By Matt Browning
Cowley County 4-H member and Udall High school student Brilee Pellegrini has grown up in the program and developed a strong passion for livestock showing, public speaking and leadership through years of involvement.
“What sparked my interest in it was that I just got thrown in it when I was 7 and I’ve grown to enjoy it more and more,” Pellegrini said.
Throughout the year, Pellegrini participates in multiple speaking opportunities at the county, regional and state levels, including events at the Kansas State Fair and the CSES Annual Meeting. She said public speaking has become an important part of her 4-H experience.
“I speak at Cowley County and then I speak at regionals and then at the state fair,” she said. “This year I got to speak at the KAS Annual Meeting/CSES Annual Meeting. I also participate in the Cowley County Fair showing sheep and the Cowley County Spring Show that is in April. We also have 4-H meetings every month.”
Her work in 4-H has also earned her multiple awards in livestock and public speaking. Pellegrini is a seven-time Cowley County Sheep record book champion and was a 2024 Round Robin Sheep participant. In 2025, she earned Spring Sheep Show Progress Market Lamb Champion and Cowley County Fair Bred and Owned Champion Market Lamb. She has also received purple awards in state, regional and county public speaking competitions.
Beyond awards and competitions, Pellegrini said some of her most memorable moments come from hands-on experiences in the show ring and helping others learn.
“Specific memories I have through this is my first year showing I got drug through the rocks by my sheep and I remember I didn’t let go of her and I was really proud of myself for that,” she said.
She also said she enjoys teaching others and taking on leadership roles within the program.
“I also remember teaching people how to show sheep for the Round Robin, which is where people show all breeds of animals,” she said. “I have also helped run weigh-ins and I have taught people from other clubs how to show sheep.”
