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Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 81st Annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta July 23-26.
State Congress includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests, as well as recognition of youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.
Decatur County 4-H’ers Sybil Lee, Kinsey Ward, Autumn Wiggins and Kenyon Benton competed in Project Achievement at State Congress this year. Sybil competed in the Sports project, Kinsey contended in the Performing Arts Other Instrumental project, Autumn presented in the Target Sports project and Kenyon competed in the Arts and Crafts project. Both Sybil and Kenyon received 2nd place honors in their projects with Kinsey and Autumn placing 4th in the state in their projects. These placings are very impressive especially at this level of competition.
More than 48,000 youth participated in Project Achievement last year through 4-H programs at the county level. This essential Georgia 4-H program element empowers young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking, and record keeping skills that will last a lifetime. At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of areas that include agriculture, human development, performing arts, communication, engineering, and workforce preparation. They subsequently research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.
Students who place first at state-level competitions in Georgia 4-H earn the title of “Master 4-H’er.” During State Congress, more than 200 delegates competed in 50 Project Achievement areas. Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2023-24 program year were also recognized at State Congress. In addition to the competitive events and awards banquets, State Congress delegates also have the opportunity to participate in an educational tour. The Decatur County delegation enjoyed a 2-hour tour of Truist Park.
Georgia 4-H recognizes stakeholders who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H throughout the year at State Congress. UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources received the Friend of 4-H Award during the 4-H Leadership Banquet. Mr. Jay Morgan received the 4-H Green Jacket Award and Patrick Willis, Berrien County 4-H Agent and County Extension Coordinator, received the William H. Booth Award at the 4-H Annual Banquet.
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your Decatur County Extension Office at 229-248-3033 or email uge4087@uga.edu.