Back row left to right: Isabella Alvarez, Kirksey Bell Hayes, and Naomi Barney
Front row left to right: Olivia Head and Mayra Patel
Southwest District 4-H Cloverleaf Project Achievement was held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Perry Middle School in Perry, Georgia. Decatur County 4-H’ers competed against twenty-four counties and over 250 students in various project areas.
Students participating in 4-H Project Achievement investigate a topic and prepare a demonstration or “illustrated talk” with posters and props. Scores are based on fluidity, presentation skills, and knowledge of the subject. 4-H’ers can also choose to compete in a food lab where they have one hour to assemble food following food safety guidelines and food nutrition guidance.
Competitors representing Decatur County 4-H were Bainbridge Middle School students Isabella Alvarez and Olivia Head; Hutto Elementary School 4-H’ers Mayra Patel and Naomi Barney; and Grace Christian Academy student Kirksey Bell Hayes. Olivia Head earned 1st place in the Flowers, Shrubs and Lawns project, with Isabella Alvarez receiving 2nd place in the same project. Naomi Barney placed 1st in the Earth Science project, and Mayra Patel won 2nd place in the Herpetology project. Kirksey Bell Hayes won 1st place in the Ag Awareness project.
Georgia 4-H is preparing the next generation of leaders through 4-H Project Achievement. 4-H Project Achievement helps youth perform better in school-related tasks, become self-directed learners and contributing members of society, and creates work-ready young adults. Through the 4-H Project Achievement process, youth explore an area of interest, gain knowledge and skills in the area, and prepare presentations and evidence of learning. This process builds not only skills related to the Georgia Standards of Excellence but also those directly related to Work Ready Georgia.
4-H Project Achievement, an annual competition, is a cornerstone in the Georgia 4-H program and serves to showcase the work and success of 4-H members. For more information about Decatur County 4-H activities and events, please call the UGA Decatur County Extension/4-H office at 248-3033.
