GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – The Nebraska State Fair continues this week in Grand Island and it’s a chance for 4-H students to show off some of their photography skills through an exhibit.

The students come from all 93 counties in Nebraska and bring a unique photo from their area to the exhibit.

The photos were awarded a ribbon on Wednesday, based on criteria such as sharpness and clarity of the photo.

Fillmore County Assistant Commissioner Alexis Schmidt said the jurors found an interesting way to organize the exhibit so people can see it.

“There’s a fair bit of mathematical equation to make sure everything is displayed correctly,” Schmidt said. “We count all the exhibits to make sure the number is right, but we’re just making sure it’s a nice, attractive exhibit for the 4-Hers to display their exhibits.”

She also said one of the goals of the photo contest is to help participating 4-H kids discover their interests.

“Nebraska 4-H is rooted in the ‘thrive’ model, which encourages young people to find their passions or those little pieces that inspire them and find a career path or something like that,” Schmidt said.

The competition also provides 4-H students with the opportunity to network with professionals so they can further develop their passion.

Schmidt said the competition also teaches the children some skills that could help them in the future.

“They’re learning all sorts of skills behind the camera to make sure their focus is right, to make sure their data tags are labeled correctly, but also to market their project,” Schmidt said. “This could be an entrepreneurial project for them somewhere down the road.”

She also said that seeing the pride on the children’s faces when they win a ribbon is her favorite part of being involved in the 4-H program through UNL Extension.

“When you see the final presentation and see how all the kids feel about their projects, it puts a smile on your face knowing that their hard work has paid off,” Schmidt said.

The 4-H photo exhibit will be on display in the exhibit building at the Nebraska State Fair through September 2.

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