For Troy’s Nick Harper, his last year competing in 4-H is very bittersweet.

Harper, a 2025 Bonners Ferry High School graduate, will enlist in the U.S. Navy next spring and while he’s a bit unsure of the new endeavor, he’ll have many great memories of winning numerous championships as a member of the Kootenai Kids and Critters in 4-H at the Lincoln County Fair in late August as well as the friendships he developed.

“It’s been a great journey,” Harper told The Western News in a recent interview. “But I’m really gonna miss it. The fair is one of the best times of the year.

“I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my parents as well as our local 4-H leaders, Gus Johnson and Wes D’Aponti,” Harper said.

Harper capped his final year with several ribbons, all while working full-time for a local construction company. One was a Grand Champion for the best steer born and raised in Lincoln County while two others were for Reserve Champion - Beef Showmanship and Reserve Champion - Market Beef. 

Libby businessman Chris Noble bought Harper’s 1,318-pound steer.

“All the hard work finally paid off,” Harper said.

Harper also garnered honors for his Flemish Giant rabbit, including Reserve Champion and Best in Show. In photography, Harper’s image of a boat on the Kootenai River was judged the best picture and his China Rose was named the best flower. Harper’s 5-year-old German shepherd, “Freya,” was the Grand Champion. 

Svetlana Harper was somewhat shocked that it was all over.

“Eight years, gone just like that,” she remarked.

The last year also included a trip to Washington, D.C. with some of his local 4-H brethren for the National 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington D.C. Plane issues in Spokane meant an 11-hour wait before they took off, but it was worth it.

“It was pretty cool, we went to the Smithsonian Museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theatre and University of Maryland's research farm to learn more about agricultural advancements and how technology has improved the daily operations,” Nick said.

Harper’s 2025 excellence came on the heels of a 2024 campaign that saw him named a Grand Champion for his beef breeding project, rabbit and dog showmanship. He also had the best photography entry in the youth category, some other photography awards and best pottery mug.

Harper also won the Round Robin for being a two-time Grand Champion in showmanship for dog and rabbit.

Harper began his 4-H career raising swine for three years before moving to a beef and breeding beef projects. His last home grown calf also claimed Reserve Champion for market beef at the Libby Junior Fair. Harper showed his steer at jackpot in Davenport, Washington last April, taking third place.