Four Qualify for 4-H State Congress

It was a successful weekend at the Southeast 4-H District Project Achievement (DPA) event on February 6-8, as four Toombs County 4-H’ers qualified for the State Congress.

Twenty-seven middle and high school students from Vidalia and Toombs County schools joined over 500 others from across Southeast Georgia. There was an increase of nearly 100 participants from Southeast Georgia and all of our students had fun exploring Rock Eagle and meeting new people. The weekend was filled with project competition, officer elections for Southeast District Junior and Senior Boards, special award presentations, recreation and community service learning projects.

The project competition had two parts. First, members were scored on a project portfolio detailing activities completed during the 2025 calendar year. Second, members presented a demonstration in their project area. The scores from the two segments were combined for the total score.

Fifteen Toombs County senior members in (grades 9 – 12) attended this year’s competition for a chance to represent the Southeast District at State 4-H Congress in July. In projects with 8 or more contestants, sweepstakes trips are awarded.

Seniors Receiving 1st place and earning a trip to state congress are Gregory Huston (Robotics), Reba Salter (Performing Arts: Piano), Auston Thompson (Housing), and Kingston Ryals (Human Development). Receiving 2nd place was Alexa Acosta (International), Daniel Cerrillo, Jr (Food Safety), Anna Lynn Hutcheson (Agriscience) Haylee Doyle (Dog Care), and Tiera Shaw (Safety). Receiving 3rd place was Claire Beasley (Performing Arts: Vocal). Receiving honorable mention were Makenzie Deloach (Workforce Preparation), Francheska Martinez (Arts and Crafts), Logan Monds (Performing Arts: Instrumental), and Mileni Nahuaca (General Recreation).

In the Junior Division, twelve members participated. Receiving 2nd place was Landon Brewton (Computers), Aiden Colmenares (Earth Science), Savannah Duckels (Food Labs), and Payton Maldonado (Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables). Receiving 3rd place was Athens Bones (General Recreation), Mason Dowdy (Human Development), Carmen Guerrero (Workforce Preparation), and Shaylah Williams (Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts). Receiving Honorable Mention was E’Miya Bobbitt (General Recreation), Le’Niya Bobbitt (General Recreation), Clayton Cannady (Human Development), and Trinity Diaz (Sports).

Toombs County was awarded 3rd place for most participants at the competition, as well as recognition for Mrs. Carol [Hester]’s Community Service Club.

Daniel Cerrillo Jr. was recognized for his service as a 2025-2026 Southeast District Board Member. We are proud of Daniel’s leadership and representing Toombs County 4-H well.

At DPA, three graduating seniors attended the senior banquet to celebrate their time as 4-H’ers. Gregory Huston, Kingston Ryals, and Auston Thompson were in attendance and received their 4-H cords that they can wear during their high school graduation.

Extension staff members accompanying the group included Riley Wimberly – 4-H Agent, Brianna Helms – 4-H Educator, and Carol Hester – 4-H Americorps Member. Shirley Earls also attended as a volunteer leader.

For more information about 4-H in Toombs County, contact the local office at 912- 526-3101 or visit Toombs County Extension online at http:// www.ugaextension. com/ toombs/. University of Georgia Extension is an equal opportunity affirmation action organization.

RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE – Daniel Cerrillo Jr. (right) was recognized for his service as a 2025-2026 Southeast District Board Member during the 4-H Southeast District Project Achievement event.

GRADUATING SENIORS – Three graduating seniors were recognized at the 4-H Southeast District Project Achievement event at Rock Eagle 4-H Center on February 6-8. L to R: Toombs County 4-H Agent Riley Wimberly, Gregory Huston, Kingston Ryals, Auston Thompson.