Davis & Barrow To Move On To 4-H State Congress
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The Montgomery County 4-H Club will have two competitors in the Senior District Project Achievement (DPA) Competition at the 4-H State Congress in Atlanta this summer, as Braylie Davis and Max Barrow both earned a sweepstakes trip to the competition at the district competition.
Montgomery County 4-H members competed in the Southeast District Junior-Senior District Project Achievement competition at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center near Eatonton on January 31-February 2. Prior to the competition, students prepared a presentation, speech, and portfolio on a topic/category of their choice; after sharing their presentations at the competition, these students were judged on their presentation skills and style, subject knowledge, and portfolio content.
Seniors Braylie Davis and Max Barrow both placed 2nd in their categories, helping them to earn the trip to state.
Davis’s project informed judges and students about Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and advocates for children with the condition and their families. The presentation shared details of how Braylie’s brother, Kash, lives his daily life with the rare disease and shared the role that everyone plays in making the world a more inclusive place.
“I am beyond excited for another opportunity to be my brother’s voice and spread kindness and inclusion to an entirely new group of young adults of all backgrounds,” Davis emphasized. “I get excited to learn all about the projects that others are so passionate about as well!”
Barrow’s project focused on his experience as the Montgomery County High School Marching Eagles Drum Major, as he informed the audience about all of the ins and outs of the role. Barrow served as the school’s drum major for three years, and completed his last marching season last Fall.
“I cannot wait to show off all the hard work that I’ve put in,” he remarked. “I’m so excited to make my county proud.”
Both individuals will compete again at the 4-H State Congress in Atlanta this summer, where they have the chance to earn the title of “Master 4-Her” in their respective categories.
Several other students also found success during the event, as Montgomery County was awarded a 3rd Place district award for having the highest percentage of seniors – students in grades 9-12 – placing in the top 3 for their category.
Hartley Williamson placed 2nd in Flowers, Shrubs, and Lawns, while Morgan Connell placed 3rd in Wildlife and Paris Ann Thornton took home 3rd Place in Sports. Alex Autry also competed in the event in the Human Development category, where he delivered an excellent presentation.
In addition to these honors, Montgomery County 4-H members competing in the Junior Division – students in 7th and 8th grades – received several accolades. Tatum Williams delivered an excellent performance in the Performing Arts Vocal category, Avimael Serrano performed superbly in the Performing Arts Instrumental category, and Kinley Barber shared an informative presentation on Team Sports. Ayla Hardeman took home 1st Place honors in Entomology, while Macey Bradley placed 2nd in Communications and Italy Thornton earned 3rd Place in Dog Care and Training.
Montgomery County 4-H/ANR Agent Lauren Stanley, 4-H Program Assistant Julie Waller, and adult volunteers Joyce Allen and Ken and Whitney Connell accompanied Montgomery County 4-H members to the event, as the group spent the weekend at the campground.
“District Project Achievement is about students trying new things, breaking free from their comfort zones, and learning how to become great leaders. We are so proud of our 4-H’ers and program for all of their accomplishments this weekend,” Waller remarked. “Having two seniors get the opportunity to continue to share their projects at State Congress makes this year’s district competition even more special. Max and Braylie have been 4-H members for years and done public speaking for 8 years, so it makes me happy to see their time in 4-H be able to end on a high note.”
Stanley added, “DPA is a great way for our students to develop necessary leadership, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills to carry with them throughout their lives. I am so proud of each of our 4-H’ers for representing us so well this weekend, and I admire that they’re already looking for ways to improve their presentations and portfolios for next year’s competition. We are so thankful for our wonderful adult leaders and volunteers who made this weekend possible. We’re looking forward to attending State Congress in July!”
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.
SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND – The Montgomery County 4-H Club found great success at the Southeast District DPA Competition, as they earned several Top 3 placements across various categories. Front Row, L-R: Avi Serrano, Alex Autry, Kinley Barber, Italy Thornton, Ayla Hardeman, Morgan Connell. Back Row, L-R: Max Barrow, Macey Bradley, Paris Ann Thornton, Hartley Williamson, Tatum Williams, Braylie Davis.
ONE LAST DPA – Four Montgomery County Senior 4-H Members competed at their last Southeast District DPA Competition on January 31-February 2 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. L to R: Braylie Davis, Alex Autry, Paris Ann Thornton, Max Barrow.
