On Monday, February 6, 2012, 247 4-H youth, leaders, and volunteers traveled to Atlanta for the 11th Annual Leadership Day and 4-H Day at the Capitol. Leadership Day, sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is an opportunity for leaders from across Georgia to come together, share best practices, and identify ways to improve leadership efforts in Georgia.
The event, held at the Atlanta Freight Depot, recognizes the efforts of leadership programs sponsored by DCA, including Georgia 4-H, The Fanning Institute’s Community Leadership Program, and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. In all, over 500 youth, county leadership team members, graduates of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, and government officials attended this event.
The day included speeches from Governor Nathan Deal, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker of the House David Ralston, DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty, and Development Manager and Georgia 4-H alumnus Lisa Gipson. Special entertainment for the day was provided by members of the Georgia 4-H Performing Arts group, Clovers & Co. including Jado Cato, Henry County; Clay McArthur, Pickens County; Gracie Rowe, Heard County; Garrett Collins, Butts County; Ansley Hutcheson, Butts County; Destan Musgrove, Crisp County; and Tifara Brown, Ben Hill County.
After Leadership Day concluded, 4-Hers visited the State Capitol to meet with their representatives, toured the capitol, and witnessed the legislative process in action. State 4-H President, Dowdy White, from Crisp County, addressed both the House and Senate, thanking them for their support of 4-H over the past year, and pledging to continue to work together to make Georgia a great place to live. Georgia 4-H is especially appreciative of our hosts for the day, Senator Johnny Grant and Representatives Richard Smith and Rick Jasperse.
Proclamations in both the house and senate recognized 4-H honorees. The entire 4-H delegation took a picture on the house-grand staircase with Representative Rick Jasperse and Associate Dean for Extension Beverly Sparks. Georgia 4-H wishes to thank Georgia’s leaders for their warm welcome and continued support of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension, and Georgia 4-H.
