BEDFORD — A once highly anticipated tradition is making its return this year as Purdue Extension-Daviess County brings back Achievement Night, offering local youth the chance to be recognized across a wide range of skills and project areas.
Twelve Achievement Awards will be presented during the event, each represented with a custom-engraved medal. Organizers said youth may apply for multiple awards, allowing participants to showcase their work and talents in several areas.
The award categories span nearly every interest, from science and agriculture to arts and leadership. Categories include:
- Culture & Citizenship — projects such as genealogy, collections, Americana, and international studies.
- Animal Science — covering animal education, veterinary science, sportfishing, and livestock.
- Crafts & Skills — arts, crafts, cake decorating, scrapbooking, and fine arts.
- Technology & Machinery — small engines, welding, computer science, shooting sports, and tractor projects.
- Human Development & Leadership — child development, family camping, and junior leaders.
- Textiles — sewing, consumer clothing, and fashion revue.
- Healthy Living — foods, sports, health, and bicycle projects.
- Communications — public speaking, writing, demonstrations, reading, and photography.
- Home Furnishings — woodworking, recycling, and home environment projects.
- Plant Science — floriculture, gardening, sunflowers, and crop science.
- Natural Resources — forestry, geology, weather and climate science, beekeeping, and wildlife.
- Structures & Scenes — aerospace, construction replicas, Lego and farm toy scenes, and models.
Applications are open now through Sept. 19, 2025, via Google Forms.
Organizers said Achievement Night is designed to highlight the diverse skills and accomplishments of youth, while encouraging them to explore new project areas and build confidence.
