Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 80th Annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta July 18-21. 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.
Three Emanuel County 4-H’ers competed at State Congress this year, including Nataleigh Belcher in the Beef project, Wallee Kersey in the Dog Care & Training project, and Lauren Sapp in the General Recreation project. Belcher placed first in her project while Kersey and Sapp placed third and fourth, respectively. 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 and eight delegates competed in the Leadership in Action contest; one individual from each project area and two Leadership in Action competitors received Master 4-H’er status. Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2022-23 program year were also recognized at State Congress.
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.
Georgia 4-H recognizes stakeholders who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H throughout the year at State Congress. Rachel Frisbie, Monroe County 4-H Agent, received the Ryles Rising Star Award and Gary Black, former Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, received the Friend of 4-H Award during the 4-H Leadership Banquet. Representative Rick Jasperse received the 4-H Green Jacket Award and Cindy Meadows, Seminole County 4-H Agent and County Extension Coordinator, received the William H. Booth Award at the 4-H Annual Banquet. Additional William H. Booth Award finalists include Brittany Teets from Rockdale County, Jakyn Tyson from Emanuel County, and Susan Yearwood from Stephens County.
Leaders in the camping program and 4-H center leadership also received recognition during State Congress. Additionally, the 2023-2024 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors were inducted into their positions of leadership. The 2022-2023 Board of Directors were honored for their year of service.
State Congress is made possible by generous contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia Power, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and the Georgia Master 4-H Club. Pillar Sponsors for the event include Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, and Kelly Loeffler.
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 on Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved as a member, volunteer, or donor, contact Emanuel County Extension by calling 478-237-1226 or visit the office located at 129 N. Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.
