicky Price) placed 3rd.
Other Gray County teams included:
• Junior Team – Chef Express (Eleanor Collins, Ellie Morton, Evelyn Arrington, Stephanie Price)
• Junior Team – Cooking Machines (Alexandria Hembree, Ellie Oglesby, Brooks Morton, Joshua Ruzvidzo)
• Junior Team – The Café Crusaders (Raylee Knox, Luke Kephart, Nora Craig)
• Intermediate Team – Culinary Clan (Allie Rogers, Abigail Collins, Sutton Nachtigall)
• Intermediate Team – Brunch Besties (Angelique Ritchie, Avery Cross, McKinley Clark)
Educational Presentations and Public Speaking Gray County youth also showcased their public speaking and presentation skills, achieving top results:
• Luke Kephart – 2nd Place in Junior Open Educational Presentations
• Braun Lashmet – 1st Place in Junior Public Speaking
• Angelique Ritchie – 1st Place in Intermediate Horse Educational Presentations
• McKinley Clark & Harbor Baldridge – 1st Place in Intermediate FCH Educational Presentations
• Gavin Greer – 3rd Place in Swine Educational Presentations (Qualifying for State 4-H Roundup in June 2025)
Gray County’s youth demonstrated outstanding skill, knowledge, and dedication throughout the 4-H Big Fun in D1 contests. Their achievements exemplify the core values of 4-H and the impact of AgriLife Extension’s programs in fostering growth, confidence, and success in young people.
For more information about 4-H and upcoming events, please contact the Gray County Extension Office.
