Decatur County 4-H’ers distinguished themselves on February 21-23, 2026, at the Southwest District 4-H Project Achievement competition at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton. 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 Skye Clements, Madelyn Cohen, Corbin Keaton, Kenan Reffitt, Lyric Keaton, Madison Patrick, Azriel Bell, Maggie Miller, and Aubree Neuman. Senior (9th-12th grade) participants included Bennett Earnest, Scott Ross Hayes, Evan Patrick, Henry Lee, Langston Bennett, and Margaret Chastain.
The 4-H Portfolio is an extensive written record that encompasses a full 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, Madelyn Cohen placed 1st in the Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts project, and Madison Patrick placed 2nd in the 8th grade Poultry project. Corbin Keaton earned 1st place in the Human Development project, Azriel Bell was 1st in the Food for Health and Sport project, with Lyric Keaton winning 1st in the Performing Arts-Dance project. Skye Clements placed 1st in the Outdoor Recreation project and Kenan Reffitt 1st in the Physical, Biological, and Earth Science project. Maggie Miller received 1st place in the Beef project and Aubree Neuman earned 1st place in the 7th grade Poultry project.
Competition was also strong among the Senior contenders. Scott Ross Hayes was the 1st place winner in the Agriscience project and Margaret Chastain earned 1st place in the Communications project. Bennett Earnest placed 3rd in General Recreation, Henry Lee placed 3rd in the Health project, and Evan Patrick received 1st in the Plant and Soil Science project while Langston Bennett was the 2nd place winner in the History project. Scott Ross, Margaret, and Evan 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 of the Georgia 4-H program. Project Achievement showcases 4-H’ers’ work and success. The diligence and dedication of Decatur County’s 4-H students support 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.
Back Row L to R: Aubree Neuman, Corbin Keaton, Evan Patrick, Kenan Reffitt, Langston Bennett, Henry Lee, and Scott Ross Hayes
Front Row L-R: Azriel Bell, Margaret Chastain, Madelyn Cohen, Madison Patrick, Bennett Earnest, Lyric Keaton, and Skye Clements
Not pictured: Maggie Miller
We are very proud of these young people representing our county and community with their projects and competition. They are our future leaders. WELL DONE !