Excitement Building as 4-H O’Rama Time Approaches

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – One of the many opportunities available to 4-H’ers in Arkansas is competing in the annual 4-H O’Rama program held in Fayetteville at the U of A Campus.  O’Rama is the activities competition of the 4-H program.  County and District qualifying events include talent, illustrated talks, fashion revue, bicycle competition, gun safety and marksmanship, and public speaking.

Counties across the state hold their County O’Ramas in the Spring which is open to all members ages 5-19.    After this competition, Junior and Senior 4-H members, ages 9-19 advance to one of the three District O’Ramas held in Arkansas.  In June, seventeen Garland County 4-H’ers competed at the District level and brought home 6 first-place trophies, 4 second-place ribbons, and 4 third-place ribbons.  The Senior youth, ages 14-19, who place in the top 5 in their respective events at District O’Rama will go on to compete at State O’Rama in August.

Eight senior 4-H’ers represent Garland County this year at the University of Arkansas campus.  Jessa Goodeaux, Brynna Buhrmester, Carlie Dodd, Alitza Cabibi-Wilkin, Jazzlan Rudd, Jillian Rudd, Breanne Gibson, and John Bates will compete in both the District qualifying events— Vet Science, Health, Vocal Talent, Bicycle, and Bait Casting—and in the State Only Food Bowl competition, an event in which Garland County teens have won first place in the past.  These teens are already tweeking their speeches and honing their skills in preparation for the excitement of competing with other 4-H’ers across the state in their respective events. 

Garland County 4-H’ers are not new to the O’Rama scene.  Just last year, many heard their names called as awards were given throughout the week of fun and competing.  Last year’s Food Bowl team received ribbons for 2^nd place and the Consumer Judging Team received first place trophies and the opportunity to compete nationally at the Denver National Round-up. 

This summer, youths from all across the state will travel to the University Campus in early August to compete for awards and bragging rights.  While at State O’Rama, youths also have the opportunity to experience on-campus life while they stay in the dorms, gather information on college and career opportunities at the career fair, and gain leadership experience as they meet agents and specialists from the Cooperative Extension Service.

O’Rama is only one part of the 4-H youth development program.  If you are age 5 to 19 and interested in more information on 4-H, please call 623-6841, or email lbates@uada.edu.   

By Linda Bates
County Extension Agent - 4-H
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Linda Bates
County Extension Agent - 4-H
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
236 Woodbine Hot Springs AR 71901
(501) 623-6841
lbates@uada.edu

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