By Juli Knutson
Eight years ago, Reagan Masten’s parents introduced her to 4-H, encouraging her to join to gain friendships and life skills. Her casual interest soon grew into a passion, especially in the 4-H Electric Program. She is now the go-to person at her house for a faulty outlet or a lamp that doesn’t work!
From the beginning, Masten attended 4-H workshops provided by Boone Power to further her knowledge of electricity. These workshops cover step-by-step projects and provide general education about electricity, ranging from basic techniques and safety to polarity and wiring a barn.
Boone Power Director of Member Engagement Matt Walters said the electric cooperative has been supporting the Boone County 4-H program since the 1960s.
“We host electric workshops annually for five different levels — beginner to advanced,” he said. “The program is a fun way to be involved in the community and teach about electrical safety.”
Boone Power also assists in judging 4-H projects for other Indiana counties.
Masten has steadily gained important knowledge about electricity and hands-on repair — skills that she will have for a lifetime. Now that she’s in the advanced division of the 4-H Electric program, she’s required to come up with her own project.
Typically, when an appliance breaks down, it is not a cause for celebration. However, when Masten ran out of ideas for her 4-H electric project this year, it was a different story. She said, “Our washer just happened to break at the perfect time … so that became my project.”
She embraced the challenge, with assistance from the user manual and a few YouTube videos. She first ran multiple tests, then diagnosed the problem and ordered the necessary parts. Within three days, the machine was fixed, and she carefully documented the process for her 4-H project.
This practical experience not only saved the family money but also showcased Masten’s ability to apply practical skills in real-life situations.
Her dedication and ingenuity led to her capturing the 2025 Boone County Grand Champion Award in the Electric project category. At the Indiana State Fair, she earned the prestigious Grand Champion Sweepstakes Award, competing against 353 statewide entries in the Electric category.
Masten doesn’t seem to mind being the electricity “expert” in her home. As a high school junior, she is starting to consider career choices, and electricity is definitely in the mix. She notes that the 4-H Electric Program has shaped her interests for the future.
“I would really encourage people to give it a try,” she said. “It is a great opportunity, and it can get you so far in life. It’s so much fun.”
Families can learn more about 4-H programs online at extension.purdue.edu.
