The Questa Achievers 4-H dominated at the 2025 Taos County Fair, bringing home multiple awards and State Fair qualifications! Including members from the youngest Cloverbuds to seniors showcasing their talents in livestock, creative arts and contests.
Cloverbuds and Boosters
Starting with the youngest members, Paisley Apodaca earned a participation ribbon and goodie bag for showing her Mini Rex rabbit, Oreo. Paisley also got a participation ribbon for her rabbit poster. Gia Cinciripini received two participation ribbons, one for showing her chicken and another for a poster project. Olivia Coté also received a participation ribbon for jewelry she created in the “Having Fun with Art” project.
Novice Division
Anna Aceves collected several awards, including second place for her Dutch rabbit, second place for a black-and-white photo, first place for a rabbit poster, and first place in her age group’s watermelon eating contest — a win she said she was especially proud of.
Her sister, Emma Aceves, claimed first place with her Mini Lop rabbit and rabbit poster. Emma’s rabbit poster is going to the State Fair. She was also the rabbit Showmanship winner, earning a belt buckle, and took first place in black-and-white photography, also qualifying for State.
David “DJ” Cinciripini placed second with his Mystic Onyx chicken and first with a poultry poster that was selected for State.
Jackson Ortega earned second place with his Amberlink chicken and second place with a Boer goat in the lightweight class.
Junior Division
Amber Coté swept her category with four first-place awards in Creative Arts and Forestry — acrylic painting, marker drawing, clay, and a forestry poster — with all of her projects headed to State.
Jeremiah Ortega won first place with his Amberlink chicken, which also received Best of Breed, and showed two Boer goats, one for 4-H and one for FFA.
Olivia Seim’s Netherland Dwarf rabbit was awarded first place and Best of Breed, while her Mini Rex rabbits took second and third place. She also received first place with a rabbit poster, which advanced to State.
Senior Division
Gerald “JT” Radcliff dominated photography, winning nine first-place ribbons and a Best of Show. He also earned first place for fisheries and shooting sports posters, with 10 projects qualifying for State.
Adrienne Rael earned Reserve Grand Champion with her heavyweight market lamb, as well as a Showmanship award in the lamb category. She also placed fifth with her heavyweight market goat and received a Showmanship award for goats.
Denise Winslow-Lawrence, the group’s leader, said the kids’ efforts highlight the dedication of the Questa youth. “They had a great fair,” she said.
The Questa 4-H Achievers will open sign-ups for the new year from Oct. 1 through Feb. 1. Interested parties can inquire at dwlawrence58@gmail.com.
