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Decatur County 4-H’ers distinguished themselves at Rock Eagle on February 4-6 in 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 Preston Lynn and Walker Elrod. Senior (9th-12th grade) participants included Thomas Neal, Lailae Smith, Sybil Lee, Keenan Phillips, Brannon Parker, Olivia Griner, Rachel Hayes, and Kinsey Ward.

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 10 minutes, and Senior demonstrations are 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, Preston Lynn earned 1st place in the Swine project and Walker Elrod earned 1st place in the Performing Arts Piano project. Competition was intense among the Senior contenders. Rachel Hayes was the 1st place winner in Sheep and Meat Goats and Thomas Neal received 1st in Outdoor Recreation. Brannon Parker took 2nd in the Swine project with Olivia Griner receiving 3rd in Communications and Sybil Lee earning 3rd in the Sports project. Kinsey Ward received 4th place in the Health project and Lailae Smith and Keenan Phillips received Honorable Mention in Workforce Preparation and Sports, respectively. Thomas Neal and Rachel Hayes 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.