JaQuavius “Jay” Jones was recently named the state winner of the 17th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Federation Art Contest.

A student at Bainbridge High School, Jones received a $100 cash prize for being the top winner from Georgia Farm Bureau’s 9th District and a $250 cash prize for being the state winner. He is the son of Angela Register Jones.

A winner was selected from each of the organization’s 10 districts. The state winner and two runners-up were chosen from the 10 district winners. Drawings were judged on artistic merit and how well the artwork represented Georgia agriculture. The contest was open to any student in ninth to 12th grade.

“Our goal in conducting the art contest is to give Georgia students a chance to creatively explore Georgia agriculture, the number one industry in our state,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “Jay is to be commended for winning this contest. We had some very talented students submit art work, but his drawing showed unique creativity and a fresh perspective.”

The Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee coordinated the statewide contest. Locally, the Decatur County Farm Bureau coordinated the contest.

“We are very proud that Jay was selected as the state and district winner in the Georgia Farm Bureau Art Contest,” said Lindsey Hayes, Decatur County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee chair. “There were 58 entries in the state contest, so, Jay is to be congratulated for his accomplishment.”

Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in the state. Its volunteer members actively participate in local, district and state activities that promote agriculture awareness to their non-farming neighbors. GFB also has 20 commodity advisory committees that give the organization input on issues pertinent to the major commodities grown in Georgia.