L-R: Autumn Wiggins, Lailae Smith, Kinsey Ward
State 4-H Council was held June 23-25, 2023 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center with the theme, “4-H: The Greatest Show of All”. Decatur County 4-H’ers Lailae Smith, Autumn Wiggins and Kinsey Ward joined over 400 youth from across the state to participate as voting delegates in the annual meeting of the Georgia 4-H Council. High school age youth join in the election process including evaluation of candidates, voting for officers and review of the Georgia 4-H Constitution.
State Congress delegates in food labs and performing arts projects held the demonstration portion of their projects at State 4-H Council on Friday, June 23rd. Kinsey Ward presented her demonstration along with other competitors in the Performing Arts Other Instrumental project.
Besides state officer elections, youth are also involved in workshops, trainings, and the annual Iron Clover Competition. This event takes its name from the iron statue of the 4-H emblem displayed at Rock Eagle and is designed to commemorate the statewide competition. During the competition, each district competes against one another in fun competitions, ranging from softball to musical chairs. At the end of the weekend, the district team that has been awarded the most Iron Clover points has won the title of “Iron Clover Champion” for their district. Lailae Smith played for the Southwest District volleyball team and Kinsey Ward was a member of the Southwest District kickball team. Their participation helped secure the Iron Clover Championship for Southwest District.
L-R: Kinsey Ward, Lailae Smith
Held during the Sunday morning closing assembly, the annual Citizenship Ceremony leads 4-H members in a pledge to become engaged Americans, to vote, and to make a difference in their communities. The Citizenship Ceremony will include all graduating high school seniors, 4-H’ers that are age 18, and 4-H’ers that will be age 18 before next year’s State 4-H Council. Decatur County 4-H’ers, Kinsey Ward and Lailae Smith participated in this thought-provoking ritual.
The mission of Georgia 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. This mission is accomplished through “hands on” learning experiences, focused on agricultural and environmental issues, agriculture awareness, leadership, communication skills, foods and nutrition, health, energy conservation and citizenship. For information about Decatur County 4-H call 248-3033 or email [email protected].
