Green Jacket Award: Senator Larry Walker III

The prestigious Georgia 4-H Green Jacket is awarded to individuals who have shown outstanding, significant, and ongoing statewide support to 4-H and is sponsored by Georgia EMC. In 2025, Georgia 4-H was proud to bestow this accolade of appreciation to Senator Larry Walker III.
Sen. Walker was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2015 and serves the citizens of District 20.
Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol is made possible each year by hosts from the House of Representatives and the Senate. Sen. Walker has graciously filled this host role consecutively for the last five years. The event has seen a significant increase in participation during his tenure as Senate host.
State 4-H Council includes the annual Citizenship Ceremony that challenges 4-H’ers to become active citizens and engaged voters. Sen. Walker served as the ceremony leader in 2022 and administered an oath for the new voters that calls on them to participate in the governmental process.
Sen. Walker led the effort to appropriate $3,000,000 in the Fiscal Year 2023 amended budget to support the Rock Eagle 4-H Center cabin replacement campaign.
In addition to championing 4-H in the Georgia legislature, Sen. Walker is a major advocate for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He has been instrumental in legislative support for the UGA Grand Farm.
Sen. Walker is a native of Perry, Georgia and a graduate of UGA’s Terry College of Business. Georgia 4-H is grateful to Sen. Walker for his ongoing and significant advocacy on behalf of 4-H’ers, faculty, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Complete List of Previous Green Jacket Award Recipients

William H. Booth Award: Sonya Jones

Georgia EMC, Georgia 4-H, and the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals annually present the William H. Booth Award to outstanding 4-H extension agents, recognizing significant professional achievements and continued support of the organization. The 2025 recipient is Sonya Jones, Pulaski County 4-H Agent.
Sonya has more than 22 years of experience in Pulaski County and has built a dynamic 4-H program centered on “place, potential, purpose, and passion.”
She has sustained a robust volunteer program and empowered youth to thrive across two decades. Her efforts in community stewardship secured more than $10,000 in county endowment funding and revitalized local volunteerism. A past GAE4-HYDP President and ExTEND Leadership graduate, Sonya has earned numerous awards at state, regional, and national levels.

Ryles Rising Star Award: Lauren Clark

The Ryles Rising Star Award was established upon the retirement of former State 4-H Leader Dr. Roger C. (Bo) Ryles to recognize an outstanding 4-H staff member in the first five years of employment. These individuals make significant and exceptional contributions to the success of 4-H, either in a county program, at a 4-H center, or in the state 4-H office. The 2025 recipient is Lauren Clark, Screven County 4-H Agent. Lauren manages a 4-H program for more than 700 youth and partners with over 40 volunteers to provide high-quality programming in Screven County. In her short tenure, she has established a robust horse program, a poultry judging team, and numerous other successful opportunities for youth.
“While the growth in participation is impressive, Lauren’s unwavering commitment to the youth and families of Screven County is what truly sets her apart,” said Lee Anna Deal, Southeast District 4-H Program Development Coordinator.

Friend of 4-H Award: Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter

Georgia 4-H and the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding support of Georgia 4-H with the Friend of 4-H Award. This important award highlights exemplary contributions towards the Georgia 4-H vision and mission. The 2025 recipient is Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA). For more than 30 years, GNFA has offered world-class facilities as a partner in providing meaningful experiences for thousands of youth. The GNFA staff works to host more than a dozen livestock shows every year and supports educational contests that include public speaking, cooking, and performing arts. Signature programs like the Legislative Showdown and 4-H Day at the Fair offer youth powerful opportunities to engage with elected officials, showcase their skills, and advocate for agriculture.

Camp to Campus

Dorothy Mortimore’s journey to studying forestry at UGA began at 4-H camp. “This camp was a foundational opportunity to really explore my interests through in-depth learning and immersive activities. I built relationships with professors who cared about me and my interests, and 4-H helped me link my passions with my long-term college journey and career path.”

A poised and confident Dorothy Mortimore shared these words with nearly 400 4-H youth development professionals at the National 4-H Positive Youth Development Academy earlier this spring. Now a first-year student at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (Warnell), Dorothy easily connects her college experience back to the Georgia 4-H Natural Resources Exploration Camp – an experience that shaped her academic and career goals.

Growing up in a family that loved visiting national parks and spending time outdoors, Dorothy naturally gravitated toward environmental-based 4-H projects, with Forestry Judging being her favorite competition. Through encouragement from her 4-H Agent, Lauren Boykin of Bulloch County, she applied for the first-ever Georgia 4-H Natural Resources Exploration Camp in 2023.

The week-long camp, offered through a partnership between Georgia 4-H and Warnell, immerses high school students in outdoor learning. Activities range from wildlife tracking and drone mapping to macroinvertebrate sampling and tree identification. “Being involved with so many hands-on opportunities gave me such a great perspective on what professionals actually do in the field,” Dorothy explained. “From gathering data, interpreting and analyzing it, then using those findings to educate others, I really got an all-encompassing experience.”

“Another highlight for me was studying aquatic turtles in Rock Eagle Lake,” Dorothy said.” We measured shell size, weighed them, identified sex and species, and tagged them for future studies.”

Dorothy connected with Warnell faculty and staff who specialize in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and environmental education. “Dr. Michel Kohl had a research project using wildlife cameras across Athens to study human-wildlife conflict,” she said. “He needed volunteers to help identify animals in the images, so I began working on the project while still in high school.” That direct experience showed her the importance of data collection and analysis in wildlife sciences.

Dr. Nick Fuhrman, known for his enthusiasm in life and work, inspired Dorothy to become a Rock Eagle 4-H Center camp counselor. She enjoyed teaching Forestry classes to young campers (pictured above). “It’s definitely a full-circle moment,” she said. “I got to learn more about the environment at 4-H camp, and now I get to help others do the same.”

Today, Dorothy sits in college classrooms taught by the same professors who once led her summer camp sessions. With gratitude, she reflects on the way 4-H bridged the gap from camp to campus, helping her transform curious sparks into a clear, confident path toward her thriving future.

 

Georgia 4-H Senior Conference 2025

High school 4-H’ers from across the state gathered at Rock Eagle 4-H Center for Senior Conference in April 2025. Nearly 400 4-H youth and adult leaders came together for a weekend of connection, growth, and celebration with the theme “Chasing Dreams with Georgia 4-H.”

 

This year’s conference was presented by Piedmont Athens Regional through a Health and Wellness Supporting Pillar sponsorship. The partnership allowed youth to participate in three hands-on workshops led by Piedmont representatives. Each session focused on emergency readiness and safety, offering participants introductory training in life-saving methods such as CPR, choking prevention, and “Stop the Bleed” techniques. Through these interactive experiences, 4-H’ers built confidence and gained valuable skills to help others in times of need.

The weekend also highlighted opportunities for higher education and employment, including a College and Career Fair and future-focused workshops designed to help youth explore their next steps. The College and Career Fair featured representatives from 18 institutions across Georgia, giving participants a chance to connect with university recruiters, technical colleges, and career programs. Youth left with practical insights and motivation for the future.

Leadership for the event was strengthened through the involvement of Collegiate 4-H chapters from University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Collegiate members led sessions on choosing the right college path, navigating the application process, and adjusting to campus life. Their mentorship and enthusiasm offered younger 4-H’ers a real-world glimpse into life after high school graduation.

Senior Conference also included meaningful service activities focused on spreading kindness and giving back, reinforcing 4-H’s commitment to making a positive difference in every community. “Senior Conference is such a powerful reminder of what Georgia 4-H is all about,” said Jenna Daniel, 4-H Grant Development Specialist. “We are excited to help young people discover their passions and prepare for the future.”

Agriculture and Safety: Connections in The Metro Area

Clayton County is one of Georgia’s smallest counties by area, but those small county borders are home to nearly 300,000 people, four interstates, two railroads, and the world’s busiest airport.

Agriculture and natural resources may not be everyday topics for Clayton County youth; however, with agriculture continuing to rank among Georgia’s largest industries, learning about these subjects can open doors to valuable career pathways, strengthen workforce readiness, and inspire lifelong success.

While exploring agricultural content and career opportunities, nothing outweighs the need for safety practices. The AGCO Corporation helped respond to this need by sponsoring a youth education program called “Gearing Up for Safety.”

Clayton County Extension Agents Aisha Favors and Sergio Sosa partnered with the Clayton County STEM & Innovation Coordinator to identify Mundy’s Mill High School students as the audience for this program. Earlier this year, thirty high school students participated in two off-site field trips and one in-class, hands-on learning session. The sessions focused on general farm safety, tractor and machinery operations, utility vehicle driving safety, animal safety, farm-related stress management, and emergency response procedures.

One highlight of the program was a field trip to Decimal Place Farm, a 40- acre Saanen dairy goat farm in Clayton County. Students toured the facility, learned about dairy production and the cheese-making process, and engaged in discussions about livestock behavior and safe animal handling.

During their trip to Smith Family Ranch, students got a firsthand look at agritourism and equine safety, as well as practical tips for working with small ruminants and chickens.

These experiences enabled youth to learn about agricultural operations in their own community, making connections to concepts that may otherwise seem distant.

Clayton County 4-H is helping youth develop essential life skills, cultivate respect for agriculture, and build a foundation for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future in Georgia agriculture.

Leadership in Action

Youth competing for Leadership in Action awards identify a need in their community, devise plans in response to the need, and conduct the project to make a positive impact in their community. The projects are judged on their service and impact to the community and the leadership skills exhibited. This program provides a unique opportunity to celebrate servant leaders addressing real-world needs.

2025 Winner: Leila Rimes, Tift County

Leila created the “4-HER” project to raise awareness about the need for accessible menstrual products. Through 4-HER, Leila has provided each 4-H center with a personal care box for restrooms. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, she assembled and distributed 600 personal care packages

2025 Winner: Addy Winchester, Pulaski County

Addy created the “Mighty Showmanship” show in response to a gap in livestock showing opportunities for children with special needs. Mighty Showmanship provides a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can step into the ring, work with a pig, and be celebrated for their efforts, ensuring that every participant feels like a champion.

All Green in Atlanta: 4-H Day at the Capitol

 

Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol was held on February 25, 2025, bringing together nearly 800 participants from across the state. Senator Larry Walker and Representative Rick Jasperse served as legislative hosts, and the event was sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Youth spent the day exploring the State Capitol, engaging in tours, and meeting with their local legislators to learn more about the role of government and public service. “Meeting and talking with elected officials gives 4-H’ers a firsthand look at servant leadership in action and helps them understand how they can make a difference through service,” said Kelle Ashley, 4-H Leadership and Civic Engagement Specialist. “Seeing leaders serve their communities motivates youth to step up and take on leadership roles themselves.”

A collection of shorter updates featuring county programs, dedicated employees, and impressive 4-H’ers

Cover Story: Clovers & Co.

The Georgia 4-H performing arts group Clovers & Co. continued their four-decade legacy of excellence with the 2024-2025 show “Unwritten.” A cast and crew of more than 50 young people performed on a 10-show tour that included state 4-H events, the Georgia National Fair, and the 4-H Volunteer Conference of Southern States. Find archives of past shows and cast members plus the current lineup online at georgia4h.org/cloversandco.

Le

ading at National Citizenship Washington Focus

Georgia 4-H alumni Carter Sampson of Gordon County and Deontavious “Spotlight” Kitchens of Stewart County returned to 4-H in a new way in summer 2025, serving as Program Assistants for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF). The national program brings together teens from across the country to explore civic engagement, leadership, and community action. Youth become informed and engaged citizens through opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. Carter, a student at University of Geor

gia, and Spotlight, who studies at Kennesaw State University, were two of only nine college students selected nationwide to serve. They completed trainings and became certified Washington, D.C. tour guides, preparing them to share the history and significance of the city’s landmarks. “I wanted to make history real,” Carter said. “When students asked questions at the memorials or shared their reflections, I could see them connecting what they learned to their own communities.” Inside the classroom, Spotlight found meaning in guiding students through challenging topics. “We created space for youth to talk about hard things such as gun control, social issues, and local challenges while staying respectful,” he said. “Watching them listen and understand one another was powerful.”

Forsyth County Cloverbuds

In response to growing community interest in 4-H opportunities for younger students, Forsyth County 4-H launched a Cloverbuds program for grades K–3 in 2021. This year, their monthly meetings focused on the Etowah River Basin ecosystem. At the first session, youth sculpted fish from their imaginations. After a year of discovery – from trout to owls and insects to reptiles – they crafted new clay sculptures representing the basin’s complex biodiversity. Each hands-on lesson nurtured curiosity about the natural world and built a foundation for future 4-H adventures, such as Forestry and Wildlife Judging.

2025 Georgia 4-H National Champions

National Consumer Decision Making Contest Team: Ben Hill County
Team Members: Thomas Holt, Nandini Patel, Landon Sinyard, Ruby Witt
January 2025, San Antonio, TX

National Recurve Archery Team: Morgan County
Team Members: Catie Malcome, Haley Schaefer, Catherine Smith, Evan Tennant
June 2025, Grand Island, NE

National Air Rifle Individual: Walton County
Bethany Shirley
June 2025, Grand Island, NE

Middle School on a Mission

Three hundred and fifty middle school youth and adults from 37 counties gathered at Rock Eagle 4-H Center for Mission Make-It: The Georgia 4-H Engineering Challenge on September 14, 2024. Mission Make-It allows youth the opportunity to develop teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills while completing engineering challenges.
Georgia 4-H began offering this program in 2016 to provide young people with opportunities to gain engineering skills through hands-on learning experiences.
The 2024 theme, “We’re Not Pollen Your Leg: Come Bee an Engineer,” focused on the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem. Participating 4-H’ers worked in small groups and used the five-phase engineering design process – ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve – to complete engineering challenges.
“Mission Make-It was a great opportunity for youth to practice the ‘learn by doing’ approach,” said Abbie Salmon, Floyd County 4-H Agent, who brought Floyd County youth to the event. “Teen leaders also gained instructional and leadership skills through mentoring younger youth and helping them realize that STEM is all about trying new things and making changes.”

Glynn County 4-H Environmental Science Field Study

Glynn County 4-H coordinated a field study for local Advanced Placement Environmental Science students at Mission Mine. The mine is located in Charlton and Brantley Counties and is operated by The Chemours Company. Outfitted with hard hats, safety goggles, and neon vests, students toured the multi-story floating mine used to harvest titanium, zirconium, and other minerals. They learned about Chemours’ environmental stewardship principles and explored diverse career opportunities through conversations with company staff. Teachers and 4-H leaders reflected that the experience was highly engaging and valuable in reinforcing the importance of sustainable environmental practices.

Remembering Allie Griner

Allie Griner (1988-2025) was recognized posthumously as a William H. Booth Award honoree in 2025 during State Congress. Griner, who served most recently as the Gordon County 4-H Agent, is remembered for her passion for youth development. Her work as a 4-H agent combined her agricultural roots, her academic background in family and consumer sciences, and her unwavering commitment to empowering young people. She took pride in seeing her 4-H’ers recognized for their hard work and perseverance. Her ability to connect with and support these young people in achieving their personal goals was an inspiration to all who knew her.

 

 

Steven Spandle

Steven Spandle grew up in Claxton, Georgia, as an Evans County 4-H’er. In this rural environment, 4-H provided Steven an opportunity to compete on a state level, to interact with people from all over the country, and to be exposed to top-notch trainings and experiences. Throughout his time in the program, Steven participated in a range of activities, including working as a camp counselor, interning at Camp Jekyll, and mastering in the Flowers, Shrubs, and Lawns project area, which he now financially supports.

As far back as he can remember, Steven has had a passion for buildings and a desire to become an architect. After earning an advanced degree in Classical Architecture from the University of Notre Dame, he gained experience working with notable East Coast architecture firms before founding Steven W. Spandle Architect in New Jersey. Steven remains an avid supporter of Georgia 4-H, and he credits the organization with shaping his public speaking and communication skills, which have served him throughout his personal and professional life.

 

Jenn Townsend

When it comes to 4-H passion, Jenn Townsend shares that her “blood runs green.” Growing up as a Clayton County 4-H’er, Jenn mastered in the Bicycle project and served as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Upon graduating from UGA with a degree in consumer journalism, Jenn worked in varying culinary roles, stemming from an early job at Chick-fil-A.

Jenn currently works as the Senior Manager for Equipment Innovation for Inspire Brands, the parent company of favorites like Sonic and Buffalo Wild Wings. In this role, Jenn strives to continuously adapt technology to make back-of-house tasks more streamlined and functional to meet the needs of the labor force.

Based on her strengths and interests, Jenn felt a natural inclination to support 4-H food projects. Her personal mission over the years has been to inform young people of available opportunities in her field. She recognizes the impact of 4-H programming and sees how desirable these developed skills can be in supporting the future of the restaurant industry.

Stacy Jones

As a third-generation Georgia 4-H’er, Stacy Jones is no stranger to the opportunities offered by the Georgia 4-H program. Within Rockdale County, Stacy found her spark through project work in public speaking. She created hew own public speaking club and developed valuable teaching skills. She went on to serve as Collegiate 4-H president while studying at UGA and assisted with planning and executing the 1991 Collegiate 4-H Conference. This opportunity expanded her event planning skills and her ability to create memorable experiences. Stacy credits 4-H for helping her become a confident adult who sees the world through the lens of service, and she recognizes her role and responsibility to help make the world better.

After years of service in 4-H and a varied career in higher education, Stacy was selected as Vice President for Public Service and Outreach at University of Georgia. In this role, Stacy provides leadership for eight campus units while connecting communities and their needs back to the University.

Georgia Simmons

University of Georgia student and Banks County 4-H alumnus Georgia Simmons spent the 2024 fall semester working in the office of U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock as the 4-H intern through UGA’s Washington Semester Program. As an intern on Sen. Warnock’s staff, she participated in the legislative process while earning a semester of credit hours.

Georgia was assigned to three different legislative teams: agriculture, energy and environment; transportation and infrastructure; and democracy, justice and science. “I worked hand in hand with the legislative staff on every team, and it taught me invaluable lessons on teamwork and cooperation,” she said.
Georgia got an early start serving her community as a 4-H member. She found her spark in 4-H Project Achievement, competing in the Wildlife and Marine Sciences area. She served for three summers as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center and Burton 4-H Center.

 

Jenna Saxon

Jenna Saxon is serving Georgia as the chief of staff for Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, crediting her experience as an Oglethorpe County 4-H’er as a catalyst for her career as an advocate for agriculture. Her responsibilities include managing Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) operations and supporting farmers and consumers across the state. The GDA has more than 500 employees spanning 20 agency divisions. Jenna is uniquely qualified for the task, with a lifetime of experience in 4-H and FFA programs, including employment in the Georgia 4-H state office and the FFA-FCCLA camping program. “Through my involvement in 4-H and FFA, I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture,” Jenna said. “I’ve always been passionate about the industry.”