Emanuel 4-H’ers attend 81st Annual State 4-H Congress

Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 81st Annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta July 23 – 26. State Congress includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests, as well as recognition of youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Three Emanuel County 4-H’ers competed at State Congress this year, including Sam Williams in the Festive Foods for Health project, Lauren Sapp in the General Recreation project, and Paxton Dixon in the Wildlife & Marine Sciences project. Williams and Sapp both placed third in their projects, while Dixon placed fourth.

Students who place first at state-level competitions in Georgia 4-H earn the title of “Master 4-H’er.” During State Congress, more than 200 delegates competed in 50 Project Achievement areas and eight delegates competed in the Leadership in Action contest; one individual from each project area and two Leadership in Action competitors received Master 4-H’er status. Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2023-24 program year were also recognized at State Congress.

More than 48,000 youth participated in Project Achievement last year through 4-H programs at the county level. This essential Georgia 4-H program element empowers young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking, and record keeping skills that will last a lifetime. At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of areas that include agriculture, human development, performing arts, communication, engineering, and workforce preparation. They subsequently research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.

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Georgia 4-H recognizes stakeholders who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H throughout the year at State Congress. Laura Mirarchi, 4-H Agent in Troup County, received the Ryles Rising Star Award and Dr. Nick Fuhrman, accepted the Friend of 4-H Award on behalf of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources during the 4-H Leadership Banquet. Longtime Georgia 4-H supporter and advocate Jay Morgan received the 4-H Green Jacket Award and Patrick Willis, Berrien County 4-H Agent, received the William H. Booth Award at the 4-H Annual Banquet. Additional William H. Booth Award finalists include Lauren Boykin, Bulloch County 4-H Agent; Wanda McLocklin, Barrow County 4-H Agent; and Dinah Rowe, Heard County 4-H Agent.

State Congress is made possible by generous contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia Power, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and the Georgia Master 4-H Club. Pillar Sponsors for the event include Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, META, Chemours, and Kelly Loeffler.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information on Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved as a member, volunteer, or donor, contact Emanuel County Extension by calling 478-237-1226, or visit the office located at 129 N. Anderson Drive, Swainsboro.