The Selma Times-Journal

Like just about everybody, 10-year-old Brandon Wilkinson loves ice cream. But not only does Brandon enjoy eating his favorite frozen treat, he’s also pretty good at making it, too.

At least the judges at the 4-H River Region Congress held Tuesday at Judson College think so.

Brandon, one of six children representing Dallas County in the junior division competitions, won second-place in the dairy foods category for his “Frozen Delight” milkshake.

Brandon said his mother and sister helped him come up with the right combination of ingredients to make his milkshake, but on the day of the competition he was on his own.

“At first I was nervous,” Brandon said. “I was worried I would have to go first, because I wanted to see what everyone else made.”

Luckily, Brandon was not the first competitor, and with his mind at ease he managed to impress the judges.

Though he didn’t take home the blue ribbon, Brandon said he was excited about placing in the competition.

These were the same sentiments expressed by 11-year-old Brittany Craig, who won third-place in the public speaking competition.

Brittany said she wasn’t the least bit intimidated about making a speech in front of a panel of judges.

“Sometimes people think public speaking gets them nervous, but it’s a good way to learn how to talk in front of people,” Brittany said.

Brittany said she chose her speech topic about the importance of getting an education after “thinking about my school and how much fun it is to learn.”

“I had a good time (at the 4-H regional competition). It was fun,” Brittany said. “I toured the school and met lots of people.”

Both Brittany and Brandon said they enjoy being members of the 4-H Club because they get to learn about agriculture and participate in fun activities.

“I love competing against others and making new friends,” Brandon said.

Brittany said she jointed 4-H because she wanted to “learn something new.”

“In 4-H, you get to learn stuff you never knew before,” she said. “You get to learn to cook and speak in front of people. 4-H helps you grow up and become the person you want to be.”

Other winners in the 4-H River Region Congress were: Lydia Quarles, first-place in wood science; Michelle Spears, second-place in photography; and Brittany Troha, second-place in the beef cook-off.

Cassie Daniels competed in the lawn tractor driving competition.

Callie Nelson, County Extension Coordinator, said there were not any 4-H events planned for the rest of the summer, but she is organizing a big kick-off early this fall.