Southwest District Fall 4-H Cloverleaf Project Achievement was held November 11, 2017 in Colquitt County. Nine Decatur County 4th grade 4-H students competed with twenty counties and over 300 students in various project areas.

Students participating in 4-H Project Achievement investigate a topic and prepare a demonstration or “illustrated talk” with posters and props. Scores are based on fluidity, presentation skills, and knowledge of the subject.

Competitors representing Decatur County 4-H were Henry Vanstone who received 1st place in Computer Information & Technology. Anna Huynh and Samantha Turnage earned 1st and 3rd place honors respectively in the Wildlife project. In the Marine and Coastal Ecology project, Julie Bocanegra received 2nd place with Christopher Jones getting the 1st place slot in Historic People. Mitchell Carter placed 1st in the Engineering and Mechanics division and Sutton Smith earned 2nd place in the Health project. Goldie Gossett took 3rd place honors in the General Science category and Rodolfo Granados received 2nd place in the International project.

Decatur County students that prepared for Project Achievement and participated in the County Exhibition held at the Cloud Livestock Facility on November 14, 2017 were Elizabeth Adams, Herpetology; Sydni Avery, Crafts; Evan Brock, Historical Events; Mitchell Carter, Engineering & Mechanics; Dawson Cross, Archaeology; Rylan Day, Outdoor Survival Skills; Emma Dollar, Horse; Gambler Dollar, Historical Events; Mark Esquivel, Dog Care & Training; Goldie Gossett, General Science; Rodolfo Granados, International; Anna Huynh, Wildlife; Christopher Jones, Historic People; Callie Jones, Work Force Preparation & Career Development; Larsen Long, Wildlife; Abram McLendon, History; Bailey Miller, Marine & Coastal Ecology; Conner Sammons, General Science; Sutton Smith, Health; Samantha Turnage, Wildlife and Henry Vanstone, Computer Information Technology. Other students participating in 4-H Project Achievement that were unable to attend the competition or the Exhibition were Angelica DeJesus, International; Fallyn Markowitz, Historical Events; Ja’Mya Griffin, Food for Fitness; and Evan Stewart, Dog Care & Training.Decatur County 4-H’ers are to be commended for their great public speaking and presentation skills.

Georgia 4-H is preparing the next generation of leaders through 4-H Project Achievement.  4-H Project Achievement participants develop research, writing and presentation skills which help youth perform better in school related tasks, become self-directed learners and contributing members of society and create work ready young adults.  Through the 4-H Project Achievement process youth explore an area of interest, gain knowledge and skills in the area and prepare presentations and evidence of learning.  This process builds not only skills related to the Georgia Standards of Excellence, but those directly related to Work Ready Georgia.

4-H Project Achievement, an annual competition, is a cornerstone in the Georgia 4-H program and serves to showcase the work and success of 4-H members.

For more information about Decatur County 4-H activities and events, please call the UGA/Decatur County Extension office at 248-3033.