Decatur County 4-H’ers distinguished themselves at Rock Eagle on February 7-9,2025 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 7th and 8th grade 4-H’ers were Skye Clements, Madelyn Cohen, Corbin Keaton, Kenan Reffitt, Lyric Keaton, Madison Patrick, Azriel Bell, Scott Ross Hayes and Margaret Chastain. Senior (9th-12th grade) participants included Bennett Earnest, Sybil Lee, Henry Lee, and Autumn Wiggins.
Back Row L to R: Scott Ross Hayes, Corbin Keaton, Sybil Lee, Kenan Reffitt, Henry Lee
Middle Row L-R: Autumn Wiggins, Azriel Bell, Lyric Keaton, Skye Clements
Front Row L-R: Bennett Earnest, Margaret Chastain, Madison Patrick
* Not pictured is Madelyn Cohen
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 placed 1st in the Communication project. Madelyn Cohen 1st place in the Sports-Team project, and Scott Ross Hayes 1st in the Sheep and Meat Goat project. Madison Patrick placed 2nd in the Poultry project, Corbin Keaton 2nd in the Environmental Science project, Azriel Bell 2nd in the Cat Care project with Lyric Keaton 2nd in the Performing Arts-Dance project. Skye Clements placed 3rd in the Outdoor Recreation project and Kenan Reffitt 3rd in the Physical, Biological and Earth Science project. Maggie Miller submitted a 1st place portfolio in the Beef project but was unable to attend the demonstration portion of the contest. Competition was intense among the Senior contenders. Sybil Lee was the 1st place winner in the Sports project, Bennett Earnest placed 2nd in General Recreation, Henry Lee placed 2nd in the Health project, and Autumn Wiggins was the 1st place winner in the Target Sports project. Sybil, Henry 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 4th – 12th 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.
