Young Champions Shine at 2025 Paulding County 4‑H Fair

Paulding, Ohio – Mid‑June 2025 – The 2025 Paulding County 4‑H Fair wrapped up an exciting week of competition, learning, and celebration as youth from across the county demonstrated excellence in a variety of disciplines—from nutrition and sewing to livestock showmanship and equestrian performance. This year’s fair not only honored tradition but also highlighted the bright future of Paulding County’s next generation of leaders and agricultural innovators.

The fair opened with Food & Nutrition Project Awards on Monday, June 9. Caroline Miller earned first place in the beginner division with her “Everyday Food & Fitness” project, while Kendra Manz claimed second place and also took top honors in the “Snack Attack!” class. Sophie Kessler impressed in “Take a Break for Breakfast,” and Owen Dangler led in “Let’s Start Cooking.” Intermediate winners included Emma Miller‑White for “Sports Nutrition” and Krandon Crites for “Let’s Bake Quick Breads.” In the advanced category, Emma Stouffer received first place for “Cooking on My Own,” and Alexandria Manz earned second with her “Global Gourmet” project. The prestigious John & Bernadyne Rogers Nutrition Award was presented to Gracelyn Miller.

The following day’s Clothing Project Awards on June 10 saw Anabelle Saylor take home the Bernadyne Rogers Memorial Award. Aubrey Manz earned both a class win for “Terrific Tops” and top honors as the beginner clothing champion. In intermediate categories, Brianna McClure won with her “Loungewear” creation. Other standouts included Makenzie Muir in “Ready, Set, Sew Active!” and Isabelle Schlatter in “Shopping Savvy.” State Fair qualifiers from both the nutrition and clothing divisions included Anabelle Saylor, Aubrey Manz, Makenzie Muir, Brianna McClure, Isabelle Schlatter, and several others.

Livestock events brought strong showings throughout the week. At the goat show, Hudson Miller was named Grand Champion Dairy Goat, with Allison Donaldson taking Reserve Champion and later earning Reserve Champion Breeding Goat as well. Jocelynn Parrett secured Grand Champion Market Goat, while Janae Parrett took reserve and swept two wether classes. In the rabbit show, Clayton Manz won Champion of Champion Showmanship. Wyatt Wilhelm dominated multiple classes, including Grand Champion 4 Class, Best of Show Breeding Rabbit, and Best Opposite 4 Class. Harley Troyer earned Grand Champion 6 Class and Best Opposite Breeding Rabbit.

Dog show exhibitors also shone brightly. Chloe Trausch was named High Point Showmanship winner, and Faith Jacobs secured High Point Obedience. Notable winners included Brianna McClure, Addison Clemens, Gabrielle Gurney, and Elizabeth Graham across showmanship and obedience classes. In rally events, Brianna McClure and Chloe Trausch led Novice B, while Elizabeth Graham won Rally Intermediate A.

Swine showmanship capped off a highly competitive week, with Hannah Griffiths named Champion of Champion Showmanship and Reserve Champion Market Hog. Ronan Phlipot earned Grand Champion Market Hog and secured top placements in multiple hog classes. Other first-place finishers included Jordan Steel, Mara Phlipot, Garrett Goyings, and Tucker and Bristyl Stoller.

Equestrian events stood out as a major highlight of the fair. In Horse Showmanship, Delaney Johanns was crowned Champion of Champion, and Adelynne Slattman took Reserve. Senior ranch showmanship winners included Raeley Franklin and Gabrielle Gurney. Junior division top spots were earned by Luciana Martinez and Henley Wagner, while Ellie Roughton made strong showings in multiple classes.

Horse Pleasure and Performance events included standout performances from Delaney Johanns, who captured first place in Senior Ranch Riding, Senior Reining, and Senior Hunter Under Saddle. Johanns also claimed the top Equitation Horse/Pony prize and placed second in the highly contested Versatility competition. Mara Phlipot took home Champion of Champion Pleasure, Champion of Champion Performance, and first place in the Versatility division, along with strong finishes in Snaffle Bit Pleasure, Open Longe Line, and Senior Western Horsemanship.

Luciana Martinez showed exceptional poise with firsts in Junior Trail, Pony Pleasure, and Junior Ranch Riding, while also securing top-three placements in horsemanship and pleasure categories. Gabrielle Gurney, Henley Wagner, Gracelyn Elkins, and Makenzie Muir also delivered top performances across ground roping, trail, ranch, and English divisions.

Brynlee Stoller emerged as a top competitor in Open Longe Line, Junior Ranch Pleasure, and Junior Ranch Horsemanship, while Gracelyn Elkins impressed in multiple English and Western classes including Junior Hunter Under Saddle and Junior Ranch Pleasure. Rounding out the week, youth from every barn and arena earned recognition not only for their skills, but for their dedication, preparation, and the care shown toward their animals and projects.

The 2025 Paulding County 4‑H Fair once again served as a testament to the vibrant spirit and work ethic of its participants. As many prepare to take their projects to the Ohio State Fair, the entire county celebrates the success and growth of these promising young individuals.