They both are Hannahs.

They both spell their first name H-a-n-n-a-h.

They both are 19.

They both were raised in Alliance.

They both graduated from Alliance High School in 2012.

They both have been 4-H members since age eight.

Both have had great parental support in the form of Dr. Clint & Kristin Kesterson and Arnold & Annette Wood.

They both were members of the Box Butte County Fair Royalty in 2012. One was the queen, while the other was first attendant.

They both worked at Williams Jewelers in downtown Alliance.

They both were members of the Alliance High FCCLA Chapter and the AHS Bulldog Marching Band.

They both have sweet, easy-going dispositions.

But, they do have some differing similarities.

One likes to dance while the other rides horses. One has an older brother while one has a younger brother. One is majoring in food science at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, the other is studying journalism at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Another similarity: Both are spending their summer employed with the University of Nebraska Extension – Box Butte County office in Alliance.

Hannah Wood and Hannah Kesterson.

Okay, in alphabetical order, it is Hannah Kesterson and Hannah Wood.

When they are seen together in Box Butte County, it’s not uncommon to hear someone shout, “Hey, Hannah!”

Either they both look towards the caller or one assumes the shout-out is for the other and doesn’t peek.

However, both Hannah & Hannah have consistently kept their eyes on the 4-H program they love. And a summer job assisting 4-H Coordinator Deb Kraenow and office manager Carol Kleinsasser keeps their head, heart, hands, and health closely attached to a program that has served United States youth since 1902.

Hannah Wood works more hours at the office because Hannah Kesterson also has a job working on Doug Hashman’s farm near Berea.

“I work at the 4-H office about two days a week,” said Kesterson. “I have spent time sending out letters requesting county fair awards sponsors, as well as letters to potential livestock auction buyers. I also have worked on slide shows for both the August 9 cookie jar auction and the August 10 livestock auction. I also answer the phone and take on any task that Deb, Carol, Jeanne Murray and John Thomas request of me.”

Kesterson knows the showmanship and display side of 4-H very well. Her projects have included beef, goats, horses, swine, sewing, quilting, cooking, and modeling. This year’s fair will be her last to enter projects, due to the 4-H age limit.

“The 2013 Box Butte County Fair will be a big one for me,” she said, “since I will be showing swine, have several static displays and work for the extension.

It also will be bittersweet as it will be the first time she and her fellow livestock exhibitors will use the new pavilion.

“I’m going to miss the old wooden barns,” she lamented. “I have so many great memories of stabling my livestock and visiting with friends in those facilities. But, the change will be good and we’ll simply adjust.”

4-H has helped Kesterson change.

“The program has taught me so much,” she exclaimed. “It is more than just showing animals and sewing. It taught me how to be more responsible and to do the best job possible. I also built great friendships through 4-H.”

One of the highlights of Kesterson’s 4-H career was winning the round robin livestock championship.

“The competition was tough,” she said.

Hannah Wood serves as a full time assistant answering phone calls, keeping track of funds, and assisting the public.

“I love the environment here,” she said. “This is a great staff to work with and for.  Plus, I have really learned the other side of the 4-H program – the administration side.

Wood’s 4-H projects over the past 10 years have included clothing, cooking, goats, and serving as the junior attendant for the cookie jar auction.

She also is assisting with organizational work on the dedication of the new livestock pavilion, which will take place August 6.

Wood says her 4-H career has helped give her confidence and to be more productive. One of her proudest moments was being crowned junior cookie jar champion.

“I think I was eight years old, so it was a pretty big deal,” she said.

As far as the upcoming Box Butte County Fair, which has tagged itself “Barn in the USA,” both girls are getting excited.

“It’s the best week of the year,” said Kesterson.

“It’s better than Christmas,” said Wood.

Differing similarities that equal 4-H productivity.