The Effingham County Extension office recently sponsored 4-H’s inaugural Milk Make Contest.

4-H’ers were given a select number of food items to choose from, such as fruits, granola, cookies and various syrups. Participants were then instructed to create a tasty, nutritious milk-based drink that would be judged on nutrition, appeal, flavor, creativity, technique and presentation.

The contest aimed to help students develop leadership abilities, build character and assume citizenship responsibilities. It also promoted utilizing milk for its nutritional value and versatility.

Participating from Effingham 4-H were Shelby Aiken, Sydney Bazemore, Lydia Beech, Drayton Causey, Madison Hodge, Keenan Hoecht, Alexis Hovey, Joshua Kleckauskas, Kodie Lamb, Taylor Lucas, Magali Lopez-Warren, Laura Grace Molina, Kinsey Stone, Kyler Stone, Zachary Wert and Meli Zavaleta-Warren.

The winners were Taylor Lucas and Zach Wert. Effingham 4-H held separate competitions for its two Kids in the Kitchen cooking clubs.

Madison Hodge and Kodie Lamb took second place. The third-place finishers were Alexis Hovey and Drayton Causey.

Senior 4-H’ers Marci Delcampo, Sophie Usher and Rebecca Velasquez served as the judges.