By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension 4-H members represented their state strongly at the national Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Championship and Conference held in San Antonio, Texas, from Jan. 14-17, 2026.
The national competition includes Skill-a-thon, Consumer Decision Making, Fashion Revue, educational presentations, and quiz bowl contests. South Dakota’s Skill-a-thon team included Lydia Helkenn from Beadle County, Lexy Faulhaber from Aurora County, Lillie Boden from Lincoln County, and Regan Rasmussen from Union County. The team earned second place nationally and placed third in the life skills assessment. Helkenn also received second place overall in the individual competition, highlighting her strong personal performance.
In the Skill-a-thon, contestants must be able to identify 25 sewing and clothing items, 25 interior design and housing items, and 25 food and cooking items, while also answering 25 related questions. The life skills assessment is completed while working together under time limits to develop and present solutions to real-life scenarios.
Coaches Wendy Sweeter and Aubrey Anderson prepared the team through virtual meetings in December, helping members build communication and teamwork skills.
“It’s just a testament to how good our teams are at communicating and working together,” Sweeter said. “It was very exciting for our team.”
South Dakota also has representation in the Fashion Revue category, where Aubrey Underwood from Brookings County competed after winning first place at the 2025 South Dakota State Fair. Participants either buy or sew outfits and are judged on presentation, appearance, modeling, and responses to judges.
Program leaders celebrate the achievements and dedication shown by the youth team. “We are incredibly proud of our 4 H team’s outstanding performance at the FCS Skill-a-thon. Earning second place as a team and celebrating Lydia, who also placed second individually, speaks to their dedication, teamwork and the hours of preparation they invested,” said Amanda Stade, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth-In-Action Program Manager. “Their success reflects the strength of our youth program and the bright future these young leaders are building.”
The event highlights how 4-H programs help students develop leadership, teamwork, and practical life skills while preparing them for future opportunities. For more information, contact Amanda Stade at amanda.stade@sdstate.edu, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth-in-Action Program Manager.
Photo Credit: 4-h
Categories: South Dakota, General