By RACHEL PIENTA
4-H Director
Wakulla 4-H member Nina “Libby” Justice traveled to Gainesville to compete at the 4-H State Horse Events held June 8 at the University of Florida.
Libby competed in the 4-H Horse Public Speaking event and won second place for her Illustrated Talk titled “Horse Coat Genetics: Colors, Patterns & Textures.” The second-place finish qualifies Libby to represent Florida 4-H at Regional Competition in Perry, Georgia later this summer.
The Regional Competition winners advance to Eastern Nationals scheduled in November 2024 in Kentucky.
Libby, a rising homeschool senior, is a first year 4-H member. Since joining 4-H in September 2023, she has served as a youth volunteer with the Gardening, Chicken, and Horse Clubs. She is a member of the Communications Club and the 4-H County Council. This summer she will be serving as one of 13 high school aged youth volunteers at the 4-H Summer Day Camp program.
To qualify to compete at the state level, Libby won first place in her category at the County Event Showcase. Through each level of competition, Libby has been coached by Communications Club Volunteer Leader Amanda Gruebel.
“It has been an absolute pleasure coaching Libby,” Gruebel said. “Libby’s dedication to reaching her goals is inspiring. We are all so proud of how far she has come through her hard work this year!”
For more information about Wakulla County 4-H programs and how to get involved as a youth member or adult volunteer, visit the Crawfordville office at 84 Cedar Avenue or reach the Wakulla Extension program online on Facebook or at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/wakulla/4-h-youth-development/. Reach Wakulla Extension by phone at 850-926-3931 or contact 4-H Agent Dr. Rachel Pienta directly at r.pienta@ufl.edu.
Libby Justice with her trophy after coming in second in the public speaking competition in Gainesville. Photo by her mother.
