The Georgia 4-H State Congress event in Atlanta is an annual highlight for many 4-H high school youth. It is the culmination of a year of hard work, dedication, and persistence in their 4-H projects. During the event, 4-H members present their project, a 10-minute oral presentation with visual aids, about any topic within their category to a panel of judges. Youth must first qualify to attend the event by being a district (39 counties) winner earlier in the year.
Liberty County 4-H had four youth delegates at the 76th annual State 4-H Congress. Jonathan Adams earned first place in the Physical, Biological, and Earth Sciences Project with his presentation about our solar system’s dwarf planets. The Georgia Electric Membership Corporation sponsors the Physical, Biological, and Earth Sciences project.
Sophia Rodriguez earned first place in the Health Project with her presentation about the effects of deployment on military-connected children. The Health Project is sponsored by Ms. Pat Bruschini, Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Martin, and Dr. and Mrs. Greg Jones.
Kelly Lachowsky earned second place honors in the Entomology Project, and Monice Battle placed fourth in the Housing, Equipment, and Environment Project. The Georgia Pest Control Association and Mr. and Mrs. Jody Usry sponsor the Entomology Project. Mr. and Mrs. Bucky Cook sponsor the Housing, Equipment, and Environment Project.
Competitors at State Congress also prepare a portfolio, a resume-like document complete with project work, leadership activities, and community service projects from the previous year. Participants also take part in interviews about their project experiences.
“Less than 1 percent of competitors win their 4-H project area, so it really is quite an honor. There are only 50 youth who win their project each year at State Congress. Having two state winners in the same year from Liberty County is wonderful,” Kasey Bozeman, 4-H Agent for Liberty County said. “I am very proud of our youth competitors and what they have accomplished. Kelly and Monice are rising 11th graders, and I know their projects will be even better next year.”
Youth members excelling in other 4-H competitions and events are also honored throughout the week. Jordyn James, former 4-H member from Liberty County and current student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, was recognized for being one of 15 summer camp leadership counselors this summer. Jordyn was the Cherokee Tribal Mico at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.
Rodriguez was also recognized for winning the William “Bill” Sutton Communications and the Arts Dean’s Award earlier this year. Rodriguez submitted a portfolio of her 4-H career to a panel of judges for review.
“It’s really been an incredible year in Liberty County 4-H,” Bozeman said. “We offer programs for youth of all ages, so I encourage people to get their kids involved. The possibilities are quite limitless with 4-H.”
To learn more about the 4-H programming in Liberty County, call 912-876-2133 or email uge3179@uga.edu.