Chelsea Rawe of Springfield Township is keeping busy this week at the Oakland County Fair.
A member of 4H SCRUBS, Students Committed to Research and Understanding of Biological Science, 4H K-9 Tail Waggers, and 4H Livestock Club, she has several projects on exhibit at the same time: a quiz bowl game, with a hour’s worth of science questions, another featuring her trained therapy dog, Chloe, and others demonstrating her skills with growing cherry tomatoes, knitting, and refinishing a 100-year-old table.
‘It’s kind of crazy, but a lot of fun,? Rawe said.
The daughter of Steve and Jean Rawe, Chelsea has been with 4H for five years. During that time, she has learned veterinary skills such as x-rays, genetics, blood typing, rehabilitation, vaccinations and sutures. She put her medical skills to use a couple years ago when a neighbor’s chicken was injured.
‘I sutured the chicken ? it’s still alive today,? said Chelsea, proudly. ‘We needed an anesthetic, so I used Baby Orajel.?
In recognition of her work, she was presented the first-place Veterinary Science Award, one of the highest honors in 4H, at the June 21 State Awards Celebration.
‘It’s quite an honor,? said Sue Stapleton, 4H regional coordinator for Oakland County. ‘She really worked hard for that.?
To earn the award, she spent two years to create a project book, listing and explaining years of projects in science, sewing, cooking, crafts, and photography, community service, and leadership experiences.
‘Everything related to 4H,? Chelsea said. ‘I’ve always wanted to be a vet or a doctor. Science always caught my interest.?
‘It’s quite a complicated process, like a college process,? said Jean.
‘It’s a great program for kids. They get all these experiences early. It helps them sort through their career paths.?
The project, which also earned Chelsea a $2,000 college scholarship to Michigan State University, will help her when applying to colleges. Medical students serving as expert advisors for 4H always recommend keeping extensive records, Jean said.
‘Advice is always, ‘write everything down,?? she said.
One of the most interesting learning experiences for Chelsea was the dissection of a sheep’s brain ? sparking an interest in neurosurgery.
‘It really interested me,? Chelsea said. ‘What’s amazing is what we don’t know about the brain.?
The county fair runs through July 15 at Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451 Andersonville Road. For more information, call 248-634-8830.