Celtic Spotlight: Sisters Avery ’28 and Vanessa ’29 Edler
CELTIC SPOTLIGHT: AVERY EDLER ’28
For Providence Catholic junior Avery Edler, 4-H is about much more than competitions and projects. It’s about leadership, community, building connections, and inspiring the next generation.
Avery has been involved in 4-H since she was just seven years old, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a member of the same club. Over the years, she’s explored everything from art and public speaking to leadership and conservation, developing valuable skills and friendships along the way.
This summer, Avery competed in several projects at the county level and advanced to the state level with both an individual project and a club project. Her individual project explored the use of falconry in conservation, allowing her to connect with experts in the field and deepen her appreciation for the natural world. Her club’s leadership project highlighted the workshops and community service initiatives members organized throughout the year.
Of all her accomplishments, Avery is especially proud of her club’s leadership project. This year, younger members took on teaching and leadership roles alongside older members, creating opportunities for the next generation to develop their skills.
“4-H has taught me how to speak up to help everyone and how to collaborate with others,” Avery shared.
Competing at the state fair also gave Avery the opportunity to learn about initiatives in other counties and reconnect with friends she met at the University of Illinois Animal Sciences Camp last summer.
Looking ahead, Avery hopes to expand her club’s leadership program to include members from other clubs throughout the county. She also hopes to leave a lasting impact through her work on the state Art Ambassadors committee, to which she was accepted.
Her advice to students considering 4-H? “Just show up to a meeting and see what catches your eye.” With opportunities ranging from livestock and robotics to visual arts and communications, Avery believes there’s something for everyone.
Congratulations, Avery, on your accomplishments and your commitment to leadership, service, and making a difference!
CELTIC SPOTLIGHT: VANESSA EDLER ’29
For Providence Catholic sophomore Vanessa Edler, 4-H is an opportunity to combine her love of art and animals with her passion for leadership, community service, and helping others discover new interests.
Vanessa has been involved in 4-H since she was just six years old, joining alongside her older sister, Avery. Over the years, she’s developed a passion for visual arts, animal showing, and leadership while building friendships and discovering new ways to serve her community.
This summer, Vanessa competed in an impressive 14 projects at the county level, primarily in visual arts. She advanced to the state level with a scratchboard drawing of her cat, Peri, which she created in her art class at Providence Catholic. The piece took approximately two weeks to complete, followed by additional time sealing, matting, and framing her artwork.
Vanessa also participated in her club’s state-level group project, highlighting the community service and leadership initiatives members organized throughout the year. In addition, she competed with her dog, Sylvie, at the State Dog Show in rally, obedience, and showmanship, an accomplishment that required weekly lessons and daily practice.
While Vanessa enjoys competing and showcasing her creativity, one of her proudest accomplishments this year was helping grow the county’s cat show. After years of encouraging participation, she was excited to welcome two new participants this summer, along with several others interested in joining in the future.
“Through 4-H, I have learned leadership skills, public speaking skills, and ways to serve my community,” Vanessa shared. “I have also found new interests through other people’s projects.”
For Vanessa, the state fair is about more than competition. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the creativity and hard work of fellow 4-H members, exchange ideas, and spend time with friends who share similar interests.
Looking ahead, Vanessa hopes to continue expanding the county’s cat project while strengthening her bond with Sylvie through additional training and competitions.
Her advice to students interested in 4-H? Attend a local meeting or visit a county summer show! With so many different projects and opportunities available, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Congratulations, Vanessa, on your accomplishments and your dedication to creativity, leadership, and community service!
