Nebraska 4-H Had a Successful Year at the National Horticulture Convention

Nebraska 4-H National Horticulture Participants (R-L), Coach Elizabeth Exstrom, Eliza Bailey, Paige Wood, Emily Brhel, Rachel Brhel
Nebraska 4-H National Horticulture Participants (R-L), Coach Elizabeth Exstrom, Eliza Bailey, Paige Wood, Emily Brhel, Rachel Brhel

Four Nebraska 4-H members attended the National Junior Horticulture Association’s (NJHA) Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Youth participated in the Horticulture Identification Contest and the Floral Design Contest. While at the convention, the youth not only participated in contests, but also attended workshops at the University of Maryland and toured several gardens.

Nebraska's 4-H Team consisted of: Paige Wood of Fullerton; Eliza Bailey of Schuyler; Emily Brhel & Rachel Brhel of Fairfield; and the team coach was Elizabeth Exstrom, Nebraska Extension Educator. The youth qualified for the team based on their ranking in the Nebraska State Horticulture Identification contest which was held during the Nebraska State Fair.

The NJHA Horticulture Identification competition included an 80-question exam, eight groups of quality judging classes, and identification of 100 horticultural specimens such as seeds, twigs, leaves, fruit, flowers, and underground structures. The Nebraska team placed fourth out of 12 teams. Each member of the four-person team placed in the top 20, and one individual placed in the top 10. Emily Brhel placed ninth individually overall. Rachel Brhel placed 11th, Eliza Bailey placed 17th, and Paige Wood placed 20th.

In addition to the Horticulture Identification contest, the convention also hosted other competitive opportunities like speeches, demonstrations, photography exhibits, and much more. Rachel Brhel, Emily Brhel, and Paige Wood participated in the floral design competition. Youth designed floral arrangements that were scored against a set of criteria including category interpretation, mechanics, focal emphasis, and balance. Paige was announced as the National Award Winner of the Floral Design Contest.

Paige Wood applied for a position with the NJHA Youth Council. The NJHA Officer Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, and communicating information about the annual convention. Officers also gain lifelong skills, knowledge, friendships, and so much more during their time as an officer. Wood was selected as Vice President and will assist with the planning of the 2023 convention.