UA 4-H Excels at State Livestock Championships

 

July 31-August 2 - Raleigh, NC - Union Academy 4-H students dominated the 2025 North Carolina 4-H Livestock State Championship, bringing home numerous top honors across all divisions of Livestock Quizbowl, Skillathon, and Judging. Their outstanding performances have earned senior team members invitations to try out for the North Carolina state team that will compete at the National 4-H Livestock Competition in Louisville, Kentucky this fall.

Livestock Quizbowl

In the Senior Division, Union  claimed 1st place as a team, with team members:

• Aubrey Mekus – 2nd place individual
• Lindsay Van Art – 3rd place
• Greyson Rouse – 5th place
• Lacie Alexander – 9th place

In the Intermediate Division, Colton Alexander placed 1st individually and was also part of the 2nd place team.

Skillathon Competition

Intermediate Division:

• Colton Alexander swept the competition, taking 1st place overall, including:
  • 1st in ID/Written Test
  • 4th in Quality Assurance

Senior Division:

• Union Academy’s team won 1st place overall and led several categories:
  • Quality Assurance: 1st - Greyson Rouse, 2nd - Aubrey Mekus, 3rd - Lacie Alexander
  • Evaluation: 1st - Aubrey Mekus, 4th - Greyson Rouse
  • ID/Written Test: 1st - Aubrey Mekus, 2nd - Lindsay Van Art, 3rd - Lacie Alexander

Overall Individual Awards – Senior Division:

• 1st – Aubrey Mekus
• 2nd – Lindsay Van Art
• 3rd – Lacie Alexander
• 6th – Greyson Rouse

Livestock Judging

Colton Alexander placed 7th in the Intermediate Division, contributing to his success across all categories.

All Around Awards

These awards recognize students with the highest combined scores from all three events.

• All Around Champion (Intermediate) – Colton Alexander
• 2nd Place Overall (Senior) – Aubrey Mekus
• 3rd Place Overall (Senior) – Lacie Alexander

Headed to Nationals

Based on their success, members of the Senior Quizbowl and Skillathon teams have earned invitations to try out for the North Carolina state team, which will represent the state at the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky this fall.

“These students have worked incredibly hard all year, and to see their dedication pay off at the state level is something truly special,” said Agriculture Teacher Michael Alexander. “What they’ve accomplished goes far beyond the ribbons—it’s a reflection of their knowledge, teamwork, and passion for agriculture. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Union Academy 4-H continues to set a high standard in leadership, knowledge, and performance. Congratulations to all participants and coaches for their hard work and dedication!

Photo L to R: Lindsay Van Art, Aubrey Mekus, Colton Alexander, Lacie Alexander, Greyson Rouse