State 4-H Writing Exhibition

What Is The State 4-H Writing Exhibition?

The State 4-H Writing Exhibition is designed to encourage 4-H members to express their thoughts, feelings, understanding and impressions through written media. Exhibits should compel the observer to feel, think or be inspired by the 4-H member’s interpretation and expression.

This writing exhibition was developed as an initiative through the NAE4-HA Communications and Expressive Arts working group.

Who

Any current 4-H member (age 9 as of 6/30/2025, up to 21 as of 9/30/2026) may enter regardless of his/her project enrollment. No project requirements.

Categories

There are three (3) categories for the 2026 Writing Exhibition: Essay, Short Story, and Poetry.

Registration

Registration will be moving to EZFair in 2026. Stay tuned for more information..

Check with your local Extension office for the deadline to submit the photos to meet their deadline for the state contest.

Rules

• Number of Entries – A 4-H member can enter no more than one entry for each of the three (3) categories in 4-H Writing Exhibition.
• Length of Entries – Maximum 1,000 words.
• Original Work – All entries must be written by the 4-H members submitting them. Copying someone else’s work is not appropriate and will not be accepted.
• Format information – Document should be typed using 12-point font, single-spaced, 1” margins,
  8.5” x 11” size page.
• Identification – Each entry must have the following information at the top center: Name, County, Age, and category.

Displays & Rewards

• The State 4-H Writing Exhibition will be displayed electronically at the State Fair of West Virginia - August 13 – 22, 2026.
• All participants will receive a State Fair ribbon, certificate, and premium ($3.50) for each writing entry.

Previous year's entries can be viewed electronically

• WVU Extension 4-H Digital Exhibits

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