VERMONT

Vermont 4-H'ers have a Capitol experience: Here's what they learned in Montpelier

Beth McDermott

AI-assisted reporter

MONTPELIER — Fifteen Vermont 4-H members participated in an event at the State Capitol.

According to a community announcement, the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol took place on Feb. 28 and was hosted by University of Vermont Extension 4-H. The event aimed to provide middle and high school students with insights into Vermont's legislative system. Participants had the chance to meet government officials and share their experiences with 4-H.

The group was introduced on the House floor by Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun (D-Windham), who discussed the legislative process and her role as a lawmaker. They also met Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, who explained her responsibilities and the functions of her office.

Participants of the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, Feb. 28 in Montpelier, took part in a mock trial in the Supreme Court Courtroom, taking a break afterwards to check out the Supreme Court justices’ seats.

4-H'ers Josh and Caity Packer, Barre Town, sit at the desk of their grandfather, Rep. Francis McFaun, R-Washington-Orange District, during a tour of the State House as part of the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, held Feb. 28.

The students toured the State House to learn about its history and legislative roles. They observed the legislature in session and participated in a mock trial in the Supreme Court Courtroom. During the trial, they took on various roles to explore Vermont's legal system, focusing on a case involving a DUI arrest in a driveway.

Participants, by county, were as follows.

Addison: Caroline and Thomas Allen, Vergennes; Merissa and Olivia Gordon, Bristol
Caledonia: Cosimo Franklin, Lyndon Center
Chittenden: Remington Card, Williston; Jane Curry, Burlington; Josephina Kascha-Hare and Silje Kruse, both from Milton; Andrew Shattuck, Essex
Franklin: Emma Babyak, Fairfax
Grand Isle: Logan Russell, Alburgh
Washington: Caity and Josh Packer, Barre Town
Windsor: Sophia Fors, Bethel

Two members of the Whispering Pines 4-H Club Emma Babyak, Fairfax (left), and Josephina Kascha-Hare, Milton, served as attorneys for the defense in the mock trial at the 2025 4-H Day at the Capitol, Feb. 28 in Montpelier.

To learn more about the Vermont 4-H program, contact the State 4-H Office at 802-656-7630 or 800-571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.