A loggerhead sea turtle named Belle has returned to her natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean after five years as a resident of Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island. Equipped with a tracking device attached to her shell to monitor her journey back to the sea, Belle was released on a Tybee Island beach on Sept. 7 with a send-off from the 4-H center staff and volunteers.

Environmental Education staff at the Burton 4-H Center care for sea turtles that do not successfully make their initial voyage to the ocean as hatchlings through a partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which grants permits and permission for these stragglers to be raised at the center until they are ready to live in the wild on their own.

Belle was 3 inches long and weighed just a few ounces when she came to Burton in 2017 and she has been an important part of Environmental Education programs for thousands of Georgia youth.

She was about 52 pounds prior to her release and approximately 20 inches in length.

Visitors to Burton 4-H Center learn about the habitat, diet, life cycle and characteristics of sea turtles, thanks to Belle and other turtles who grow up at the center.

“We usually have sea turtles at various life stages as residents of the center, so students and other guests can observe and learn about them at different points in their development,” said Erine-Fay McNaught, Environmental Education program coordinator at Burton 4-H Center. “It is always our goal for these turtles to return to the ocean and live out their days in their natural habitat.”

GulfStream Aerospace Corporation, a supporter of Georgia 4-H programming, donated the funding to purchase, install and monitor the tracking device that will deliver data on Belle’s whereabouts over approximately 18 months. Signals are sent from the whip antenna on the tracker to satellites when she surfaces to breathe long enough for both copper posts on the tracker to clear the water.

The collected data will be used by teachers and environmental educators to demonstrate the habits of sea turtles to their classrooms. Belle’s progress can be tracked at wildlifecomputers.com.

The longevity and effectiveness of the tracker can be impacted by turtle behavior and environmental factors. Choppy water and rainy weather can prevent signals from reaching satellites. The tracker can be damaged or knocked off the turtle by reefs and other obstructions in the water that the turtle might encounter.

“Even with these challenges, we have a great opportunity here to follow Belle and learn more about the behavior of loggerhead sea turtles in the wild,” said Paul Coote, director of Burton 4-H Center. “We would not have been able to have this opportunity without the generous support of Gulfstream. We so appreciate their support of our efforts to engage and educate the youth of Georgia and everyone else following this project virtually.”

The Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program is available from September through May at six Georgia 4-H facilities every year, providing opportunities for high-quality day and overnight educational experiences. The research-based curriculum correlates to the Georgia Standards of Excellence, providing hands-on learning in the context of the real world.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H and the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org/ee.

The Georgia 4-H program is one of 25 Georgia organizations to receive AmeriCorps funding to support programming across the state.

Organizations in Georgia received $7,260,916 in AmeriCorps funding from the federal agency for 2022-23. With the agency’s unique model, the grants announced will leverage an additional $5 million from the private sector, foundations, and other sources, further increasing the return on the federal investment.

Georgia 4-H received a grant of $496,800, the fourth-largest AmeriCorps State grant awarded in Georgia. Georgia 4-H will have 33 AmeriCorps State members — 13 full-time and 20 half-time — who will serve a 12-month term, from September 2022 through August 2023. Georgia 4-H has received AmeriCorps State grants each year since 2012, as well as receiving AmeriCorps VISTA grants since 2009. A full list of grant awards is available on the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website.

AmeriCorps members will tackle some of the toughest problems in Georgia, including education, economic opportunities, healthy futures, homelessness, people living with disabilities, financial literacy and environmental issues.

“AmeriCorps State members serve in local Extension offices providing positive 4-H youth development programming directly to youth. Their focus is on in-school educational club meetings, preparing youth for Project Achievement, community service projects and volunteer recruitment,” said Jennifer Cantwell, project coordinator for Georgia 4-H.

Members will serve in Barrow, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Carroll, Cobb, Cook, Dougherty, Evans, Forsyth, Gordon, Hancock, Haralson, Houston, Jackson, Laurens, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Putnam, Spalding, Sumter, Tift, Toombs, Upson, Whitfield, and Wilkes counties.

Positions are open for applications in Jackson, Putnam, Forsyth, Paulding, Upson, Bulloch, and Sumter counties. Visit https://georgia4h.org/get-involved/americorps/ for information about how to apply. Open positions are up-to-date as of publication time.

“The AmeriCorps State program helps Georgia 4-H increase programming capacity through an increase in youth served, expansion of educational opportunities and development of higher quality opportunities. AmeriCorps State members are well-suited to provide positive youth development programming as they show great skill and passion for making a difference in the lives of youth,” Cantwell said. “The combination of their strong public-service motivation, training to work with diverse populations and positive attitudes help expand the reach of Georgia 4-H.”

In return for service, members receive a monthly living allowance, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is providing nearly $3 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, full-time AmeriCorps Members may receive an award of approximately $6,495 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans. Awards vary based on members’ status such as full-time or less than full-time. Many AmeriCorps members have gone on to employment with UGA Extension and 4-H after their service, Cantwell added.

“This is a great opportunity to promote the mission of Georgia 4-H and recruit individuals into a career with Extension. The Georgia 4-H AmeriCorps program truly helps make the best better,” she said.

Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through more than 21,000 schools, nonprofits, and community- and faith-based organizations across the country. These citizens have played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by disasters and helped thousands of first-generation college students access higher education. They also tutor and mentor young people, connect veterans to jobs, care for seniors, reduce crime and revive cities, fight the opioid epidemic and meet other critical needs.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than 1 million Americans have served, providing more than 1.5 billion hours of service and earned more than $3.6 billion in education scholarships, more than $1 billion of which has been used to pay back student debt. More information is available at AmeriCorps.gov.

For more information on Georgia 4-H, visit georgia4h.org.

-Maria Lameiras

The Georgia 4-H STEM initiative hosted 152 middle school 4-H’ers on August 20 for “Mission Make-It,” an immersive learning experience at Rock Eagle 4-H focused on agricultural engineering. This annual event took place on August 20 and offered hands-on engineering experience, with a 2022 theme of “Rooted in Agriculture.”

This unique event allows students to learn about the engineering design process and then build functional examples of the concepts they learn. High school 4-H’ers, known as Teen Leaders, guided their younger peers through interactive workshops centered on wheelbarrows and windmills. These two inventions have impacted agricultural operations across the world for centuries.

Small groups work together to build the engineering projects. These groups also foster teamwork, planning, and communication skills. Teen Leaders were chosen to lead through an application process and each of them created activities for an exhibit fair and art show during the event.

“Engineers plan, create, and improve new products and processes daily. During the Mission Make-It event, middle school 4-H youth replicate these same steps during the engineering challenges,” said Kasey Bozeman, 4-H Extension Specialist for STEM Programs. “Older 4-H’ers gain leadership experience through preparation and teaching, and they always learn something new themselves,” Bozeman added.

The full-day experience kicked off with a drone demonstration led by Teen Leaders. This lesson in technology connected classic engineering models with innovative technology being used by Georgia’s farmers. Students learned the operation basics and then tested out their knowledge by flying drones on the Sutton Hall Lawn at Rock Eagle.

Mission Make-It was created to introduce youth to careers in engineering and expose them to the ways that engineering impacts their lives. Jay Moon, County Executive Director of USDA’s County Farm Service in Putnam County, spoke to attendees about farm loans and career possibilities. Moon also brought a calf from his local dairy farm as a special guest for his presentation.

Agriculture and STEM programs are one of three Georgia 4-H focus areas use hands-on activities to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills in young people. Other 4-H focus areas include Civic Engagement and Healthy Living.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 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.

-Josie Smith

Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp received the Green Jacket Award for their service to Georgia 4-H. Pictured left to right: Dennis Chastain, CEO of Georgia EMC; Arch Smith, Retired State Leader of Georgia 4-H; Brian Kemp, Georgia Governor; Marty Kemp, Georgia First Lady; Laura Perry Johnson, Associate Dean of UGA Cooperative Extension.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp received the Green Jacket Award from Georgia 4-H at the 2022 Georgia 4-H State Congress. This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have shown outstanding, significant, and ongoing statewide support to 4-H.

The Kemps have been proponents of Georgia 4-H for two decades. During his time in public office, Governor Kemp has passed and upheld legislation that provides funding for Georgia 4-H programming throughout the state.

Governor Kemp has attended and supported local and state-level 4-H events since he began serving Georgia as a senator in 2003. He recently delivered the keynote address to 4-H’ers and other stakeholders at the 2022 Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol.

“Throughout his years of service, Governor Kemp has continued to show up for Georgia 4-H’ers,” said Arch Smith, retired Georgia 4-H State Leader. “I can recall numerous occasions where he would take extra time to meet and listen to our state officers. He is a champion for Georgia 4-H,” Smith added.

First Lady Kemp has invested in the Georgia 4-H program by involving 4-H’ers in the activities of the Governors’ Mansion, including tours, pet adoption days, and other specialty events for youth. She also facilitated the First Flock project, in which Warren County 4-H’ers and FFA members helped design and install a chicken coop for the mansion grounds.

The Green Jacket Award was first announced during 4-H State Congress on July 21 in Atlanta. “We are honored to be chosen as the recipients of this year’s Green Jacket Award,” Governor Kemp said in a video address to the 4-H State Congress delegation. “We know how important Georgia 4-H is to young people in every corner of our state. Because of [4-H], young people have the skills and drive they need to succeed,” said First Lady Kemp.

The Kemps received their green jackets and a commemorative plaque during a presentation at the Capital on August 9. Dennis Chastain, CEO of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), made the presentation along with Smith and Laura Perry Johnson, Associate Dean for Extension at the University of Georgia.

Partnership with Georgia EMC is vital to the continuation of positive youth development efforts of Georgia 4-H. Georgia 4-H has awarded the Green Jacket Award with support from Georgia EMC every year since 2008. For a complete list of winners, visit www.georgia4h.org/awards.

Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 79^th Annual 4-H State Congress with competitions and recognition as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta. State Congress, which took place from July 19-22, includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests and acknowledges youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 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.

-Josie Smith

Madelynn Murphy, a fourth-grade 4-H’er from Appling County, earned a sweet victory in the 2022 Georgia 4-H Watermelon Growing Contest with a girthy melon weighing in at 109.5 pounds. The conclusion of the contest was held on National Watermelon Day, August 3.

The contest, which offers students the opportunity to learn and use their knowledge of agricultural and environmental sciences to produce prize-winning fruit, cultivates an appreciation for proper fruit and vegetable growing techniques. In addition to the basics of caring for watermelons, contestants incorporate mathematical knowledge of space, depth and irrigation needs for their plants. They also develop problem-solving skills for common agricultural challenges such as insect control.

With entries from 49 4-H’ers from around Georgia, weights for winning watermelons were verified by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents at county offices to ensure accuracy.

Second place went to Aiden Connell from Appling County with a 92.5-pound watermelon. Third place went to Chloe Boatwright, also from Appling, with a 73.5-pound watermelon.

First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and ribbons to recognize their enormous entries.

Appling County enjoyed great success in the contest this year. “Growing watermelons teaches basic plant science in a hands-on and fun way. Pretty much every kid thinks it’s neat to have a 100-pound watermelon in the backyard,” said Shane Curry, Appling County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent. “We’ve been fortunate over the past few years to have a lot of kids that are really good at it, and they keep getting better.”

The Georgia Watermelon Association and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association sponsor the fun and educational contest.

Georgia’s warm summers provide the ideal climate for growing successful watermelons, and most 4-H’ers grow the ‘Carolina Cross’ watermelon variety for their contest entries. ‘Carolina Cross’ is generally considered the largest watermelon variety and the seeds are readily available for purchase from local retailers and online.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H and the watermelon growing contest, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

-Josie Smith

Last month, top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta to celebrate the 79^th annual 4-H State Congress, an event packed with competition and recognition.

State Congress, which took place from July 19-22, includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests and acknowledges youth development professionals, supporters and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Students who place first at state-level competitions in Georgia 4-H earn the title of “Master 4-H’er.” During State Congress, 204 delegates competed in 50 Project Achievement areas and seven delegates competed in the Leadership in Action contest; one individual from each project area and two Leadership in Action competitors received Master 4-H’er status.

Project Achievement

More than 48,000 youth participated in Project Achievement this year through 4-H programs at the county level. This essential Georgia 4-H program element empowers 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. They subsequently research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. The State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.

To view a complete list of Project Achievement participants, visit georgia4h.org.

Leadership in Action

The Leadership in Action competition 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. Seven finalists were chosen to be recognized and compete at State Congress. The 2022 Leadership in Action winners are Chanthony Andrews Jr. from Glynn County and Evelyn Day from Houston County.

Andrews hosted a “Sock-tober” drive to collect socks and other necessities for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in Glynn County. Day partnered with FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to educate pet owners nationwide about best practices for their pets during national disasters. Other finalists were Jaylee Kilgo from Bartow County, Lilly Ann Smith from Oconee County, Lilly Kate Farrar from Habersham County, Lydia Belfower from Bleckley County, and Rachel Wood from Morgan County.

Georgia 4-H awards

Georgia 4-H recognizes stakeholders who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H throughout the year at State Congress.

Courtney Brown, Extension specialist for 4-H healthy living programs, received the 2022 Ryles Rising Star Award. This award recognizes an outstanding 4-H staff member in the first five years of their employment for their contributions to the success of 4-H. Brown coordinates all the healthy living initiatives within Georgia 4-H and has improved effectiveness and efficiency in all the programs she oversees, including Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging and a myriad of food projects. She is dedicated to improving the lives of Georgia’s youth and their families.

The Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) received the 2022 Friend of 4-H Award. This award is presented annually to organizations or individuals that demonstrate outstanding support of Georgia 4-H with exemplary contributions towards the mission and vision of the program by the Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (GAE4HYDP). GAEL supports Georgia 4-H through long-standing partnerships with educators that allow for in-school 4-H programming to continue as the cornerstone of the organization. Collaboration between GAEL and 4-H makes positive youth development possible for hundreds of thousands of Georgia 4-H’ers.

Sheila Marchant, Jeff Davis County Extension coordinator (CEC) and 4-H agent, received the 2022 William H. Booth Award. This award is presented by Georgia EMC and recognizes 4-H agents who have outstanding career achievements and who have a strong commitment to community support. Marchant is dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment for youth to achieve their goals in Jeff Davis County. The other district finalists were Brittani K. Lee, Cobb County interim CEC and 4-H agent; Wanda McLocklin, Barrow County CEC and 4-H agent; and Crystal Perry, Sumter County 4-H agent. Each of these individuals provide admirable support and leadership to their county programs.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp received the 2022 Georgia 4-H Green Jacket Award. This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have shown outstanding, significant and ongoing statewide support to the program. The Kemps have been proponents of Georgia 4-H for decades, through legislative funding and hands-on programs such as the First Flock, tours, pet adoption days and activities for youth at the Governor’s Mansion. Governor Kemp served as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol.

Leaders in the camping program and 4-H center leadership also received recognition during State Congress. Additionally, the 2022-23 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors were inducted into their positions of leadership. The 2021-22 Board of Directors were honored for their year of service. Georgia 4-H also recognized special event winners from the 2021-22 program year.

State Congress is made possible by generous contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia EMC, Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, Georgia Power, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and Georgia Master 4-H Club.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

-Josie Smith

Georgia 4-H’er Receives Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships from Federal Ammunition and Champion Targets

– William Elrod from Georgia was chosen as a 2022 scholarship recipient.

ANOKA, Minnesota – July 13, 2022 –At the recent National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational held in Grand Island, Nebraska, two National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors were awarded the 9th annual Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships. The national event brought together nearly 700 competitors from 39 states to participate in a multitude of shooting sports disciplines. Their shooting skills shined throughout the week and their enthusiasm spilled over to the community.

Applicants for the scholarship are required to have attended the National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador training, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled or planning to attend an accredited college or university. Faith Newton from North Carolina and William Elrod from Georgia were chosen as the 2022 scholarship recipients.

Although all the applicants were outstanding these two ambassadors stood out in the applications with their numerous volunteer efforts not only in their local communities but throughout their states and regions. All the 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors are true leaders in their communities and within the shooting sports industry.

“The Knapp Family would be proud of all the National 4-H Ambassador’s and their shooting accomplishments. These annual scholarships have changed the lives of dozens of kids over the years and this group does a tremendous job at sharing the positive effects that the 4-H Shooting Sports Program has had on their lives and communities across the country,” said Brian Kelvington from Federal Ammunition. Kelvington assisted the Knapp Family with putting together this scholarship program which started in 2014.

2022 marks the 7th year of scholarships awarded to 4-H Ambassadors with 14 youth in total receiving scholarships from this program since 2016. Federal Ammunition continues to be the longest tenured sponsor for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program who reaches over 500,000 youth from across the country. The program promotes firearm safety, youth development through structured shooting sports programs across all shooting disciplines.

Press Release Contact: JJ Reich
Senior Manager – Press Relations

Georgia 4-H has named Ambassadors to represent the organization in the program areas of Healthy Living, STEM, Tech, Wildlife, and Pollinators. Sixty-two Ambassadors, representing 42 Georgia counties, were selected through a competitive application process and attended a comprehensive training weekend June 4-5 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

Ambassadors are given opportunities to learn and lead within their chosen discipline. Subsequent to their intensive subject training, these high school students will spend the 2022-2023 academic year planning activities to share their knowledge with peers, younger children, and adults. They will make a difference in their communities and represent Georgia 4-H as ambassadors in the field.

Healthy Living ambassadors will learn and share about food and nutrition, food access and security, preparing budget-friendly meals and snacks, and general health and well-being. Pollinator Ambassadors teach about the importance of pollinators and easy conversation efforts, with learning and sharing activities focusing on building awareness about pollinators and taking action to help preserve pollinator habitats. Tech Ambassadors work within their communities to empower others to increase their digital literacy and grow their digital skills.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Ambassadors provide other youth with opportunities to engage in hands-on STEM projects in their home counties and surrounding areas. Wildlife Ambassadors become certified Project WILD Educators as part a national environmental education program coordinated by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. Their goal is to teach people in their communities about the importance of wildlife conservation throughout Georgia.

The Georgia 4-H Ambassador Program has a rich history of success and impact. The inaugural program launched in 2005 and featured more than 30 youth working in their communities “to make the best better,” in keeping with the 4-H pledge. Each key area is coordinated by specialists on the Georgia 4-H state staff and 4-H personnel from County Extension offices. These adults invest in youth and provide them with applicable and relevant subject knowledge, empowering them to educate others.

“The Georgia 4-H Ambassador Program is unique in that youth get to learn specialized content through an in-depth training experience,” said Kasey Bozeman, Extension 4-H Specialist for Georgia 4-H Science Programs and Ambassador Program Coordinator. “Under the direction of their local 4-H leader, they get to continue to learn through interviews, tours, and research, but they also get to teach others through exhibits, articles, and workshops. I’m always amazed to see their creativity and passion shine,” Bozeman went on to say.

The Healthy Living Ambassadors include Shannon Schlegel from Burke County; Dayleigh Beard, Brailyn Boyd, Khanijah Mitchell, and Markaliyah Mitchell from Calhoun County; Isaiah Farrow from Cobb County; Anna Cook from Cook County; Jacob Bennett from Grady County; Lily Earle from Madison County; Maci Dawson from Mitchell County; Molly Hooker and Ryan Johnson from Pickens County; Carter Hewitt from Stephens County; Megan Miller from Tattnall County; Bethany Samuel from Tift County; Brittney Bryant and Grace Holt from Toombs; Olivia Walker from Union County; Christopher Kuhbander from Ware County; and Lori Bell from Wayne County.

The STEM Ambassadors include Hannah Hunt and Erica McLocklin from Barrow County; Lucy Evans from Bartow County; Lee Jay from Ben Hill County; Madison Hudgins from Bryan County; James Schlegel from Burke County; Aarsheya Gunjal and Venya Gunjal from Cobb County;Kyra Burmeister from Liberty County;  Rae McBride from Oglethorpe County;Micah Newton from Pickens County; Hailey Perez from Pulaski County; Carolyn Thomas from Putnam County; Leila D. Rimes from Tift County; and Bailey Hutchins from Toombs County.

The Tech Ambassadors include Quinn Stoy from Bulloch County; Chanthony Andrews, Jr. from Glynn County; Hannah Jones from Gordon County; Jeremiah Florence from Mitchell County; Kingston Ryals from Toombs County; Mary Laura Tippett from Toombs County; and Tami Gonzalez from Toombs.

The Wildlife Ambassadors include Katy Stinson and Kiwi Waller from Barrow County; Grant Shuman from Bryan County; Catherine Puchala from Bulloch County; Emmaline Cunningham from Burke County; Tony Gray from Burke County; Presley Douglas  from Candler County; Landon Fay from Cherokee County; Connor Watson from Oconee County; Reese Davis from Pickens County; and Addy Winchester from Pulaski County.

The Pollinator Ambassadors include Aubrianna Stewart from Bryan County, Agatha Grimes from Candler County, Lesley Nichols from Fayette County, Zoey Parks from Jasper County, Makayla Nash from Liberty County, Mia Burnett from Mitchell County, Sophia Scott from Pickens County, Esteban Contreras Jr. from Pulaski Couny, Nortrayvious Brown from Terrell County, Emma Barber from Ware County, Landon McDonald from Toombs County.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

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

Written by Josie Smith, Georgia 4-H

Georgia 4-H recognized the historical significance of the Dublin 4-H Center on May 14 with a program at the Emery Thomas Auditorium, which was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

The Dublin 4-H Center opened in 1957 and became the first state center for Black 4-H Club members in the United States. Thanks to the dedication of Percy Hunter Stone and other Black Cooperative Extension agents, the center served Black 4-H’ers and their families until it closed in 1968.

The event honored the contributions of Stone and other leaders who worked towards representation and equality for Black 4-H’ers during segregation. Stone was born in Franklin County, Virginia, in 1893 and later received his college degree at Hampton Institute in Virginia. He began his career as a county Extension agent in Clarke County, Georgia, in 1919 and then moved to Savannah in 1923 to become Georgia’s first Negro State 4-H Club leader.

In 1939, Stone assisted with the acquisition of property in Laurens County to begin construction of the Dublin 4-H Center. World War II slowed the construction of the new facility for Black 4-H members, but Stone continued his efforts, and by 1954 there were 50,000 Black 4-H members in Georgia.

Stone retired from Extension in 1956 and moved to Washington, D.C., to serve in the Federal Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He returned to Georgia in 1957 for the dedication of the Dublin 4-H Center. In April, Stone was announced as an inductee to the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

The Emery Thomas Auditorium is the only building that remains at the Dublin 4-H Center. Emery Thomas served as the Laurens County Extension agent and was the first Black alderman to serve on Dublin’s city council. His granddaughter, Tonya Thomas Berry, attended the May 14 event. “I was so thrilled to be a part of this special recognition,” Berry said following the program.

Dorothy Graves, retired University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent, reflected on her experiences at the Dublin 4-H Center.

“As a young 4-H’er growing up in Georgia, coming here to camp was truly the highlight of my summer,” Graves said during her remarks. “Not only did the 4-H motto instill in me the (idea) ‘to make the best better,’ it also extended the rights to help me live out that motto,” she added. Graves commented that 4-H helps young people become citizens who contribute to their communities, just as Stone did during his tenure as a 4-H leader.

Fred Harrison, retired director of Extension and Dean Emeritus for Fort Valley State University (FVSU), discussed the importance of including the history of Dublin 4-H Center in the story of Georgia 4-H. “It was only 65 years ago that this camp was dedicated,” Harrison recalled. “The 4-H program in Georgia was segregated, we had two separate camps … The reason we can confidently say today that the Extension programs in Georgia are combined is because people like Percy Hunter Stone worked hard and did not quit.”

Harrison also acknowledged the progress that has been made since. “There is much work to be done, but Georgia has led the way, and Georgia has a story to tell,” he said in his closing comments.

The history of Dublin 4-H Center will be commemorated with permanent signage installed at the entrance to the Emery Thomas Auditorium. Replicas of the displays have been installed in Sutton Hall at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. “We are committed to making sure this history is remembered,” said Arch Smith, Georgia 4-H state leader and director. “The 4-H’ers of tomorrow will have the opportunity to learn about the work that was done by those who came before them.”

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places deemed worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

By Josie Smith, Georgia 4-H

The senior team from Burke County won first place at the Georgia 4-H State Dairy Quiz Bowl contest on May 20 at the UGA Animal Dairy Science Complex. Team members Emmaline Cunningham, Tony Gray, Abby Joyner, Susanna Murray, and Holt Sapp were coached by Burke County 4-H Agent Meridith Meckel.

Dairy Quiz Bowl is a fast-paced competition that utilizes buzzers as contestants accurately answer questions related to the dairy industry. The quiz bowl content covers all topics related to dairy production and dairy foods, as well as dairy industry statistics, breed information, and dairy organizations. Confidence, independence, and compassion are life skills that result from participating in 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl.

According to Georgia’s Department of Agriculture, animal agriculture is the largest sector of the agriculture industry and contributes over $5.8 billion to the state economy. University of Georgia Animal Science faculty and industry experts contribute to the curriculum used to train 4-H’ers and help connect youth with pertinent applications of the skills they learn.

Heather Shultz, Georgia 4-H Extension Specialist for Livestock Programs, is grateful for the partnership with UGA. “We would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Jillian Bohlen, University of Georgia-Dairy Specialist, and the numerous UGA Animal Dairy Science staff and volunteers that helped facilitate the contest,” Shultz said. “In addition to the fun they have at Dairy Quiz Bowl, students gain critical thinking skills and knowledge of how agriculture in Georgia impacts their lives.”

Burke County 4-H will represent Georgia in November at the North American Invitational 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest in Louisville, Kentucky.

Three junior teams and three senior teams participated in the state contest. Junior teams are made up of youth from 4^th grade to 8^th grade and senior teams are 9^th through 12^th grade 4-H’ers. The first-place junior team from Oconee County included Sawyer Mathis, Tyson Mathis, Molly Ann McLean, and Bryson Woodruff.

Additional winners in the contest include second place senior team from Coweta County and third place senior team from Monroe County. The second place junior team was Burke County Team A and the third place junior team was Burke County Team B.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved with Dairy Quiz Bowl and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

By Josie Smith