Two seniors reflect on their final year in 4-H

For Laurel Moore and Mia Ochsner, this year’s Clay County Fair marks more than another week of showing livestock, visiting with friends and celebrating accomplishments. It marks the end of a chapter that has been part of their lives for more than a decade.

Both 2026 Sutton High School graduates have spent years learning through 4-H, developing skills, building friendships and creating traditions that will stay with them long after their final fair.

Moore has been involved in 4-H for 10 years, participating in baking, sewing, cattle in every category and swine. While she has enjoyed a variety of projects, showing beef cattle has always been her favorite because it aligns with what she calls her biggest passion. One of her proudest accomplishments came in 2024 when she was named Clay County’s Outstanding 4-H’er.

Ochsner has spent 13 years in 4-H, primarily showing pigs while also entering baked goods and produce from her family’s garden. She said winning showmanship has been her favorite accomplishment.

Although ribbons and awards are memorable, both seniors say some of their favorite moments happened outside the show ring.

For Moore, one fair tradition stands out above the rest.

“The water balloon fights on the last day of the county fair after the auction,” she said.

Ochsner said her favorite memories are much simpler.

“My favorite memories are showing pigs with my friends and spending time with my family,” she said.

Both graduates say 4-H has taught them lessons that reach far beyond the fairgrounds.

Moore said she learned that perseverance pays off.

“That just because you don’t win now doesn’t mean you give up, your time will come all you gotta do is work hard and be patient,” she said.

Ochsner said leadership is one of the greatest lessons she will carry into the future.

“There’s so many kids that look up to us older kids and being able to set a good and inspiring example is special to me,” she said.

Family has also been at the center of each of their 4-H experiences.

Moore said her parents and the older 4-H members she looked up to when she was younger had the biggest influence on her journey.

For Ochsner, 4-H has become a family tradition spanning generations. Her father and brother both participated in 4-H, and for many years her parents, Pat and Sara Ochsner, have served as leaders of the Saronville Stockman 4-H Club. This year marks not only Mia’s final fair as a member, but also her parents’ final year leading the club as they pass the role on to Ashley Ray and Evan Sterkel.

“Participating in 4-H is really important to me because my brother and dad were both involved,” Ochsner said. “It has always been a special tradition in our family so seeing my family and grandparents proud of me makes it all worth it.”

She also wanted to recognize her brother for continuing to help prepare her pigs for the show ring.

“While he hasn’t shown pigs for a few years now, he still continues to help me get the pigs ready for shows,” she said.

Moore encourages younger members to find the projects they enjoy most and stick with them.

“Find what you love doing and don’t stop doing it no matter what anyone tells you,” she said.

As they prepare for life after high school, both young women are taking the next steps toward careers connected to their interests.

Moore plans to attend the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, majoring in Livestock Management and Animal Reproduction.

Ochsner plans to attend Concordia University, where she will play golf and study nursing.

As their final Clay County Fair comes to a close, both acknowledge the emotions that come with reaching the end of their 4-H careers.

Moore said she is excited to move on to “bigger things,” but knows she will miss showing at the fair and helping the younger generation. She hopes to always remember the friendships she made, the memories she created and the valuable lessons she learned while working with livestock.

Ochsner said it is difficult to believe this chapter is ending.

“I can’t believe it is already my last year of 4-H and I am sad it’s coming to an end,” she said. “My parents love the fair just as much as me and while we won’t be showing pigs anymore I’m sure we’ll continue to stay involved other ways.”

She also expressed appreciation for the new leaders who will continue the club her family has helped guide for so many years.

“I am also very thankful to Ashley and Evan for taking over as leaders for the club,” Ochsner said. “Glad the tradition gets to continue.”

For both graduates, this year’s fair represents the end of one journey, but also the beginning of another, carrying with them the lessons, friendships and traditions that made their years in 4-H memorable.