Toombs 4-Hers Compete at Junior/Senior DPA
Courtesy of Toombs 4-H
Inside Out was the theme for this year’s Southeast District 4-H Project Achievement held January 31st – February 2nd at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Twentysix middle and high school students from Vidalia and Toombs County schools joined over 500 others from across Southeast Georgia. There was an increase of nearly 100 participants from Southeast Georgia and all of our students had fun exploring Rock Eagle and meeting new people. The weekend was filled with project competition, officer elections for Southeast District Junior and Senior Boards, special award presentations, recreation and community service learning projects.
The project competition had two parts. First members were scored on a project portfolio detailing activities completed during the 2024 calendar year. Second, members presented a demonstration in their project area. The scores from the two segments were combined for the total score.
Twelve Toombs County senior members in (grades 9 – 12) attended this year’s competition for a chance to represent the Southeast District at State 4-H Congress in July. In projects with 8 or more contestants, sweepstakes trips are awarded.
Seniors Receiving 1st place and earning a trip to state congress are Daniel Cerrillo (Robotics), Giana Hamlin (Performing Arts: Vocal), Gregory Huston (Performing Arts: General), and Kingston Ryals (Human Development). Receiving 2nd place was Tiera Shaw (Safety). Receiving 3rd place was Haylee Doyle (Dog Care), Dearika Jackson (Food Safety), and Alexa Acosta (Textiles). Receiving honorable mention were Stephanie Eduardo (Physical, Biological, Earth Science), Ainsleigh Edwards (Health), Miguel Santiz (International), and Kandise Tootle (Workforce Prep).
In the Junior Division, fourteen members participated. First place participants included Claire Beasley (Performing Arts: Vocal), Anna Lynn Hutcheson (Public Speaking), Qelsey Perkins (Dog Care), and Reba Salter (Performing Arts: Piano). Receiving 2nd place was Hunter Joiner (Food for Health and Sport), Addison Rodriguez (Food Labs), and Lily Winter (Arts). Receiving 3rd place was Payton Maldonado (Target Sports), and Mileni Nahauca Receiving honorable mention were Trinity Diaz (Sports Individual), Logan Monds (Performing Arts: Instrumental), Kyleigh Wheeler (Flowers, Shrubs, and Lawns), Addison Wilcher (Sports Team) and Shaylah Williams (Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables).
Officer elections for the 2025-2026 Southeast Senior Board included Toombs County’s own Daniel Cerrillo. Daniel was elected as a board member for the Southeast District. Daniel will represent the Southeast district and Toombs County at district and state events this upcoming year. Toombs County was awarded 3rd place for most participants at the competition.
Extension staff members accompanying the group included Carol Hester, 4-H Americorps Member. Mary Laura Tippett, Rena Salter, and Shirley Earls also attended as volunteer leaders. For more information about 4-H in Toombs County, contact the local office at 912- 526-3101 or visit Toombs County Extension online at http:// www.ugaextension. com/ toombs/.
