When people think of 4-H, they often think of animals, and some of the projects involve animals. All 4-H projects can develop enthusiasm in the youthful participants, not only for the immediate project but also for other things linked to that project.

Here is an example of two excited 4-H members who have turned enthusiasm for their poultry into communication projects. They not only improve their writing but share their enthusiasm for and experience in a 4-H project.

In an attempt to promote the breeding and exhibition of purebred poultry among Wisconsin's youth, the Wisconsin on International Poultry Club sponsors an annual Pullet Surprise Contest for young people in Wisconsin.

Over the past 23 years that this writing contest has been in existence, more than 50 young people have been given a wonderful start in raising poultry with the excellent quality birds and equipment they receive when they win this contest.

The award presentation took place at the club's annual show Sept. 26 and 27 in Portage, with two Lincoln County poultry project members taking top honors.

Madison Schultz won the Pullet Surprise Junior division this year. She has selected a pair of Columbian Wyandotte Bantams from the flock of David Lefeber of Cassville.

Steven Roets was honorable mention. While he will not receive the prizes that Madison will receive it is an accomplishment to have that distinction.

Let's take a look at their submissions:

My Most
Memorable Moment

By Madison Schulz

My most memorable moment in poultry was when I was 7 years old and decided to attend the poultry show in Portage. This was my first chicken show other than our local fair. I have shown chickens since I was 4 years old, but was always too young to show in 4-H, so I competed in the open classes with my chickens. The show in Portage had no age limit so I was very excited. I even could show in showmanship for the first time.

The day came and Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and I loaded up the horse trailer with my chickens and geese. It was late when we arrived so once all the animals were comfortable in their cages, we headed off to our motel. I needed to get my rest because tomorrow was my first showmanship class.

In the morning, we went to check on my chickens and find out exactly what time the showmanship class was taking place. I was nervous because I didn't really know what to expect. I found out that I was supposed to have a long-sleeved white jacket and closed-toe shoes. So I guess my T-shirt and flip-flops weren't going to work. My grandma had an idea. She remembered passing a Goodwill store on the way to the show. She thought maybe we could find something there that would work.

At the thrift store, I found a white long-sleeved button-up shirt that fit me pretty good. I also found a pair of socks and some nice shoes to wear. My grandma bought them for me and I quickly got dressed. We rushed back to the show just in time to get my chicken cleaned up and ready.

When it was my turn, I was pretty nervous. I saw a lot of kids with nice white coats with chicken patches all over them. I figured that must mean that they must know a lot about chickens. Finally it was my turn. Mom told me to tell the judge everything I knew about my chicken. The judge was really nice and liked my chicken. She said I did a good job.

When it was time to hand out the awards, I was really excited. The judges started by calling off the third place winners. When they called off the second place winners and they didn't call my name, I was pretty disappointed. Mom said that it was a big show with a lot of tough competition. She said I could always show again next year. Then the judges called off the reserve champion showmanship winner. That kid went up and got a trophy. Then the judge said, "and the grand champion beginner showmanship trophy goes to Madison Schulz." I couldn't believe it! I won the big trophy!