OKEECHOBEE – Two Okeechobee County 4-H members were honored by the Okeechobee County Commission at their Dec. 12 meeting.

Alyssa Cortez and Emily Hilderbrand were part of a 4-H Horse Judging team that placed seventh at the 2023 National Horse Judging competition held at the Eastern National Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky.

This Florida team also included Lindsey Dillahay from Indian River County and Maci Cerasole from St. Johns County. The four students used their horsemanship knowledge, judging expertise and oral reasoning skills to bring home a seventh place national team finish.

The team evaluated eight classes of horses from halter to performance and gave four sets of oral reasons.

“Their dedication and skill were evident as they competed against peers from across the nation, representing the Sunshine State with pride,” the proclamation states. Among their top 10 finishes were the title of 10th place in performance horses, fifth place in halter classes, and seventh place in oral reasons.

“This experience not only elevated their horsemanship judging abilities but also forged lasting friendships and memories as they proudly represented Florida on the national stage. We know that this experience will remain a memorable one that will stay with them as they continue their journey in 4-H and beyond,” the proclamation states. “We ask all citizens to celebrate and congratulate this team’s hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

“You are good examples of there is something to do in Okeechobee if you want to go for it,” said Commission Chair David Hazellief.

“It was a privilege getting to coach them,” said Paula Daniel, Okeechobee County 4-H agent.

“I want to thank everyone for helping us to get there,” said Alyssa Cortez. “We appreciate the support we got not only from Okeechobee County but also from the entire state of Florida. She said the opportunity to judge against that level of competition was an amazing experience.