Excelsior Springs freshman Hailey McDade recently made a fashionable splash at the 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The event, held for the first time in Texas from January 10-13, gathered members from 4-H clubs across 18 states.
Hailey’s journey in fashion design began at a young age, driven by a desire to create unique, personalized garments. Starting with simple hand-sewn items such as pillowcases, Hailey progressed to crafting her own clothing, including skirts and dresses. She said she works to hone various sewing techniques with each new piece.
Hailey showcased her fashion design and modeling skills at the recent national competition. Participants at this prestigious event, aged 14-19, had to first win their state-level competitions to qualify. The event attracted about 250 attendees, including 4-H youth, county extension agents, parents, and coaches from across the United States.
Hailey’s journey to the national stage was marked by success at both county and state levels. Competing in Clay County, she excelled in the competition’s sewing and modeling competition. At the state level, she again stood out among her peers, securing her place at the national championship.
At the national event, Hailey impressed the judges with a pink velvet dress, a mid-length creation featuring a bunched neckline with a V-neck adorned with pearls and a slit on the right leg. The dress, challenging due to the nature of the velvet material, showcased her advanced sewing skills and aesthetic sense.
Despite the complex construction of her garment, Hailey achieved second place in modeling and fourth overall, a remarkable accomplishment given the competition’s rigorous criteria, which included interviews about garment construction and fabric knowledge, as well as the modeling presentation.
Beyond her achievements in fashion design, Hailey is also involved in other activities at ESHS, including mock trial and debate, displaying her diverse interests and skills. Hailey said she is already looking forward to future projects, including a 1950s-style walking suit she hopes to enter in next year’s competitions.
There are many opportunities available for area youth to get involved with 4-H. Clubs offer a range of activities, from animal and plant sciences to fashion and design, art and media production, and even coding and robotics. You can get more information and specific event dates by checking your county’s MU Extension Office.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
