Special to The Post-Searchlight

Decatur County 4-H’ers distinguished themselves at Rock Eagle on Feb. 1-3. Ten students from Decatur County joined with more than 400 students to participate in the Southwest District Project Achievement competition in Eatonton.

Junior/Senior Project Achievement is a challenging two-part competition, in which participants practice mastery in their field of interest through portfolio and presentation.

Decatur County junior competitors were Miller Hayes, Abigail Warren, Mattie Winburn, Heath Parker, Anders Austinson and Savannah Padgett. Senior participants included Josiah Austinson, Shelby Lane, Stennes Austinson and Levi Adkins.

The 4-H Portfolio is an extensive written record that encompasses a complete calendar year of involvement, leadership, and service in a selected project area. This report includes a cover letter, a two-page information sheet highlighting their work and activities, and a two-page list of supporting material, including photos and other related information. The portfolio composes 40 percent to 50 percent of the student’s total score in the competition. Also, by preparing a portfolio, young people learn the skills needed to complete college applications, scholarship applications, professional resumes and proposals.

Additionally, 4-H’ers participating in Project Achievement investigate a topic and prepare a demonstration or “illustrated talk” with posters and props. Junior demonstrations are 10 minutes, and senior demonstrations are 12 minutes. Scores are based on memorization, fluidity, presentation skills, and knowledge of the subject when questioned by the judges.

Winning first place honors in the Junior Division (seventh through eighth grade) were Miller Hayes — Pork Production, Abigail Warren — Plant and Soil Science, Mattie Winburn — General Reacreation, Heath Parker — Pork Production, Anders Austinson — Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts and Savannah Padgett — Crafts.

Senior competitors winning first place titles were Levi Adkins — Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts, Josiah Austinson — Wildlife and Marine Science, Shelby Lane — Flowers, Shrubs and Lawns and Stennes Austinson — Plant and Soil Science. These students will advance to the next level of competition at the Georgia 4-H State Congress in Atlanta.

4-H Project Achievement, an annual competition, is a cornerstone in the Georgia 4-H program. From the first Boys Corn Club sharing their crop to today’s presentation and portfolios on hundreds of projects, Project Achievement serves to showcase 4-H’ers work and success. The diligence and dedication of Decatur County’s 4-H students supports the 4-H motto, “Making the Best Better.”