AMES, Iowa — During the 2005 Iowa State Fair, 16 4-H’ers from 14 counties shared their 4-H project interests and exhibits with 14 well known personalities in an event called Celebrity Judging.

Celebrity Judging allows Iowa 4-H to demonstrate publicly the evaluation process that a 4-H’er goes through in order to have an exhibit selected for display in the 4-H Exhibits Building during the Iowa State Fair.  Not only do fairgoers learn something, but the celebrity judges may gain insight themselves as they prepare for the interviews, said Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa State University Extension 4-H program coordinator and 4-H exhibits building superintendent.

Another benefit to 4-H’ers comes during the interview on center stage at the Exhibits Building, according to Hoyer. The 4-H’ers have the opportunity to practice public speaking skills and share their interests with high profile people who share the same interests. The judges not only encourage the youth to pursue their interests, but also often offer helpful ideas and lessons they’ve learned, which the 4-H’ers can apply to future projects.

The 4-H’ers and their respective judges follow.

Kevin Peyton of Sac County shared his interest in agri-tourism and economic development (Barn Quilts of Sac County) with Gov. Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie.

Brittany Orris of Jones County shared her interest in creating, managing and publicizing events (This Old Barn photo contest) with Mo Dana, executive director of the Des Moines Arts Festival.

Anneke Heise of Black Hawk County shared her interest in family heritage with Garrison Keillor of National Public Radio’s Prairie Home Companion.

Amanda Jaminet of Plymouth County shared her interest in current issues (anorexia and its effect on young women) with Lisa Carponelli, co-anchor of the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. news on Channel 5, WOI TV.

Ashley Blair, Angela Savits and Hallie Satre of Boone County shared their interest in elementary science education with Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy.

Kaleb Appelgate of Marshall County shared his interest in advertising and marketing a product (Golden Retriever puppies) with Terry Rich, CEO of the Blank Park Zoo.

Jonathan VanKooten of Marion County shared his interest in the public service that radio can offer (amateur radio) with Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas of WHO Radio’s Van and Bonnie in the Morning.

Andy Codney of Pottawattamie County shared his interest in bow and arrow hunting with Daniel Young of TV and radio’s Outdoors Dan.

Lisa Maubach of Hamilton County shared her interest in landscape gardening (a six-year project) with Karol DeWulf Nickell, editor-in-chief of Better Homes and Gardens.

Nate Jones of Iowa County shared his interest in crop science (Asian Soybean Rust) and its effect on production with Dean Oestreich, president of Pioneer Hybrid.

Katrina Salmon of Hancock County shared her interest in caring for autistic children with Rich Fellingham, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa.

Jordan Sanders of Shelby County shared his interest in photography with John Gaps III, community publications director of the Des Moines Register.

Matthew Riley of Johnson County shared his interest in camping with John Putney, executive director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

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