Being in the spotlight can be intimidating for anyone, but for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, it can be very difficult.  On May 24, 2018, twenty-nine Decatur County 4-H students worked to overcome those fears by participating in the Southwest District 4-H Cloverleaf Project Achievement competition at Mossy Creek Middle School in Houston County, Georgia.

4-H’ers began preparations for the contest in early February as they chose a topic, researched information, prepared a speech or food, made posters or performed. Scores are based on fluidity, presentation/preparation skills, and knowledge of the subject. Decatur Country 4-H students received eleven1st place honors, eight 2nd place slots, six 3rd place ribbons and four 4th place positions. These 4-H’ers are to be commended for their great public speaking and presentation skills.

Representing Decatur County 4-H were Abram Austinson, Archaeology; Langston Bennett, General Recreation; Kenyon Benton, Arts; Jamirica Brown, Between Meal Snacks; Andrew Carnes, Historic Places & Events; Owen Earnest, General Science; Walker Elrod, Health; Demetrius Freeman, Team Sports; Caroline Grubbs, Cat Care; McKenzie Harris, Horse; Kaylee Howell, Performing Arts General; Haydyn Klock, Marine & Coastal Ecology; Shakira Lawrence, Food Fare; Sybil Lee, Interior Design; Dani Martin, Performing Arts Vocal; Katie Martin, Clothing & Textiles; Mia McMillan, Dog Care & Training; Maliyah McNair, Food Fare; Kenny Moye, Paleontology; Keenan Phillips, Team Sports; J.T. Powell, Outdoor Recreation; Jaelyn Sapp, Robotics; Emily Shea, Environmental Science; Lailae Smith, General Recreation; Kevin Stanley, Crafts; Josey Stevens, Communications; Cait Taylor, Human Development; Kinsey Ward, Target Sports; Mallori Williams, Between Meal Snacks.

4-H Certified Teen Leaders Abby Bennett, Corbin Austin and Journey Austinson helped Cloverleaf 4-H’ers with the preparation process and also attended the competition to provide additional support.

Georgia 4-H is preparing the next generation of leaders through 4-H Project Achievement.  4-H Project Achievement participants develop research, writing and presentation skills which help youth perform better in school related tasks, become self-directed learners and contributing members of society and create 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 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 office at 248-3033.