Photo (L to R): Evan Patrick, Margaret Chastain, Scott Ross Hayes
4-H celebrated excellence during the 82nd Annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta July 21-24, 2026.
State Congress includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests, as well as recognition of youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.
Three outstanding Decatur County 4-H’ers attended Georgia 4-H State Congress this year, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Margaret Chastain competed in the Communications project, Evan Patrick competed in the Plants and Soil Science project and Scott Ross Hayes competed in the AgriScience project. Additionally, Scott Ross Hayes was recognized as a Special Events Livestock Showmanship winner.
Students who place first at state-level competitions in Georgia 4-H earn the title of “Master 4-H’er.” During State Congress, more than 200 delegates competed in 52 Project Achievement areas and eight delegates competed in the Leadership in Action contest; one individual from each project area and two Leadership in Action competitors received Master 4-H’er status. Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2025-26 program year were also recognized at State Congress.
Decatur County 4-H is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its members. Scott Ross Hayes, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, placed 2nd in the AgriScience project at the state level, competing against other top contestants from across Georgia. Evan Patrick, Bainbridge High School 4-H’er, placed 3rd in his project and Margaret Chastain, Grace Christian Academy 4-H’er, placed 4th in the state competition. In addition, Scott Ross Hayes received Master 4-H’er as the Georgia Junior National Livestock Breeding Ewe Showmanship winner, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication in the show ring. Congratulations to these 4-H’ers their impressive accomplishments and for representing Decatur County 4-H with excellence.
Over 60,000 youth receive instruction in Project Achievement each year through 4-H programs at the county level. This essential Georgia 4-H program element empowers young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking, and record keeping skills that will last a lifetime. At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of 52 categories in focus areas that include agriculture, science, health, wellness, leadership, and civic engagement. They subsequently research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.
The Leadership in Action competition calls for 4-H’ers to identify a community need and work to meet that need by planning and implementing original projects and initiatives. Competitors then prepare an application packet and participate in interviews at the district level.
State Congress is made possible by generous contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and Georgia Master 4-H Club. Georgia 4-H Pillar and Presenting Sponsors include Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, Kelly Loeffler, META, and Chemours.
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact the University of Georgia Decatur County Extension Office at 229-248-3033 or visit www.georgia4h.org.
