BENTON COUNTY — Lauren and Cole Leonard participated in the recent Benton County 4-H Performing Arts Contest literally sweeping the instrumental competition! They received so many awards, they had to enlist the assistance of their grandmother, Opal Leonard, to carry their trophies out of the auditorium. Both Lauren and Cole play the cello. They selected the cello over the violin because of the rich tones the cello plays.

Lauren was named the junior winner of thenonclassical instrumental solo with Danny Boy and placed second in the classical instrumental solo division with Danserustique.

Cole received honors as the junior winner for classical instrumental solo with Minuets and second for nonclassical instrumental solo with Raiders of the Lost Ark.

As a duet brother-sister team they won both the junior divisions in nonclassical instrumental and classical division with Salty Sailor Song and with Sonata E Minor.

Lauren and Cole are busy getting ready for more competition as they prepare for the upcoming regional 4-H O’Rama to be held in mid-June in Atkins. The children practice for 1 1/2 hours a day on their competition pieces. They have been students for four years at the Fayetteville Suzuki School of Music from Mr. John Sinch.

Lauren and Cole Leonard are active members of the Town & Country 4-H Club. When asked what they like most about being involved in 4-H, Lauren says, “My favorite two things about 4-H are performing at the club’s annual achievement celebration and seeing all my friends at 4-H activities.” The Leonard children’s parents are Dr. Kent and Dorian Leonard of Gravette.

News, Pages 14 on 06/16/2010