The 6th Annual Mitchell May Memorial Scholarship was presented to Hudson Barber, Monday, May 7, 2018 at the annual 4-H Awards Banquet.

Eleventh and twelfth grade members of the Decatur County 4-H Shotgun team wishing to further their education at the college level are eligible to apply for the scholarship that is given in the memory of University of Georgia County Extension Agent Mitchell May. May, who passed away in July 2013, was one of the founding coaches of the Decatur County 4-H shotgun team. He spent many hours ensuring that youth had the training, skills and role models necessary to become successful citizens and leaders.

The award selection process for the Mitchell May Memorial Scholarship is based on the applicant’s scholastic achievement and extracurricular activities. Additionally, applicants were required to submit a two-page essay relating to the topic; “What positive character traits do you feel that you developed as a result of participation in extracurricular activities such as 4-H and the shotgun team.” In his essay, Barber stated that, “The shotgun team is my favorite extracurricular activity, and I feel like my time that I invested in it has helped me gain many important traits, such as patience, concentration and humbleness.”

Jane McDonald, sister of Mitchell May, presented the Scholarship to Hudson, son of Bobby Barber, Jr. and Allison Barber. Hudson, who will be attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, participated on the Decatur County 4-H Shotgun Team for four years and was an avid Decatur County 4-H member. He also participated on the Bainbridge High School Football team, tennis team and Basscats team. Additionally, Barber was a member of FFA, FCA, Key Club, and Interact Club. Hudson also served on the First National Bank Youth Advisory committee.

At the 4-H Awards Banquet, Lindsey B. Hayes, Decatur County Extension Coordinator, stated, “Not only has Hudson been a successful member of the 4-H shooting sports team, but he is a leader among other 4-H’ers-always encouraging them to do their best and excel in their endeavors.”