4-H Project Achievement Winners

L-R: Henry Lee, Scott Ross Hayes, Preston Lynn, Kinsey Ward, Sybil Lee, Lailae Smith, Margaret Chastain, Kenyon Benton, Kathy Lai, Olivia Griner and Autumn Wiggins

Decatur County 4-H’ers distinguished themselves at Rock Eagle on February 2^nd-4^th at 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 7^th and 8^th grade 4-H’ers were Henry Lee, Kathy Lai, Scott Ross Hayes and Margaret Chastain. Senior (9^th-12^th grade) participants included Lailae Smith, Sybil Lee, Preston Lynn, Olivia Griner, Kenyon Benton, Autumn Wiggins 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 8-10 minutes, and Senior demonstrations are 10-12 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, Margaret Chastain earned 1st place in the Human Development project. Henry Lee earned 1st place in the Sports-Individual project, Scott Ross Hayes placed 1^st in the Veterinary Science project and Kathy Lai was honored with 1st in the Plant and Soil Science project. Competition was intense among the Senior contenders. Sybil Lee was the 1st place winner in the Sports project, Kinsey Ward placed 1st in Performing Arts Instrumental, Preston Lynn placed 3^rd in the Swine project, Lailae Smith earned 3rd place in the Workforce Preparation and Career Development project, Olivia Griner received 1st place in the Communications project, Kenyon Benton earned 1^st place in the Arts & Crafts project and Autumn Wiggins was the 1^st place winner in the Target Sports project.  Sybil, Kinsey, Olivia, Kenyon, and Autumn 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 4^th – 12^th 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 248-3033.