Emanuel County 4-H’ers compete in District Project Achievement

January 31-February 2, sixteen 7th-12th Grade 4-H’ers competed at District Project Achievement held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia, and 14 came home as first, second, or third place winners. Paxton Dixon, Lauren Sapp, Sam Williams, Spencer Lawrence, and Scout Hall will be advancing to State 4-H Congress this summer.

First Place Winners were: Sam Williams, 10th Grade Festive Foods; Scout Hall, 9th grade Performing Arts Dance; Lauren Sapp, 11th grade, General Recreation; Hannah Camarero, 8th Grade Sports- Team; Spencer Lawrence, 12th grade Target Sports; Kaylee Screws, 7th grade Arts; Abi Torpy, 7th grade Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts; Parker Outlaw, 8th grade Physical, Biological, and Earth Sciences; Sam Lawrence, 8th grade Food Labs: Pizza; Second Place Winners were: Paxton Dixon, 10th Grade Wildlife; Ashlyn Turner, 7th grade Beef; Maritza Martinez, 8th grade General Recreation; Third Place Winners were: Yasmin Rios, 11th Grade International; Addi Rae Robertson, 7th grade Horse; also earning honorable mention was Nathaniel Harry, 9th Grade Target Sports; Parker Frederick, 12th Grade Human Development.

In addition to individual project competition for 4-H’ers, other awards are given out as well. Emanuel County 4-H received an award for having the highest percentage (100%) of Junior winners (7th-8th Grade) place in their project area. Graduating seniors Spencer Lawrence and Parker Frederick was also recognized for her achievements and received an honor cord to be worn with her caps and gown at graduation.

While at District Project Achievement, 4-H’ers also have the opportunity to campaign and be elected to the Southeast District Board of Directors. Scout Hall was elected to serve as a representative to the Senior Board and will represent Emanuel County and the Southeast 4-H District on the 2025-2026 board.

4-H Project Achievement is a cornerstone of the Georgia 4-H program. 4-H’ers pick a project area of interest, complete project work in that area throughout the year then research a specific topic, write a presentation, and present it to a judging panel. The 7th-12th grade competition process also includes submitting a portfolio. For Senior (9th-12th Grade) 4-H’ers, District winners also have the opportunity to compete at the state level to become a Master 4-H’er and attend State Congress. State winners advance to National Congress.

For more information on Emanuel County 4-H and how you can get involved, call the UGA Extension Office at (478) 237-1226 or visit our office located at 129 North Anderson Drive in Swainsboro.