Iowa Ag Connection - Iowa 4-H Awardrobe Clothing Winners Announced

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Iowa 4-H Awardrobe Clothing Winners Announced
Iowa Ag Connection - 08/22/2019

One hundred thirty-three youth from 70 counties participated in the 2019 Awardrobe Clothing Event held at the Iowa State Fair. The event provides 4-H members in grades 9-12 the opportunity to showcase their apparel design and production knowledge, as well as creativity skills. As a part of the showcasing experience, youth complete a comprehensive report and participate in conference judging. The event concludes with a runway show for all participants.

This year, three young people served on the youth leadership team for the event. Britt Bowersox of Johnson County, Kelsie Kinne of Worth County and Gabby McCoy of Warren County are state clothing project area award winners, which is a recognition opportunity offered through State 4-H Recognition Day. They worked throughout the summer to plan the runway show theme, workshops, music, decorations and program.

"Our planning team and volunteers work together to make this a valuable and interesting experience for our youth participants. We enjoy providing an opportunity for them to showcase their project area knowledge, learn new clothing-related skills and network with youth from around the state who share their interests," said Bonnie Dalager, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H youth program specialist.

Workshops this year featured hands-on opportunities in clothing-related career exploration and design. Collaborative art workshops were based on design techniques from around the world.

The event has three categories: clothing selection -- participants select or purchase an outfit for a specific occasion fashion revue -- the garment is constructed, hand-knitted, machine-knitted or crocheted by the participant; and the $15 challenge -- the participant purchases an outfit for $15 or less from garage sales, consignment shops or clothing resale stores.

"4-H members in the Awardrobe Clothing Event are evaluated on their oral and written communication skills, project goals, choice of clothing and knowledge of the garment, as well as their poise and confidence displayed while modeling their outfits," said Dalager.

State fair participants are nominated for the Awardrobe Clothing Event within their county 4-H program. Recognition opportunities include gift cards for top-ranking class participants, and sponsored awards by the Central Iowa Sewing Guild and a $500 scholarship awarded by Iowa State's apparel, merchandising and design program.

The following youth earned top five class awards in the state fair Awardrobe Clothing Event. The recognition includes a certificate and gift card.

Fashion Revue Recipients

- Sarah Nelson, Woodbury County

- Samantha Hilbert, Polk County

- Maria Medberry, Clayton County

- Aubrey Van Briessen, Sioux County

- Ruth Marth, Emmet County

Clothing Selection Recipients

- Natalie Bretey, Boone County

- Megan Ford, Polk County

- Eden Bruner, Story County

- Sidney Brockmann, Scott County

- Anton Kordick, Scott County

$15 Challenge Recipients

- Katie York, Cass County

- Ellie Melohn, Pocahontas County

- Maggie Kats, Sioux County

- Thea Larson, Poweshiek County

- Emma Hay, Polk County

The following youth received specialty awards from sponsors. The Central Iowa Sewing Guild sponsors an award for excellence in the fashion revue (constructed garment) class. The Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, Iowa State University, sponsors an award for the projects that reflect current fashion trends.

Central Iowa Sewing Guild

- Aubrey Van Briesen, Sioux County

- Ruth Marth, Emmet County

On Trend Award

- Caleista Meyne, Clinton County

- Molly Simmons, Guthrie County

Scholarship Winner

- Kristen Heimgarten, Plymouth County, earned special recognition for ranking in the top of Awardrobe Clothing Event participants and expressing an interest in furthering her education in the apparel, merchandising and design, event management or hospitality management programs. The Iowa State University Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management sponsored the $500 scholarship award.

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