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Winta Ykeallo: Food Showcase Champion

Winta Ykeallo wearing a yellow apron cooking outside at a grill

Winta earned first place in all four Georgia 4-H Food Showcase contests.

Along the way, she discovered a spark that set her on a path to a career in medicine.

Winta Ykeallo wearing a yellow apron cooking outside at a grill

The kitchen in the Spalding County Extension office doubles as a culinary classroom. Throughout the summer and into early fall, 4-H’ers gather there to fine-tune creative, healthy, and delicious recipes in preparation for the Georgia 4-H Food Showcase contests. As they hone their technical cooking skills, they also experience immersive lessons in food safety and nutrition.

Winta Ykeallo has logged hundreds of hours in the Spalding County kitchen during her tenure as a Georgia 4-H’er. Just a few weeks after beginning ninth grade, she traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center to compete in her first Food Showcase. She grilled up the state-winning Chicken BBQ dish and helped her team sauté their way to victory in the Food Challenge group contest, earning her first two Master 4-H’er awards in the same day.

The aroma of the charcoal and the satisfaction of a good sear had Winta hooked. As the next September came around, she fired up the grill again and headed back to Rock Eagle, this time bringing home a blue ribbon in the Turkey BBQ contest.

“Winta is a remarkable student who consistently demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment in everything she undertakes,” said Elizabeth McGregor, Spalding County 4-H Agent. “Her readiness to learn and her unwavering determination are evident in the quality of her work and her unparalleled accomplishments within and outside of 4-H.”

The 2025 Georgia 4-H program year marked Winta’s senior year in Spalding County and a new opportunity to compete in the kitchen. Winta took the knowledge and experience she gained from Turkey BBQ, Chicken BBQ, and Food Challenge and channeled them to prepare for the final 4-H Showcase event: Egg Chef.

“If I could describe the 4-H Food Showcase events in one word, it would be ‘integral,’” Winta said. “The competitions have taught me important life skills, like cooking safety and public speaking, that are integral to helping youth become well-rounded people.”

Winta was named Egg Chef champion and became the first Georgia 4-H’er to earn Master status in all four Food Showcase events. She began her freshman year as a biology major at University of Georgia in August 2025 and credits her experience with 4-H food programs as the catalyst for her interest in a career in medicine.

Georgia 4-H Food Showcase is presented by Cal-Maine Foods & Eggland’s Best.

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Rachel Kinsaul: Georgia Teacher of the Year

A headshot of Rachel Kinsaul

Rooted in Service: From 4-H’er to Georgia Teacher of the Year

When Rachel Kinsaul walks into a classroom, she carries more than lesson plans and work books.

A headshot of Rachel Kinsaul

She brings a lifetime shaped by caring adults, community service, and a love for agriculture first nurtured through 4-H.

Now serving as Georgia’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Rachel often looks back on her days as a 4-H’er in Greene County, where her spark for agriculture first began to grow.

“I started in 4-H around fourth grade,” she recalled. “My favorite thing every summer was our Greene County Horse Camp. We would bring our horses, stay for the week, and learn from all these amazing people who volunteered their time. Looking back, I realize how much those adults poured into us and how they worked to give us chances to discover what we loved.”

Rachel credits those early experiences and the mentors behind them with shaping her approach to teaching today. “I had incredible agents, Peyton Sapp and Sherley Selman,” she said. “They gave me so many opportunities, even when I did not realize how valuable they were at the time.”

Those 4-H mentors modeled what developmental relationships look like in action. They cared for her, challenged her, provided support for her to lead, and expanded her view of what was possible. “That is the same kind of relationship I try to build with my students now,” Rachel said. “When young people know they are cared for and capable, it changes everything.”

Her sense of opportunity and belonging carried into her teaching career. After discovering agricultural education during college, Rachel began a journey that would lead her to become an advocate not just for her students but for teachers across the state.

“I feel like I’ve been preparing for this role my whole life without even realizing it,” Rachel said. For nearly a decade, Kinsaul has served as the agricultural education teacher at Morgan County High School. She is the first-ever Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) teacher to be named Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Throughout her career, she has turned innovative ideas into opportunities for students to learn by doing. She developed a community-funded Floral Design course to diversify student participation in agriculture, which has grown into a thriving student-leadership program. As an FFA Advisor, she has guided students to uncover their passions, develop leadership skills, and earn state and national awards. She also led the fundraising effort for the Morgan Agricultural Learning Lab, a one-million-dollar project that expands access to livestock programs.

As Georgia Teacher of the Year, Rachel serves on the State Board of Education and travels across the state speaking to educators and students. Her role allows her to advocate for teachers and champion innovative, community-connected learning.

Rachel is currently leading efforts to launch a statewide “Day of Service” for Georgia’s public schools, encouraging teachers and students to engage their local communities.

Her platform, titled “Rooted in Service: Connecting Classrooms to Communities,” reflects the lessons she learned in 4-H. “Service is not just about projects; it is about meeting real needs where you are. That is what I want my students to see, that learning and service go hand in hand.”

Her impact in education has resulted in widespread recognition, including the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award and the Milken Educator Award, often referred to as the “Oscar of Teaching.” Rachel is quick to point back to her roots and the people who helped her grow. “In 4-H, I found my spark for agriculture through horses and through the adults who recognized my passion,” she says.

Her advice to today’s 4-H’ers is simple: “Try all the things. When you find what you love, you will realize how many people helped you get there.”

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Coweta County’s Animal Science Mastery

Two female 4-H'ers standing with clipboards in a barn during Horse Judging.

Coweta County 4-H teams have secured seven first-place wins at Animal Science contests since 2023.

A student holding a chicken during a poultry judging contest
Justice Benjamin assesses a White Leghorn Production Hen at the state Poultry Judging contest.

 

Merriam-Webster defines “mastery” as a possession or display of great skill or technique. This is exactly what a group of 4-H’ers from Coweta County have shown in the Animal Science Competitions. Across five disciplines, these youth have dominated and shown complete mastery of these competitions. The success of Coweta County’s Animal Science teams is even more notable due to the members’ unique backgrounds. Youth from suburban areas are finding enthusiasm for livestock and animal science through hands-on 4-H programs and the mentorship of dedicated volunteers.

Since 2023, Coweta County teams have earned an unmatched reputation of mastery in 4-H Animal Science judging and quiz bowl competitions. With seven first-place wins, their success in these events can be attributed to the 4-H’ers dedication and to the support of a committed group of coaches and volunteers.

Reflecting on this year’s accomplishments, Bill Hammond, Coweta County 4-H Agent, shared his pride in the youth and volunteers who make the program exceptional. “These young people exemplify what 4-H is all about — curiosity, commitment, and growth,” he said. “They’ve developed a mastery of animal science and the confidence to apply that knowledge in real-world settings.”
Under the leadership of coaches Vickie Lummus and Julie Pruett, Coweta’s Horse Judging, Horse Quiz Bowl and Hippology Teams have displayed exceptional skill and proficiency. Vickie, a 14-year 4-H volunteer, attributes the program’s success to mentorship and inclusion. “What makes our program so successful is the mentorship and skill-sharing of adult leaders,” she said. “You don’t have to own a horse to be successful in our program — we encourage all to learn and drive themselves to succeed. My favorite thing is watching youth develop their passion and confidence, realizing that every member has
something important to contribute.”

Two female 4-H'ers standing with clipboards in a barn during Horse Judging.

Success Across Disciplines

Josie Roberson and Josiah Benjamin offered peer-to-peer mentorship to the 2025 Dairy Judging team, bringing their own experience and success to help bring home a victory. The team was supervised by long-time volunteers Chris Ritts and Kirk Butcher, along with Stephanie Butcher, Coweta County’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent. Team member Lesley Nichols reflected, “Through Dairy Judging, I gained skills like critical thinking and confidence in communication — and a new love for cows that will last a
lifetime.”

The Poultry Judging Team, coached by volunteers Bryan Massengale and Marinda Halstead, continued Coweta’s trajectory of animal science success. Bryan, a Coweta 4-H alumnus who has coached for 19 years, competed in Poultry Judging himself as a 4-H’er. “I love seeing kids achieve their goals with a passion for poultry,” he shared. Marinda, a 2019 Coweta 4-H graduate and former Poultry Judging competitor, gives back by helping coach the next generation, building on a legacy of leadership and learning that began during her own 4-H experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of Coweta County’s command of these contests is the number of youth who have found success across multiple teams. They have honed their skills in numerous Animal Science disciplines.
Team member Avery Pruett, now a freshman at University of Georgia (UGA) majoring in animal bioscience, shared how her 4-H experience came full circle. “As a member of the Horse Quiz Bowl and Poultry Judging teams, I learned to
think quickly and communicate effectively — skills I’ll use in college and beyond,” she said. “As a former winner in Horse Judging, I was able to coach the current team to achieve master status. It was rewarding to share what I’ve learned and encourage others to succeed.”
For recent graduate Josie Roberson, who is now studying agricultural education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, 4-H became more than a set of contests: it was a turning point. “If you had told me when I first started
in Coweta County 4-H that I’d one day be County Council President, I would have laughed,” she said. “But that’s the beauty of this program — it doesn’t give up on people. Even when you don’t believe in yourself yet, someone in 4-H does.”

Participating in 4-H judging teams offers many benefits. Competitors learn teamwork, self-confidence, effective communication skills and decision making. Josiah Benjamin recognized how judging teams shaped his mindset. “The contests helped me evaluate and process information under pressure — real-life skills that I’ll need in my future,” he said. His brother, Justice Benjamin who is now studying accounting and supply chain management at UGA, credits 4-H with building focus and discipline skills that continues to serve him as he enters college.

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Georgia 4-H Ag Tech program connects communities with precision agricultural technology

A group of 4-H youth posing with a large drone in front of a farm building

Georgia 4-H Ag Tech program connects communities with precision agricultural technology

Georgia 4-H’ers are putting their hands to larger service by learning and sharing precision agricultural technologies in their communities.

A group of 4-H youth posing with a large drone in front of a farm building
Houston County 4-H’ers learn drone operation practices at the training held in Tifton.

 

Created in 2022, the Georgia 4-H Ag Tech program expands upon the national 4-H Tech Changemakers initiative, extending the subject area content to include agriculture-specific skills.

During the annual Georgia 4-H Ag Tech training held in Tifton on September 11-12, 18 county teams participated in trainings that illustrated skills in agriculture technology topics including wildlife camera tracking, pond invasive species, GPS guidance aids, rainfall aids, and the Department of Natural Resources’ best practices. Youth are then empowered to provide hands-on and impactful technology demonstrations to farmers, landowners, and other youth in their areas.

During the past three years of programming, 4-H Ag Tech county teams have reached a combined total of over 12,278 youth and adult participants. These youth leaders have held presentations at workshops, festivals, production meetings, growers’ meetings, association meetings and at local schools.

The 2025-2026 cycle represents the fourth year of the program, and it continues to expand ground across the state. Participants observe new agricultural technology advancements hands-on and learn about their use in a supportive environment.

County teams represent all four UGA Extension districts and include Atkinson, Bibb, Burke, Cobb, Coweta, Decatur, Gordon, Habersham, Houston, Madison, Mitchell, Peach, Pulaski, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Wheeler, and Worth counties.

“We are excited to continue to update our topics to include new areas in order to appeal to larger landowner audiences,” said Katie Bowker, program coordinator for 4-H Ag Tech. “We are also looking ahead to grow into more urban agriculture topics and widen our impact.”

At the training, youth are given the opportunity to learn directly from University of Georgia precision agriculture specialists in an academic setting. UGA Tifton specialists worked in partnership with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and their new Agricultural Technology building to host the event. Programming included a college tour for the youth attendees to connect their learning with college degrees and future career paths.

Many UGA faculty, staff and graduate students from Athens and Tifton have contributed to the training and implementation of 4-H Ag Tech this year including James Johnson, Cody Mathis, Morgan Grizzle, Sarah McNair, Kyle Johnsen, Wes Porter, Katie Bowker, and Kasey Bozeman. Additional program specialists that spoke this year include Nick Gladden and Erin Porter from ABAC, Jennifer Ward and Diana Mcgrath from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Tyler Mameli from the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

Written by Alyssa Haag

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William H. Booth Award Honorees 2025

A group of seven adults posing in front of a grey curtain holding award plaques.

The William H. Booth Award recognizes agents from each district who have outstanding career achievements as 4-H Extension Agents and who have a strong commitment to community support. Agents are nominated by their peers, complete a portfolio, and participate in an interview process. This award is given by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) in honor of Jackson EMC founder William H. Booth, a community leader who was instrumental in building member-owned electric cooperatives in rural areas.

State Winner: Sonya Jones Pulaski County 4-H Agent • Southwest District

With over 22 years of service in Pulaski County, Sonya has built a dynamic 4-H program centered on “Place, Potential, Purpose, and Passion.” She launched HEROES for youth with disabilities, created the Culture Connection day camp, and led the seven-state Pulaski Proud virtual exchange. Her efforts 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. She empowers youth to discover where they belong, who they can become, and what fuels their spark.

District Finalists

Meridith Meckel Burke County 4-H Agent • Southeast District

Meridith’s passion for 4-H is rooted in her own experience as a 4-H’er in Burke County. Over the past 8 years, she has grown the “Empire Burke” 4-H program into a powerhouse of opportunity and impact. Her efforts have led to over $180,000 raised for local programming, more than 500 youth completing projects through school partnerships, and 46 Master 4-H’ers. Known for her creative outreach, Meridith launched a student-led 4-H Open House and helped send multiple judging teams to national contests. Her commitment to helping every child “find their spark” continues to shape lives across her community.

Jacqueline Nunn Putnam County 4-H Agent • Northeast District

Jacqueline’s 4-H story began as a 4-H’er who found belonging, purpose, and opportunity through the program and grew into a lifelong commitment to empowering youth through Extension. With over 11 years of service, she has received numerous honors, including the NAE4-HYDP Distinguished Service Award and state awards in healthy living, diversity, and camping. Jacqueline has mentored thousands of youth, with over 100 participants competing at District Project Achievement. Many have returned to the program as 4-H professionals. In Putnam and Ware counties, she engaged more than 100 volunteers who contributed over 3,500 hours of service. Her work continues to shape Georgia 4-H through mentorship and lasting community impact.

Octavia Jackson Lamar County 4-H Agent • Northwest District

Octavia has served for 25 years as the Lamar County 4-H Agent. Her work in science education and garden-enhanced healthy lifestyles reaches over 200 youth monthly and has resulted in more than 1,600 educational contact hours led by volunteers. Octavia has earned more than 30 local, state, and national awards, including the 2024 NAE4-HYDP Meritorious Service Award. Known for her empathy and dedication, Octavia is passionate about empowering youth to become productive members of society. She builds partnerships across regional sectors and inspires both youth and adults to grow, lead, and serve for life.

Allie Griner In Memory • Gordon County 4-H Agent • Northwest District

Allie, a dedicated 4-H Agent in Gordon County, is remembered for her profound impact on youth development, a passion cultivated since her own active participation as a Jones County 4-H’er. Her professional life was a seamless integration of her agricultural roots, her academic background in family and consumer sciences, and her unwavering commitment to empowering young people. Allie consistently found immense joy in witnessing the achievements of the children she mentored. She took pride in seeing their faces light up as they were recognized for their hard work and perseverance, whether as project winners, district officers, or contest champions, or those that achieved their personal best. Her ability to connect with and support these young individuals, often over several years, in achieving their personal goals was truly remarkable and an inspiration to all who knew her.

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Georgia 4-H State Congress 2025

A row of 4-H flags on a stage with the UGA flag on the left and the Georgia flag on the right

Larry Walker stands at a podium with 4-H flags behind him as he receives the Green Jacket Award. Others around him applaud and smile.

Outstanding 4-H youth and supporters celebrated at Georgia 4-H State Congress

Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence in youth participants, adult leaders, and community supporters during the annual 4-H State Congress in Atlanta July 23-26. A week-long event for top 4-H’ers at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, State Congress includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests for youth.

Senator Larry Walker III, Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Sonya Jones, and Lauren Clark received prestigious awards as champions of youth development programming.

More than 200 youth delegates competed in 49 Project Achievement areas, with the highest-scoring competitor in each area receiving Master 4-H’er status as state winners.

Project Achievement is a core Georgia 4-H program element, empowering young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking, and record keeping skills that will last a lifetime. At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of areas that include agriculture, human development, performing arts, communication, engineering, and workforce preparation. They subsequently research the topic, create and deliver a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. State Congress competition includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.

To view a complete list of State Congress Project Achievement participants, visit this link.

Eight finalists competed in the Leadership in Action contest during State Congress. Leadership in Action calls for 4-H’ers to identify a community need and work to meet that need by planning and implementing original projects and initiatives. Competitors then prepare an application packet and participate in interviews at the district level to be selected as state finalists.

Addy Winchester from Pulaski County and Leila Rimes were selected as the 2025 state Leadership in Action winners.

Winchester created the Mighty Showmanship event, an opportunity for youth with disabilities to experience success in the livestock show ring. This show invited youth to participate in a swine show with support from peer mentors and provided a supportive and inclusive show environment. Rimes responded to the need for access to menstrual health products in rural areas and created the “4-HER” project. This initiative resulted in the placement of personal care boxes in 4-H center restrooms and distribution of 600 personal care packages in Southwest Georgia.

Other finalists were Sheila Flores from Pickens County, Tyson Mathis from Oconee County, Melinda Kaye Mercer from Bleckley County, Prayushi Padhi from Cobb County, William Parish from Gordon County, and Aubrianna Stewart from Bryan County.

Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2024-25 program year were also recognized at State Congress.

Senator Larry Walker III received the 4-H Green Jacket Award. This prestigious award honors individuals who have shown outstanding, significant, and ongoing statewide support to Georgia 4-H programs. Sen. Walker serves the citizens of Georgia’s District 20 and currently holds the role of Senate Majority Caucus Secretary and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has shown unwavering support to 4-H in his role as a legislator, including hosting Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol for five consecutive years and leading the Citizenship Ceremony at 4-H State Council. He led the effort to appropriate $3 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 amended budget to support the Rock Eagle 4-H Center cabin replacement campaign and acts as a significant advocate for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Sen. Walker embodies the spirit of the 4-H Green Jacket Award, graciously sponsored by the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.

Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter (GNFA) received the Friend of 4-H Award. This award is presented to individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding and exemplary contributions to the Georgia 4-H vision and mission in conjunction with the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. For more than 30 years, GNFA has offered world-class facilities as a partner in providing meaningful experiences for thousands of youth through agriculture and animal science education. The GNFA staff works alongside Extension and 4-H professionals 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.

Sonya Jones, Pulaski County Extension Coordinator and 4-H Agent, received the William H. Booth Award. This award recognizes 4-H Extension agents for outstanding career achievements and strong commitment to community support. With over 22 years of service in Pulaski County, Jones has built a dynamic 4-H program centered on her personal motto of “Place, Potential, Purpose, and Passion.” During her tenure, she has created programming for youth with disabilities, established a Culture Connection day camp, and led a “Pulaski Proud” virtual exchange for seven other states that have a county named Pulaski. She has earned numerous awards at the national level, revitalized the Pulaski County volunteer program, and secured more than $10,000 in county endowment funding. She empowers youth to discover where they belong and who they can become through 4-H.

Lauren Clark, Screven County 4-H Agent, received the Ryles Rising Star Award. This award recognizes an outstanding 4-H staff member for significant contributions to the success of 4-H in the first five years of their employment. Clark 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 brand new 4-H horse program and a poultry judging team. She inspired supporters in Screven County to reach the second-highest number of donations in the state during the annual Georgia’s annual $4 for 4-H fundraiser. “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.

The William H. Booth Award is presented in conjunction with the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation. Additional William H. Booth Award finalists include Meridith Meckel from Burke County, Jacqueline Nunn from Putnam County, Octavia Jackson from Lamar County, and the late Allie Griner from Gordon County.

Leaders in the 4-H camping program and 4-H center administrators also received recognition during State Congress. The 2025-2026 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors were inducted into their positions of leadership, and the 2024-2025 Board of Directors were honored for their year of service.

State Congress is made possible by generous contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and the Georgia Master 4-H Club. Georgia 4-H Foundation Pillar and Presenting sponsors include Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, Kelly Loeffler, META, and Chemours.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

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2025-2026 State Board of Directors

A photo of a group of nine students wearing green jackets at State Congress.

A photo of a group of nine students wearing green jackets at State Congress.

Georgia 4-H Installs 2025-2026 State Board of Directors during State Congress in Atlanta

Nine students were installed as the 2025-2026 4-H State Board of Directors at Georgia 4-H State Congress on Jul. 22 in Atlanta. Youth elected to service as state officers will serve, lead, and represent the 193,000 4-H members in Georgia.

These 4-H’ers were elected by their peers after a weekend-long campaign during 4-H State Council at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in June. The board is composed of a president, vice president, three state representatives, and four district representatives. Their responsibilities will include interacting with University of Georgia administration, leading youth events, stewarding 4-H supporters, and representing the organization at regional and state levels.

2025-2026 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors:

Robert Thomas, President, Putnam County
Timothy Carter, Vice President, Richmond County
Gregory Huston, State Representative, Toombs County
Cecilia Moore, State Representative, Stephens County
Shaelin Calder-Denny, State Representative, Bibb County
Tyson Mathis, Northeast District Representative, Oconee County
Lesley Nichols, Northwest District Representative, Coweta County
Tiya Patel, Southeast District Representative, Evans County
Max Nelson, Southwest District Representative, Tift County

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Mighty Showmanship at the GJNLS

A photo of two students assisting a child in a wheel chair during the Mighty Showmanship hog show.

Dozens of youth with disabilities entered the livestock ring on February 19 to take part in the Mighty Showmanship event in advance of the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show. Every participant was declared a champion as they partnered with 4-H and FFA mentors to experience the excitement of a swine show.

This special opportunity was organized by Pulaski County 4-H’er Addy Winchester and supported by 4-H and FFA leaders and volunteers. The show was open to school-aged youth beginning in kindergarten and extending to age 21.

“This is a show that enables all young people to participate in and reap the benefits of showing livestock,” said Winchester. “It’s not about your disability, it’s about your ability. We want everyone to feel at home in the ring.”

Each “mighty showman” was assisted by up to four youth mentors, depending on their physical needs. These volunteer mentors are members of Georgia 4-H and FFA who participated in the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The hogs in the ring for the Mighty Showmanship event belonged to these 4-H and FFA members; the mighty showman participants spent time in the barn with their mentors getting familiar with the hogs prior to the show.

The event received contributions from numerous community partners, including belts and buckles donated for each participant. The belt buckles helped reinforce that every Mighty Showman was a champion. Volunteer judges also worked the ring to add to the authentic feel of this unique opportunity.

Hundreds of parents and supporters watched from the stands as the heartwarming show unfolded. “We will continue to spread the word about this event and make the experience available to as many youth as possible,” Winchester added.

Find a full album of photos from the event by clicking the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgia4-h/albums/72177720324395339

Photos and Story by Josie Smith

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Alumni Spotlight: Jimmica Collins

A picture of a 4-H alumnus named Jimmica Collins. Jimmica is holding a green pennant with the words "Georgia 4-H" on it while standing outside a coffee shop during an interview.

A picture of a 4-H alumnus named Jimmica Collins. Jimmica is holding a green pennant with the words "Georgia 4-H" on it while standing outside a coffee shop during an interview.

When it comes to a story, Jimmica Collins is going to bring it to life. “I got married to a coworker in a toilet paper dress at the end of one week,” she said while recalling a story about her two summers as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. “Those girls behaved so well that week, I promised them I would make it happen.” Her fictional nuptials were the subject of many letters received from campers in the months after that summer.

Today, she brings life to Sesame Street’s “Grandma Nell,” an endearing character based on Jimmica’s own beloved Auntie Maebel. She is among the first Black women to work as puppeteers for Sesame Street and values being a representative voice for kids to see someone who looks and speaks in similar ways to them.

An impactful career in theatre, puppetry, and story telling has been centered on a mantra that Jimmica adopted from her leaders during those weeks of 4-H summer camp. “It was always ‘LTK, LTK,’ which is short for ‘Love Those Kids’,” she said. Jimmica received that love from her 4-H agents in Oglethorpe County. She received it in the UGA Upward Bound program that took her on a lifechanging tour of New York University. “I majored in theatre and minored in child and adolescent mental health studies at NYU, and I flew home in the summer to work at Rock Eagle,” Jimmica said. “I knew I wanted my future job to combine ‘LTK’ with loving the theatre stage.”

Grandma Nell’s character was born after eight months of training with the veteran puppeteers who perform Big Bird and Mr. Snuffaluffagus. “I had a wonderful tenure with the Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts, and my time there inspired me to audition for Sesame Street in 2020,” Jimmica noted. After learning to talk to puppets and then learning to be a puppeteer in Atlanta, she was chosen for Sesame Street’s virtual training workshops. Her creativity and unique life experience later resulted in Grandma Nell being chosen as a regular member of the Sesame Street family.

“Grandma Nell was definitely a 4-H’er,” Jimmica said with delight. The warm and loving Muppet is the head of the community garden and offers friendly advice to her friends and neighbors. Jimmica weaves her experience as a 4-H’er into her story telling. Competing in Project Achievement played a pivotal role in her success as a student and a professional. She credits her ability to work hard, accept failure, and press on to those contests at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. “Getting told ‘no’ is a big part of acting,” she noted. “If I lost a 4-H contest, Lynn Patton and Susan Goldman would load us up and take us to Zaxby’s and everything felt alright. It was a great way to learn.” Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging was another one of her favorite activities, and she remembers going to retail stores to check out materials and pricing of clothing classes to judge. “I always use my stint as a Poultry Judging contestant as a fun fact in ‘two truths and a lie’ games,” she laughed.

In addition to playing Grandma Nell, Jimmica is a puppeteer on the PBS Kids program “Donkey Hodie,” a spinoff of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. She plays Rockstar Penguin and Frannie Fox, traveling to Chicago each month to film. Jimmica recently visited Rock Eagle 4-H Center for the first time in a decade. She took a picture in front of the cabin where she and her mother both stayed as campers and took in a full-circle moment. As a storyteller and a difference maker, Jimmica is honored to pay forward the lessons she learned as a Georgia 4-H’er to youth across America.

Article and Photo by Josie Smith

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4-H Internship – UGA Washington Semester Program

 

Georgia 4-H is pleased to host an intern in Senator Warnock’s office in Washington DC for the Fall 2025. 

All applicants must meet the minimum criteria for the UGA Washington Semester program (https://dcsemester.uga.edu/application/eligibility/) and be willing to represent Georgia 4-H.

The successful candidate will be provided housing in Delta Hall (expenses covered) and receive an hourly rate of pay for hours worked.  Other expenses will be the responsibility of the intern.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Stephanie Slate (stephanie.slate@uga.edu) no later than Monday, March 24.   Interviews will be scheduled following a screening process.

History of the 4-H Washington, D.C. Intern Program

For decades, collegiate 4-H’ers from across the state of Georgia have served as interns in various capacities with Congressional leaders in our nation’s capital. In 1960, State 4-H Leader Tommy Walton worked with Senator Richard Russell to establish an intern program for Georgia 4-H’ers to have an experiential learning opportunity specializing in civic engagement. While in D.C., students get to experience the inner workings of the federal government, increase their knowledge and understanding of the legislative process, expand their network of leaders and career contacts, refine their leadership and communication skills, and represent Georgia 4-H in a national setting. Many alumni of the 4-H Intern Program go on to be leaders in various fields which serves as a testament to the program’s impact on participants.

We would like to recognize and thank the Richard B. Russell Foundation for their support of this endeavor and for their assistance in funding this once-in-a-lifetime learning experience for collegiate Georgia 4-H’ers.

Previous 4-H Washington, D.C. Interns

Senator Richard Russell (1960-1969)
Don Johnson, Jerry Payne, Proctor Jones, Daniel Minchew, Tom Cofer, Norman Underwood, Albert Wall, Bob Rushton, Buddy Darden, Mell Wells, Ray Stephens, Bill Warren, Barry Mansell, Tom Brodnax, Barney Durrence, Rodney Vickers, David Roper, Jerry Griffin, Robert Dixon, Troy Riberon, Otis Turner, Ricky Wilson, Frank Stancil Jr., Charles Thomas, Paul Wood Jr., Eddie Pullen, Kenneth Luke, Ken Carlton, Wayne Buffington
Senator Herman Talmadge (1972-1980)
Clem Anthony, Don Massey, Alex Booth, Steve Cash, Dave Lee, Steve Dykes, Lynwood Hall, Bo Ryles, Phillip Coleman, Becky Tolbert, Sue Parker, Bob Pinckney, Ronnie Owings, Chris Cleveland, Jeffrey Stewart, Russell Sills
Senator Sam Nunn (1977-1995)
Wayne Reece, Jay Holliman, Ann Patterson, Deborah McGiffin, Lori Muggridge, Judy Blackwell, Jerome Harkness, Charles Hall, Virginia Pittman, Nexsa Deal, Michelle Hicks, Kurt Preston, Carla Gillespie, Joe Chapple, Randall Morris, Margaret Fowke, Darline Vollenweidder, Diane Vaughan, John Barrett, Alice Yurke, Sara Haddow, Tammy Tyre, Laural Moseley, Anne Sapp, Kenneth Jones, John Register, Jody Corry, Dell Mason, Jeff Jackson, John Pope, Murray Weed, Vickie Knight, Russell Willis, David Dekle, Wendy McHale, Stacey Copeland, Allison Bowman, William Gentry, Michele Ellington, Michael Barry, Christa Holmes, Brett Blitch, Kimberly Chadwell, Michael Morris, Kerry Keith, Glenn Grant, Joy Carlson, Currey Cook, Stacy Jones, Mark Dzikowski, Tonya Woody, Sarah Pierson, Alison Sapp, Norbert Wilson, Victoria Scarborough, Amy Schantz, Lori Casey, April Henley, Kristen Perrett, Austin Aldridge, Julie McIlwain, Marcia Haymans, April Crow, Ben Green, Steven Jarrell, Kersha Cartwright, Stewart Thigpen, Chris Coley
Congressman Nathan Deal (2001-2004)
Brandon Clark, Rebecca Willingham, Kari Cope, Mary Beth Hobby, Julie Ditmore, Leigh Varnadoe, Keauna Gregory, Stefanie Costello, Candace Clark
Congressman John Barrow (2007)
Steven Dasher
Senator Saxby Chambliss (2007-2009)
Jenna Knight, Matthew Christopher, Hutch McCollum
Senator Johnny Isakson (2016-2018)
Sara Rowe, Aubrey Fowler, Timothy Dickinson
Senator Kelly Loeffler (2020)
Sophia Rodriguez
Senator Raphael Warnock (2024)
Georgia Simmons