Eleven Decatur County youth recently traveled to the Rock Eagle 4-H Center to attend the Southwest Georgia District Project Achievement. 

More than 400 students from 41 counties in Southwest Georgia participated in the 4-H academic competition. Junior 4-H students participating were Journey Austinson, Food Safety and Preservation; Stacy Vulgamore, History; and Taylor Barber, Pork Production.

Senior participants included Miller Hayes, Veterinary Science; Heath Parker, Pork Production; Michaele Bryant, Crafts; Savannah Padgett, Fashion Revue; Anders Austinson, Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts; Takahri Murphy, Performing Arts Dance; Kameron Landeen, Pork Production; and Katelyn Ward, Communication.

Decatur County 4-H members were judged on their demonstrations and portfolios.  First, second, and third place in each category and age division were recognized and awarded at special ceremonies during the event. First place winners were Journey Austinson, Taylor Barber, Stacy Vulgamore, Heath Parker, Savannah Padgett and Anders Austinson. Kameron Landeen took second place and Katelyn Ward placed third in their respective categories.

First place winners in the Senior 4-H age division in each category will go on to represent Southwest Georgia at the Georgia 4-H State Congress in July. Sweepstakes winners in categories with more participants may include Second and Third place winners as well.  These youth will compete with winners from the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast districts. Decatur County State Congress delegates are Anders Austinson in Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts, Heath Parker in Pork Production and Savannah Padgett in Fashion Revue.

District Project Achievement is one of the most important events for Southwest Georgia 4-H district because it gives the 4-H members a chance to meet and become friends with other members in their area.  During this time, delegates from each of the 41 counties vote for representatives and officers for their district. For 2015-2016, eight Senior 4-H representatives and eight Junior representatives were elected.

Decatur County 4-H members also managed to squeeze various recreation activities into their weekend, such as hikes, team sports, trivia, board games, and even a special dance and pizza party down by Rock Eagle Lake.  The event will continue to be one our youth look forward to attending each year.

For more information about other 4-H competitions and activities, contact the UGA Extension office at 248-3033 or email linsbell@uga.edu.