Wayne County 4-H member Jacey Smith earned multiple top honors at the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Dog Show held August 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington.
Smith placed first in the Dog Obedience Graduate Novice class and also received the Advanced High Point Award.
Edwards County 4-H member Camille Harris also represented the area, placing fourth in the Dog Obedience Beginner Novice 1 class.
The statewide competition brought together 4-H members who qualified through their local exhibitions. Participants competed in obedience, showmanship and rally obedience events using American Kennel Club regulations as guidelines.
To participate, dog and handler teams were required to earn Canine Good Citizen Certification together. Exhibitors also completed Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification.
State Dog Show coordinator Kathy Book said participants spend months or even years working with their dogs to reach the state level and demonstrate their skills in the show ring.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation covered contest expenses this year, allowing participation fees to be waived.