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ment at Rock Eagle 4-H Center at the end of January 2025. “Students spend all year working on a portfolio that highlights their project work, leadership, community service, awards, 4-H and school-related activities. Students also write a speech, make a presentation, and present it in front of other 4-H’ers and adults from across the district,” Thornton explained.
Thornton said in high school, students compete to have a chance to advance to the state competition, which is held in Atlanta during July. Martin Wynn, a WCHS 10th grader, placed 2nd in the very competitive category of “Computer Information Technology” and advanced to State Congress. He will spend several days in Atlanta touring companies, presenting his presentation, and participating in an interview process where he can showcase his project work.
Ten 4-H’ers from Wheeler County make up the Project S.A.F.E. shotgun team for the 2024-2025 school year, Thornton said. Shooters practice weekly with the intention of scoring high enough at the local district competition to move on to the state-level shoot.
On April 12, shooters competed in the Toombs County Modified Trap Qualifier where nine of the 10 shooters advanced to the state competition. Junior 4-H’ers (7th-8th graders) had to hit 16 out of 25 clays, while the Senior 4-H’ers (9th-12th graders) had to hit 20 out of 25 clays.
The Wheeler County Young Guns Junior Team placed 2nd in the competition with all shooters hitting 20 or more clays. Eighth grader, Fisher Thornton tied for 3rd place in the competition, with 23 of 25 clays, and participated in a shoot off at the conclusion of the competition.
The Wheeler County Young Guns Senior Team included three first-year shooters with four of the five 4-H’ers moving on to compete in the state competition in May.
Thornton also introduced the first-year competition BB Team, which was activated after many years of the program being dormant. Shooters have practiced this discipline for months in preparation for their district competition. Students all competed and set their personal best records at the Toombs County BB Qualifier on March 29.
BB TEAM — From left, System Superintendent Dr. Alex Alvarez, Jase Oliver, River Thornton, Ian Widener, Carter Hay, Coach Camrom Spell, Nicole Thornton, UGA Extension. Not pictured are Cortez Powell, Colton Clark, Gunner Clark, and Ayden Lopez.
LITERARY COMPETITION WINNERS — From left, Chelsie Gruber, Jakob Tarpley, Alyssia Weeks, and Ariana Durden. Not pictured are Roxy Evans and Annmarie Adams. Also shown are instructor Philip Parker, left, and Superintendent Dr. Alex Alvarez.Photo by Melanie Knight
