Front row left to right: Becca Kreke, Cletus Zumbahlen, Carly Wendling, Corbin McManaway, Griffen McManaway, Ryland Mellendorf, Reid Westendorf; Back row: Koda Maguire (Coach), Evan Link (Coach), Annie Budde, Emma Wendling, Violett Runge, Elizabeth Kreke, Resmiranda Small, Peyton Westendorf, Amberlyn Wendling (Coach)
Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- History was made on November 10, 2026, as Effingham County 4-H members participated in the county’s first-ever Livestock Skill-a-Thon, hosted by the Effingham County 4-H Livestock Judging Team.
For many participants, the event was an entirely new experience. Members arrived unsure of what to expect but quickly discovered an exciting opportunity to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and put their livestock knowledge to the test.
The event featured a variety of educational challenges designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of livestock and animal agriculture while encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and friendly competition.
While participants competed for top honors in three age divisions, the evening was about much more than competition. It provided an opportunity for 4-H members to step outside their comfort zones, gain confidence, and discover new interests.
What began as an unfamiliar experience quickly turned into an evening of excitement, learning, and accomplishment. By the end of the event, members who had never participated in a skill-a-thon before were already expressing how much they enjoyed the experience.
Perhaps most importantly, every participant earned a special place in Effingham County 4-H history as a member of the first group to take part in this new event.
Livestock Skill-a-Thon Results
The following 4-H members earned top honors in their respective divisions:
Senior Division
- First Place: Resmiranda Small
- Second Place: Elizabeth Kreke
- Third Place: Peyton Westendorf
Intermediate Division
- First Place: Violet Runge
- Second Place: Emma Wendling
- Third Place: Annie Budde
Junior Division
- First Place: Reid Westendorf
- Second Place: Becca Kreke
- Third Place: Ryland Mellendorf
Congratulations are extended to all division winners and every 4-H member who participated in this historic event. Their willingness to embrace a new challenge helped make the inaugural Livestock Skill-a-Thon a memorable success.
Community Support Makes Event Possible
The event was organized and hosted by the Effingham County 4-H Livestock Judging Team, with the leadership and dedication of coaches Evan Link, Koda Maguire, and Amberlyn Wendling.
Their time, expertise, and commitment to livestock education were instrumental in bringing this new opportunity to Effingham County 4-H members. From planning and preparing the educational challenges to coordinating the event, their efforts helped create a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience for local youth.
Special appreciation is also extended to event sponsors Rural King, Weidner Livestock, and The Equity for their generous support. Their contributions helped make the inaugural event possible and demonstrated the important role community partnerships play in providing educational opportunities for young people.
The success of the first-ever Effingham County 4-H Livestock Skill-a-Thon marks an exciting new chapter for the county’s 4-H program. Organizers hope the event will continue to grow, offering future participants opportunities to develop their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and explore the livestock industry.
For the members who participated this year, the experience will always hold special significance. They did more than compete in a livestock contest. They helped establish what could become a lasting Effingham County 4-H tradition.
About Illinois 4-H
Illinois 4-H is the youth development program of University of Illinois Extension. Through hands-on learning experiences, 4-H empowers young people to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills while exploring their interests and making a positive difference in their communities.
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