The Unchosen Ones

Photo project follows 4-H youth through defeat, perseverance

Kristen Sindelar
Oct 2, 2023
Oct 2, 2023

The unchosen 1.jpeg — National Geographic photographer R.J. Kern stands before his exhibition “The Unchosen Ones” on display at the Elkhorn Valley Museum in Norfolk, Neb.
Submitted photo

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You know that feeling of defeat? The intense weight that, despite your greatest effort and all that you gave of yourself, you were not good enough. You were the unchosen one.

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The unchosen 2.jpg — “The Unchosen Ones” captures the images of 65 youth in 2016 who did not get chosen as champion when showing their animals in 4-H. The same youth were photographed again four years later.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.