Local 4-H’ers Thrive At State Congress

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Georgia 4-H Club members from across the state recently traveled to Atlanta to compete against their peers and celebrate the year’s awards and achievement during the State 4-H

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4-H Congress. Locally, students from Montgomery, Toombs, Treutlen, and Wheeler Counties thrived at this event, earning several accolades and “Master 4-H’er” status.

Since 1942, State Congress has been the premier competition and recognition event for high school age Georgia 4-H’ers. Held each year in Atlanta, State Congress is a four-day event that hosts various contests, recognizes 4-H scholarship recipients, and honors state 4-H winners in a variety of projects and competitions. Throughout the week, the organization highlight outstanding 4-H student-led service projects, professionals, friends, private donors, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

To qualify for State Congress, 4-H members must first earn top honors at the Georgia 4-H District Project Achievement competition held each February. During State Congress, participants competed through project demonstrations, interviews, and portfolio evaluations, with all components contributing to their final scores.

The best and brightest 4-H members from across Georgia gathered in Atlanta for the 83rd Annual Georgia 4-H State Congress, held July 21–24. The annual event marks the culmination of the 4-H program year and is one of Georgia 4-H’s premier leadership and recognition events. More than 400 4-H members, along with hundreds of University of Georgia Extension faculty, staff, and volunteers, participated in four days of competitions, leadership recognition, educational tours, and networking opportunities.

Montgomery County 4-H sent two delegates to the state competition – Hartley Williamson, who became a “Master 4-H’er” through her Leadership in Action project and the Flowers, Shrubs, and Leaves Project Achievement competition, and Tatum Williams, who placed third in the Performing Arts: Drama category of Project Achievement.

Becoming a Master 4-H’er is the highest honor that a 4-H Club member can achieve, and signifies that the member has excelled in their chosen area. Williamson earned this accolade through her knowledge of Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees, which she shared through a speech and presentation during the Project Achievement Competition, and through her Leadership in Action Project, entitled “Falling in Love with Trees, Again.” During this project, Williamson worked to secure a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission to purchase several young trees to distribute to the community to help replant trees lost during Hurricane Helene.

Meanwhile, it was Williams’ first year competing in the Senior 4-H Competition; yet, she solidified her reputation as being one of the best actors in the state 4-H Club, as she received third place in the Performing Arts: Drama Project Achievement competition for her comedic monologue. Williams performed an excerpt from “No Place Like Home” by Keisha Cosand, which focuses on a teenage girl’s conversation with her mother about choosing not to move out from her childhood home because of how expensive life as an adult is.

Montgomery County Extension Agent Lauren Stanley commented on the students’ achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Tatum and Hartley and how well they represented Montgomery County. Competing at State Congress is an honor, and these girls have demonstrated incredible commitment, growth, and invested so much time into preparing for this event,” she emphasized. “We cannot express how proud we are of these girls and can’t wait to see them continue to make the best better on their 4-H journey!”

Toombs County

Toombs County 4-H had five members attend the State Congress, as each student worked to compete against some of the best members within the Georgia 4-H organization.

Reba Salter competed in the Performing Arts: Piano category of Project Achievement, where she earned 2nd Place, solidifying her reputation as one of the best young musicians in the state organization.

Daniel Cerillo gave presentations on his Leadership in Action project, which focused on Teacher Appreciation and Wellbeing. Because Georgia 4-H not only saw the importance of the project but believed in its potential to impact the community, Cerillo was presented a $500 grant to continue to expand this initiative throughout Toombs County.

Auston Thompson took home 2nd place honors for the House Project Achievement competition, and was recognized for receiving the prestigious Georgia 4-H key Award, which recognizes members who demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied leadership skills, and actively participated in the functions of their 4-H Club and community. The award encourages the development of outstanding citizens through participation in a broad range of 4-H activities.

Thompson was not the only Georgia 4-H Key Award recipient from Toombs County, as Kingston Ryals also was recognized for the achievement. In addition to this, Ryals placed 3rd in the Human Development category of the Project Achievement competition.

Gregory Huston earned 1st place in the Robotics Project Achievement competition, earning him the title of “Master 4-H’er.” Huston also received the Georgia 4-H Key Award and the Dean’s Award, which recognized the culmination of a 4-H member’s career, honors youth who have participated and excelled in a broad spectrum of experiences over an extended period of time, and recognizes youth for achievement and experience in areas that are fundamental to Georgia 4-H, the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Science. Huston was selected from this honor after submitting an application and completing an interview with Georgia 4-H representatives.

Toombs County 4-H Agent Riley Wimberly, 4-H Educator Brianna Helms, and 4-H AmeriCorps Member Carol Hester accompanied the members to the State Congress. Wimberly spoke about the experience, saying, “We couldn’t be prouder of these outstanding young people. Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to 4-H were evident each week, and they represented Toombs County with excellence.”

Treutlen County

Treutlen County 4-H had one member, Payton Campbell, who attended the State 4-H Congress.

During the State Congress, Campbell was recognized as a “Master 4-H’er” in Senior Division Ranch Horse and Senior Division Stock Seat – two competitions in which she previously captured championships at the State 4-H Horse

Show in June. “We are extremely proud of Payton’s achievements, and are so glad she was able to attend the State Congress,” Treutlen County 4-H Agent Paige Posey emphasized.

Wheeler County

Wheeler County 4-H sent four competitors to the Georgia 4-H State Congress, all of whom showcased their extensive knowledge and skills in their respective categories.

These four 4-H members each competed in the Project Achievement competition, as Madison Holmes took home 2nd place in the Beef category, Fisher Thornton received 2nd place in the Forestry and Wood Science category, Martin Wynn earned 2nd place in the Computer Information Technology category, and Alyssa Weeks battled in a highly competitive Environmental Science category.

“As we wrap up a successful State 4-H Congress, I can't let the opportunity to brag on these young people pass by,” Wheeler 4-H Program Assistant Nicole Thornton remarked. “The road to State Congress is long – this particular one beginning in January of 2025. 4-H'ers must submit a portfolio of project work, leadership, community service, and sharing and helping opportunities spanning the calendar year. They must pick a project, do the work, write a speech, rewrite that speech after I edit it, make a presentation, compete and place 1st at district project achievement, and practice all summer long. The long hours, practice, and stress really paid off for the Wheeler County 4-H'ers this year. We are incredibly proud of these kids and are excited to watch them grow in the future!”

Thornton also shared her appreciation for Cassie Denmark, who handmade and donated bag charms for each State Congress attendee from Wheeler County, Glenwood Mayor G.M. Joiner for donating towards the trip, and the Glenwood Telephone Company for donating funds for the County Night Out dinner and contributing to the meals that 4-H’ers normally have to pay out of pocket during State Congress. “We are thankful to have support and encouragement from our community and its members,” she said.

About 4-H

To learn more about Georgia 4-H or how to get involved in your local 4-H Club, call your county’s extension office or visit www. georgia4h.org.

WHEELER 4-H PLACES AT STATE – The Wheeler County 4-H Club had four members attend the Georgia 4-H State Congress is Atlanta. L to R: Alyssia Weeks, Madison Holmes, Wheeler County 4-H Program Assistant Nicole Thornton, Fisher Thornton, Martin Wynn.

REPRESENTING TREUTLEN COUNTY – Treutlen County 4-H Member Payton Campbell represented the County at the Georgia 4-H State Congress, as she was honored for becoming a “Master 4-H’er” in two horse competitions.

TOOMBS 4-H BRINGS HOME AWARDS – Toombs County 4-H Members not only placed in several competitions at the Georgia 4-H State Congress, but also brought home awards. L to R: Gregory Huston, Auston Thompson, 4-H AmeriCorps Member Carol Hester, Reba Salter, Toombs County 4-H Agent Riley Wimberly, Kingston Ryals, Daniel Cerillo, Toombs County 4-H Educator Brianna Helms.