What Is the Table Toppers Contest?
The Douglas Sarpy 4H Table Toppers Contest is a yearly showcase held by the Sarpy County 4H program that celebrates the creativity, research, and presentation skills of youth members. Participants design, build, and present a tabletop project that can range from scientific models to artistic displays, all judged on originality, craftsmanship, and educational value.
The contest is open to all 4H members in the Sarpy County region, from the elementary level through high school. It offers a unique platform for young people to explore a topic they are passionate about while learning publicspeaking techniques and project management skills.
History and Growth
First introduced in 1998, the Table Toppers Contest began as a modest local event with only a handful of entries. Over the past two decades, the competition has grown dramatically, now attracting more than 150 projects each spring. The increase reflects both the expanding reach of 4H in Sarpy County and a broader interest in handson learning.
Key milestones include:
- 2005: Introduction of a Digital Media category, allowing video and interactive elements.
- 2012: Partnership with the University of NebraskaLincolns Extension program for judging expertise.
- 2019: First virtual submission option, which proved essential during the COVID19 pandemic.
- 2023: Expansion to include a Community Impact award that rewards projects solving local problems.
How to Enter
Entry is straightforward and designed to be accessible for all skill levels.
- Register: Log in to the 4H member portal and fill out the Table Toppers registration form before the deadline (usually early March).
- Select a Category: Choose from categories such as Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Arts, or Digital Media.
- Develop Your Project: Conduct research, create prototypes, and document the process. A project board (1824 inches) is required for the final display.
- Submit a Video Abstract: A 2minute video explaining the projects purpose, methodology, and findings.
- Prepare for Presentation: Participants will have 3 minutes to present their board to the judges at the contest day.
Entry fees are nominal ($10 per project) and help cover material costs, venue rental, and awards.
Judging Criteria
Judges evaluate each entry on a 100point scale split into four categories:
- Originality (25 points): How unique is the idea?
- Scientific/Technical Merit (30 points): Quality of research, accuracy of data, and soundness of methodology.
- Presentation (20 points): Clarity of the board, visual appeal, and effectiveness of the oral presentation.
- Impact (25 points): Potential benefit to the community, environment, or future research.
All judges are volunteers from local universities, industry, and the Sarpy County Extension office. Scores are kept confidential until the awards ceremony.
Awards and Recognition
The contest offers multiple award levels:
- First, Second, and Third Place in each category ribbons, medals, and cash scholarships ($500, $300, $200 respectively).
- Table Topper Champion the highest overall scorer receives a $1,000 scholarship and a feature article in the Sarpy County 4H newsletter.
- Community Impact Award $750 scholarship for projects that address a specific local issue.
- Best Digital Media Presentation $400 scholarship and a tablet for future projects.
All participants receive a certificate and a badge for their 4H backpack, highlighting the skills they demonstrated.
Success Stories
Over the years, the Table Toppers Contest has helped launch several notable projects:
- 2020 Urban Bee Habitat: A highschool team created a modular beefriendly garden that is now installed in three city parks.
- 2021 Renewable Energy MiniGrid: An 8thgrade group built a scaleddown solar and wind hybrid system, later used as a teaching tool at the local elementary school.
- 2022 Historical Food Preservation: A 5thgraders investigation into traditional canning methods earned a place in the county museums exhibit.
- 2023 AIGuided Plant Health Monitor: A senior highschool project developed a lowcost sensor that alerts farmers to disease, now being piloted with a local agribusiness.
These examples illustrate the contests ability to nurture practical solutions, encourage curiosity, and enhance collegeandcareer readiness.
How Parents and Volunteers Can Help
Support from adults is crucial for a successful contest. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Mentorship: Offer guidance on scientific method, design, or presentation skills.
- Material Donations: Provide reusable board supplies, printing services, or craft materials.
- Judging: Professionals from science, engineering, art, or education are invited to score projects.
- Logistics: Help set up the exhibition space, manage registration, or coordinate the awards ceremony.
All volunteers receive a thankyou packet and a Community Champion badge for their 4H profile.
Important Dates (2026 Edition)
- January 15 Registration opens
- March 1 Registration deadline
- March 5 Video abstract submission deadline
- April 12 Project board dropoff (for inperson entries)
- April 20 Table Toppers Contest Day
- April 21 Awards ceremony and press release
Contact Information
For questions, registration assistance, or to volunteer, please reach out:
Email: tabletopper@sarpy4h.org
Phone: (402) 5551234
Office: 1234 County Fairgrounds Rd, Omaha, NE 68124
Follow the contest updates on social media:
