Emanuel 4-H’ers compete at Rock Eagle

Starting February 11 and continuing through February 13, 15 local 4-H’ers in grades seven through 12 traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton to compete in District Project Achievement. Thirteen of those competitors came home with first, second, or third place finishes. Three of those competitors will move on to State Congress this summer: Nataleigh Belcher, Wallee Kersey, and Jack Williams.

First place winners included: Belcher in 9th Grade Beef, Kersey in 10th Grade Dog Care and Training, Williams in 11th Grade Food Safety and Preservation, Sam Williams in 7th Grade Better Breakfast, Colten Lewis in 7th Grade Engineering and Mechanics, Yasmin Rios in 8th Grade Communications, and Lauren Sapp in 8th Grade General Recreation.

Those placing second were: Savannah Reynolds in 12th Grade Physical, Biological, and Earth Science; Spencer Lawrence in 9th Grade Sheep and Meat Goats; Rylie Rowland in 12th Grade Food for Health and Sport; Morgan Terry in 8th Grade Sports; and Jose Hernandez in 11th Grade Arts and Crafts.

The lone third place finisher from Emanuel was Parker Frederick in 9th Grade Dog Care and Training.

Two other competitors performed well in their projects: Faithann Rogers in 10th Grade Dairy Foods and Megan Terry in 10th Grade Computer Information Technology.

In addition to individual project competition for 4-H’ers, other awards are given out as well. Emanuel County 4-H received an award for having 100 percent of Juniors (competitors in seventh and eighth grades) place in their project area. Additionally, graduating seniors Reynolds and Rowland were recognized for their achievements and received honor cords to be worn with their caps and gowns at graduation in just a few months.

4-H Project Achievement is a cornerstone of the Georgia 4-H program.

4-H’ers pick a project area of interest and complete project work in that area throughout the year, then research a specific topic, write a presentation, and present it to a judging panel.

The seventh through 12th grade competition process also includes submitting a portfolio for written work.

For Senior 4-H’ers (those in grades nine through 12), district winners also have the opportunity to compete at the state level to become a Master 4-H’er and attend State Congress. State winners then advance to National Congress.

For more information about Emanuel County 4-H and how to get involved, call the UGA Extension Office at 478-237-1226 or visit the local office at 129 North Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.