Area 4-H’ers Take Top Honors at the 80th Annual Georgia 4-H State Congress

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 state winners from all contests held throughout the year and the recognition of youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

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. Six youth from Toombs County competed in the project achievement portion of the event. The youth made history for Toombs County 4-H as five members placed first in their respective categories. Toombs County youth won 10% of the project categories. Placing first were Grace Holt (Communications), Bailey Hutchins (Physical, Biological and Earth Sciences), Kingston Ryals (Robotics), Riya Patel (Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors) and MaryLaura Tippett (Workforce Preparation and Career Development). In a tough Food for Fitness category, Brittney Bryant placed second.

Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2022-23 program year were also recognized at State Congress. Lydia Horne from Wheeler County was recognized as a Master 4-H’er for winning the contest events at the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show in June.

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.

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. Grace Holt retired as the 2022-2023 Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors Southeast Representative. Brittney Bryant was inducted as the 20232024 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors State Vice President.

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 about Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www. georgia4h.org.

MASTER 4H’ER — Wheeler County 4-H’er Lydia Horne was recognized as a Master 4-H’er for winning the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show Contest Events.

GEORGIA STATE 4-H OFFICERS — 2022-23 State Board Southeast Representative Grace Holt and 2023-24 State Board Vice President Brittney Bryant.