Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 80th annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered July 18-21 in Atlanta.
State Congress includes 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.
Two Greene County 4-H’ers competed at State Congress this year, including Ellie Copelan, who placed second in the state in the Beef project, and Serenity Jackson in the Performing Arts-Other Instrumental project.
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.
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.
Major sponsors of State Congress 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.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact Greene County 4-H Agent Becca Velasquez by phone at 706-4532083 or by email at Rebecca. velasquez@uga.edu.