Two Quay teams win 4-H titles

Two Quay County 4-H teams captured state championships during the 2022 state 4-H conference in Las Cruces earlier this month.

The range team of Rilee Nials, Payson Nials, MiKayla Klinger and Destinee Scioli won a state title in its competition. The range team is judged by identifying plants suitable for pasture.

Rilee Nials also was the high-point individual of the competition. Payson Nials was runner-up, and Klinger finished fourth.

Quay County's agronomy team of Payton Oliver, Ashton Smith, Aubrey Oliver and Paxton Smith also won a state title. Payton Oliver was runner-up individually in the competition, and Ashton Smith finished fourth.

Results of other Quay County entries at the state championships:

• Horticulture team of Rilee Nials, Payson Nials and Destanee Scioli finished third.

• Wildlife team of Payton Oliver, Paxton Smith, Aubrey Smith and Ashton Smith finished fifth.

• MiKayla Klinger was runner-up both in prepared public speaking and impromptu public speaking.

• Ashton Smith finished first in fashion review creative touches.

A total of 10 senior-age 4-H members from Quay County attended the conference held by New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service to compete in decision-making contests against other county 4-H youth across New Mexico. About 350 youth attended the weeklong event that featured workshops, competing in contests, participating 4-H meetings, and dances.

Also among Quay County 4-H delegation who attended the state conference were Lanie Hammer, Kirksey Smith, chaperone Erin Smith and NMSU Quay County Extension Agent Jason Lamb.

Jenna Lopez also served as 4-H state ambassador in leadership and part of the state 4-H leadership team, representing New Mexico and Quay County.