Decatur County 4-H’ers distinguished themselves at Rock Eagle on June 4-5, 2021 in the Southwest District Project Achievement competition. Junior/Senior Project Achievement is a challenging two-part competition, in which participants practice mastery in their field of interest through portfolio and presentation.
Representing Decatur County 4-H in the Junior division for 7th and 8th grade 4-H’ers were Walker Elrod, and Sybil Lee. Senior (9th-12th grade) participants included Thomas Neal, Corbin Austin, Omarion Smart, Rachel Hayes, and Kinsey Ward.
The 4-H Portfolio is an extensive written record that encompasses a complete calendar year of involvement, leadership, and service in a selected project area. This report includes a cover letter, a two-page information sheet highlighting their work and activities, and a two-page list of supporting material, including photos and other related information. The portfolio composes 40%-50% of the student’s total score in the competition. Also, by preparing a portfolio, young people learn the skills needed to complete college applications, scholarship applications, professional resumes and proposals.
Additionally, 4-H’ers participating in Project Achievement investigate a topic and prepare a demonstration or “illustrated talk” with posters and props. Junior demonstrations are 10 minutes, and Senior demonstrations are 12 minutes. Scores are based on memorization, fluidity, presentation skills, and knowledge of the subject when questioned by the judges. Performing Arts categories require students to perform before judges and an audience.
In the Junior division, Walker Elrod earned 1st place in the Health project and Sybil Lee took 1st place in Outdoor Recreation. Among the Senior competitors (high school division), Corbin Austin received 1st place honors in Public Speaking, Rachel Hayes was the 1st place winner in Veterinary Science, Thomas Neal received 1st in Outdoor Recreation, Kinsey Ward received 2nd place in Performing Arts Instrumental and Omarion Smart took 1st place in Human Development. Corbin Austin, Thomas Neal, Rachel Hayes and Omarion Smart will advance to the next level of competition at the Georgia 4-H State Congress in Atlanta in July.
4-H Project Achievement, an annual competition for 4th – 12th grade students, is a cornerstone in the Georgia 4-H program. From the first Boys Corn Club sharing their crop to today’s presentation and portfolios on hundreds of projects, Project Achievement serves to showcase 4-H’ers work and success. The diligence and dedication of Decatur County’s 4-H students supports the 4-H motto, “Making the Best Better”. For more information about 4-H activities please contact the UGA Decatur County Extension Office at 229-248-3033.
Sybil Lee
First Place – Outdoor Recreation – Junior
Thomas Neal
First Place – Outdoor Recreation – Senior
Omarion Smart
First Place – Human Development
Kinsey Ward
Second Place – Performing Arts Instrumental
Middle: Rachel Hayes
First Place – Veterinary Science
Right: Corbin Austin
First Place – Public Speaking
Walker Elrod
First Place – Health
