Four 4-H members represented Liberty County at State 4-H Congress in Atlanta last week.

“State 4-H Congress is the competition every 4-H member wants to attend,” Liberty County 4-H Agent Kasey Bozeman said. “It’s where the best of the best compete in their projects, hoping to be a state winner.”

Liberty 4-H’ers competing at state were:

Jonathan Adams, Bradwell Institute: Physical, Biological and Earth Sciences Project – 3rd place

Monice Battle, BI: Housing, Equipment and Environment Project – 4th place

Kelly Lachowsky, homeschooled: Entomology Project – 3rd place

Sophia Rodriguez, BI: Leadership in Action – 1st place

The road to the congress isn’t easy. Youth choose one of over 40 projects for the year. They complete various activities, gaining knowledge on their chosen area, as well as leading classes and other outreach activities about their topic. They compile a portfolio of their work, along with other 4-H leadership and community service experiences.  

Youth choose a topic within their project and make a 12-minute presentation to a panel of judges.

“This entire process teaches young people valuable skills, such as planning, record keeping, decision making, and oral and written communication,” Bozeman said. “The life skills I learned as a 4-H member through this process help me on a daily basis. And I love seeing today’s young people developing these skills, too.”

In order to compete at state, 4-H’ers must win a first place at the 39-county district contest in the spring.

“I am extremely proud of our 4-H members and all that they have accomplished,” Bozeman said. “Our future is bright because these youth are developing the skills it takes to be a leader in today’s world. These competitions are challenging, but seeing these youth commit to their project and complete this contest is so incredibly inspiring.”  

The Liberty County 4-H program offers activities for youth in grades K-12.  For more information, call 912-876-2133.