The Penn State Cooperative Extension Office in Carbon County held its annual holiday ornament contest for 4-H members recently.

Georgia Farrow, program assistant and youth development/4-H, said this is the 11th year the extension has held the contest.She noted that one of the reasons the extension office sponsors the contest annually is to bring awareness to the Christmas tree industry, which is one of the leading agricultural industries in Carbon CountyAll ornaments that were submitted by the 4-Hers are currently on display on a Christmas tree, donated by Beisels Christmas Tree Hill Farm, in the Penn State office, located along Lentz Trail in Jim Thorpe.Criteria for entries include that all ornaments must be handmade by the 4-H member and depict a 4-H project theme. Ornaments must be no larger than four-inch by four-inch, and are judged on creativity and originality.This year's winners were announced in three levels: junior level, intermediate level, and senior level. Winners include, Junior level: Molly Mertz of Lehighton, first; Avery Keller of Lehighton, second; Shayla Conner of Lehighton, third; Cody Fronheiser of Palmerton, fourth; and Olivia Dages of Jim Thorpe, fifth.In the Intermediate level winners were: Lynea Reiner of Weatherly, first; Kailyn Connor of Lehighton, second; Andy Fogel of Lehighton, third; Mercy Melo of Lehighton, fourth; and Liana Dages of Jim Thorpe, fifth.On the Senior level, it was: Brittany Fronheiser of Palmerton, first; Jackie Malloy of Lehighton, second; and Bridgette Fronheiser of Palmerton, third.Penn State Cooperative Extension is a community-oriented educational organization that provides programs such as the 4-H program, in which children and teens up to age 18 can learn about a variety of topics from sewing and basket making to traveling and agriculture while building a strong social network.Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.For more information on the 4-H clubs in Carbon County, contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office at (570) 325-2788 or e-mail

gaf4@psu.edu.