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 22-26.

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.

Bryan County sent Lacey Howell, Aubrianna Stewart, and Maddie Walraven to compete at State Congress. Lacey Howell placed 3rd in Engineering and Mechanics, Aubrianna Stewart placed 2nd in Entomology, and Maddie Walraven placed 3rd in Housing.

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.

Maddie Walraven received her Master status in the Egg Chef Challenge contest. Participants in this contest demonstrate how to prepare an egg dish while discussing the nutritional value and versatility of eggs. In addition to these events, the conference includes an avian knowledge bowl contest, which is a double- elimination tournament in which the contestants are required to answer questions regarding poultry science, poultry meat and egg production, and information about the poultry industries.

Nearly 50,000 youth participate in Project Achievement each 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.

The Leadership in Action competition calls for 4-H’ers to identify a community need and work to meet that need by planning and implementing original projects and initiatives. Competitors then prepare an application packet and participate in interviews at the district level. The 2024 Leadership in Action winners are Lauren Coley from Bleckley County and Sophia Scott from Pickens County.

Aubrianna Stewart competed in Leadership in Action with her project “Don’t Bee a Hater, Save the Pollinators”. Aubrianna started this project to educate younger students as well as adults in the community about the importance of pollinators as they are vital to our local ecosystems and food sources. Through this project she has gained hands on experience by working with a local apiary and started a hive for her family. Serving as a Georgia 4-H Pollinator Ambassador, she has been able to share knowledge with the community, develop relationships with businesses, and teach workshops.

Other finalists were Coleman Mangham from Tift County, Lilly Lanier from Mitchell County, Tyson Mathis from Oconee County, William Parish from Gordon County, and Winta Ykeallo from Spalding County.

Georgia 4-H recognizes stakeholders who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H throughout the year at State Congress.

Laura Mirarchi, Troup County 4-H Agent and County Extension Coordinator, received the Ryles Rising Star Award and UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources received the Friend of 4-H Award during the 4-H Leadership Banquet. Jay Morgan received the 4-H Green Jacket Award and Patrick Willis, Berrien County 4-H Agent and County Extension Coordinator, received the William H. Booth Award at the 4-H Annual Banquet. Additional William H. Booth Award finalists include Lauren Boykin from Bulloch County, Wanda McLocklin from Barrow County, and Dinah Rowe from Heard County.

Leaders in the camping program and 4-H center leadership also received recognition during State Congress. Additionally, the 2024-2025 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors were inducted into their positions of leadership. The 20232024 Board of Directors were honored for their year of service.

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. Georgia 4-H Pillar and Presenting Sponsors include Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, Kelly Loeffler, META, and Chemours.

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 about Georgia 4-H, visit www.georgia4h.org.