4-H’ers Spend A Day at the Capitol

Courtesy of Montgomery and Treutlen County 4-H Clubs

A decades-long tradition continued on Thursday, February 26, in Atlanta as Georgia 4-H’ers turned the halls of the Capitol green and experienced the civic process in real time. Elected officials joined more than 700 youth, staff, volun- continued from page

teers, and supporters to celebrate the widespread positive impact of the 4-H program.

Five Montgomery County 4-H’ers – Macey Bradley, Morgan Connell, Italy Thornton, Tatum Williams, and Hartley Williamson – and four Treutlen County 4-H’ers – Jaycee Grinstead, Emree Mixon, Gracelyn Posey, and Julia Strickland – attended the event, along with Montgomery County 4-H/Agriculture and National Resources Agent Lauren Stanley and Treutlen County 4-H Program Assistant Paige Posey.

State Sen. Larry Walker and Georgia Rep. Rick Jasperse served as legislative hosts for the 4-H delegation. County 4-H groups explored and toured the Capitol building, and many 4-H leaders arranged direct meetings with senators and representatives from their districts. Montgomery and Treutlen County 4-H’ers were able to briefly visit with Senator Blake Tillery and Representative Leesa Hagan during a busy day at the Capitol, as Senate and House members were in session.

Georgia’s current slate of elected officials includes many 4-H alumni, parents and supporters who welcomed students to the place where government comes to life.

Civic engagement and leadership make up one of three Georgia 4-H focus areas for programming, empowering 4-H’ers to become engaged citizens and develop life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. A partnership with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and the Georgia 4-H Foundation provided support for this unique and impactful event.

Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol culminated with a luncheon in the Georgia Freight Depot that celebrated 4-H and expressed appreciation to lawmakers and supporters. Senator Russ Goodman provided 4-H’ers with encouragement and motivation to become the next generation of leaders. Rep. Jasperse acknowledged a group of 4-H honorees who have received state and national recognition for accomplishments over the past year.

Georgia 4-H President Robert Thomas addressed those in attendance on behalf of 201,000 4-H’ers currently enrolled in Georgia 4-H. “Through my 4-H project, I discovered my spark. I found a passion for healthy living, for the science behind food sustainability, and for the connections built through events where I could truly engage with my peers,” Thomas said in his remarks. “On behalf of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension, and 4-H’ers across our state, thank you for believing in us. Thank you for investing in us.”

Nick T. Place, Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Melanie Biersmith, State 4-H Leader, provided remarks to thank legislators and recognize the importance of 4-H for youth in Georgia.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation invests in Georgia 4-H’ers by providing support for transportation, logistics and lunch during 4-H Day at the Capitol. The event, which is often the first visit to Atlanta for many students, makes an indelible mark on those who attend. Youth are empowered to become leaders of the future when they are given the opportunity to engage with present leaders.

As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved with 4-H in your community, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.