Sixteen Liberty County Junior and Senior 4-Hers participated in the recent Southeast District Project Achievement competition, according to 4-H and Youth Development Agent Kasey Bozeman.

She said the weekend event showcases members’ organizational and leadership skills while rewarding them for knowledge in a particular field.

“It’s one of our base programs in 4-H,” she said. “We teach young people research skills, writing skills and public speaking skills through the process.”

Bozeman said participants compile a portfolio of work on one topic they have done throughout the year. At the competition, they display the work and deliver a 10-minute presentation about a particular subject within their topic.

Liberty 4-Hers who brought home awards from the Jan. 31-Feb. 1 competition were:

•Seraphina Morrison, 1stplace in communications

•Amani Jackson, 1stplace in international

•Ciara Goodmanson, 1stplace in environmental science

•Khalea Sapp, 2ndplace in safety

•Sophia Rodriguez, 2ndplace in communications

•Gwendolyn Bugg, 3rdplace in arts

•Emma Davis, 3rdplace in international

•Jonathan Adams, honorable mention in history

•Hunter Ray, honorable mention in sports

•Natisha Love, honorable mention in human development

•Roman Buentipo, honorable mention in performing arts vocal

•Elizajah Emmanuel, honorable mention in sports

•Jordyn James, honorable mention in sports

•De-Quan Rogers, honorable mention in food for fitness

•Destiny LeCounte, honorable mention in recreation

•Nicholas Scott, honorable mention in health.

Goodmanson and Rodriguez will advance to the State 4-H Congress in July, where they will represent Liberty County in a competition against other district winners.

Goodmanson was further honored as the 2015 Southeast District Water Wise Scholarship winner.

According to Bozeman, the $250 scholarship is awarded each year to a 4-H’er who has done “outstanding project work” in the area of water.

“This is actually Ciara’s second year winning it, so we’re very excited,” Bozeman said.

Also during the weekend, Morrison was elected to the district Junior Board and James won a seat on the Senior Board.

Rodriguez, who received the most votes, was elected president of the Senior Board of Directors, Bozeman said.

“They serve for a year’s term, and will help plan different district- and state-wide events,” Bozeman explained. “It’s a great opportunity,” she continued. “We’re very excited about these young people.”

Junior club members are in 7th and 8thgrades, while senior members are in grades 9-12. Bozeman said that the District Project Achievement competition for Cloverleaf 4-Hers – those in grades 4, 5 and 6 – will take place March 21.