Oconee County 4-H captured first place at the Georgia 4-H State Poultry Judging contest held May 6 at the Oglethorpe County Livestock Facility. Team members Blakely Steward, Lexi Pritchard, Connor Watson and Thomas Stewart earned 3,979 of an overall 4,200 points and became the newest Master 4-H’ers in Georgia.

Poultry judging is the largest judging event in the Georgia 4-H program, with 560 students participating across the state this year. Fifty-three 4-H’ers qualified to compete in the state contest, advancing from five area-level contests.

Participants judge both live chickens and market poultry during the event, identifying parts of birds already prepared for market and evaluating eggs for quality and readiness for sale. Following the evaluation of a live production class, participants must justify their placing decisions through oral reasoning.

To prepare for poultry judging contests, students learn standards used in poultry and egg production and marketing and apply those standards in decision-making situations that call for critical evaluation. Beyond the contest, 4-H’ers apply the skills they learn as poultry consumers in grocery stores and restaurants.

Oconee County will represent Georgia at the 2022 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, November 16-17. The students will continue to expand their knowledge of the poultry industry and what it means for Georgia consumers throughout the year.   

Georgia 4-H partners with specialists at the University of Georgia for all its livestock programs. The UGA Department of Poultry Science has a vital and long-standing relationship with 4-H, with poultry science faculty preparing the area-level and state contests, taking care to provide consistent and accurate classes for every 4-H’er.

“Poultry judging reinforces the importance of agriculture to hundreds of students every year,” said Heather Shultz, Georgia 4-H Extension specialist for livestock programs. “Every 4-H’er who participates in poultry judging through their county UGA Cooperative Extension office gains an appreciation for how our poultry supply is produced and how safety and quality are maintained. We appreciate the UGA poultry science department for supporting this important initiative for youth.”

Winning teams in the contest include the second-place team from Ben Hill County with team members Lauren Wixson, Allie Braddy, Amelia Lee and Jay Lee; and the third-place team from Gordon County with team members Breana Manning, Joshua Carr, Sophia Westbrook and Rebekah McElrath. Additional winners include first place high individual Lexi Pritchard from Oconee County, second high individual Lauren Wixson from Ben Hill County, and third high individual Avery Pruett from Coweta 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 how to get involved with Poultry Judging and Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

Article and Photo by Josie Smith

The senior team from Jackson County earned top honors at the Georgia 4-H State Livestock Judging contest on March 19 at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington. Team members Morgan McDaniel, Bella Chandler, and Jesse Chronic were coached by Dr. Joshua Whitworth and Dr. Jacob Segers.

Livestock Judging equips participants with critical thinking skills as they select the best animals from classes of beef cattle, hogs, and sheep. Contestants prepare by learning the industry standards for each breed and they gain knowledge through research, training sessions, group activities, and hands-on experiences. Problem solving, decision making, and public speaking are other key elements of livestock judging.

The state event incorporates both individual and team competition with opportunities to win in both levels. Seven junior teams and three senior teams participated in the 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 winners of senior-level state competitions become Master 4-H’ers.

Jackson County 4-H will represent Georgia at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, Kentucky this fall.

The first-place junior team from Madison County included Mallory Lee, Maggie Moon, and Olivia Lee.

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 “farm gate value” of the state. UGA Faculty and industry experts contribute to the curriculum used to train 4-H livestock judgers and help connect youth with pertinent applications of the skills they learn.

Dr. Dylan Davis, Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, recognizes the long-term benefits of this program. “Livestock judging is a great way for students to learn how to confidently make quick decisions and defend them with facts,” Davis said. “Just like any other sport, Livestock Judging opens up a world of opportunities for college funding and career goals if students are passionate and work hard.”

Other winners in the contest include second place senior team from Gordon County with team members Rebekah McElrath, Hunter Petty, Roberto Romero and Kyle Hurd; third place senior team from Madison County with team members Emily Strickland, Audrey Brown, and Matthew Highfill; second place junior team from Franklin County with team members Clifton Certain, Jentsie Cabe, Deacon Cabe, and Hadley Floyd; and third place junior team from Gordon County with team members Lowry Duggin, Matthew Worley, William Parish, and Henry Duggin.  Additional winners include first place high individual senior Morgan McDaniel from Jackson County; second high individual senior Bella Chandler from Jackson County, and third high individual senior Emily Strickland from Madison County. The top junior individual was Mallory Lee from Madison County; second high junior individual went to Maggie Moon from Madison County, and third high junior individual went to Lowry Duggin from Gordon 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 how to get involved with Livestock Judging and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

Catoosa County 4-H’er Jenna Dekich has been selected to serve as a National Tech Changemakers spokesperson on behalf of Georgia 4-H. She will serve as one of nine youth leaders chosen from across the country to further the mission of the Tech Changemakers program. Dekich is a twelfth-grade student at Ringgold High School.

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program places youth at the forefront of increasing digital inclusion in their communities. Involved students act as technology liaisons through collaboration with corporate partners, local elected officials, nonprofits, educators, and businesses.

Young leaders, known as Tech Changemakers, learn about the impact of the digital divide between generations and work to provide adults in underserved populations with practical skills to master relevant technology. The initiative focuses on providing tools to broaden employment opportunities for these adults through expanded access to digital skills training.

Katie Bowker, Georgia 4-H Program Coordinator for Tech Changemakers, works with county programs across the state to facilitate their community efforts. “Dekich’s work as a national spokesperson will shed light on the efforts of our Georgia counties,” Bowker says.

As a face for the program, Dekich will provide leadership and media opportunities throughout the year. She will participate in speaking engagements, social media campaigns, regional storytelling, and act as a liaison with donors. She was recently selected to participate in an interview with RFD-TV and Local News 3 to share her story and promote 4-H Tech Changemakers.

Dekich cites her upbringing in rural Georgia as a major influence on her passion for the Tech Changemaker’s mission. Reflecting on growing up in Catoosa County, Dekich says, “Living in rural Georgia, internet access comes few and far between. I wanted to be a part of a program that helps aid in this problem… which is exactly [the issue] the Tech Changemakers program aims to solve. ”

Her work with the Catoosa County Senior Center was lauded by Catoosa County 4-H agent Caleb Millican. “Our participants constantly rave about Jenna’s kindness, passion, and teaching ability,” Millican says. Dekich was instrumental in the establishment of the senior center’s internet literacy program. The program allows seniors to access the internet and learn how to use programs and services that can aid them in their everyday lives. “Jenna has been instrumental in helping us to transition from one grant to the next by using her previous Tech Changemaker experience to help train our newest members,” Millican goes on to say. Her selection as a National Tech Changemaker spokesperson is a testament to the time and effort she is continuing to put forth to help both the local population and her community at large.

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 as a volunteer with Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

Georgia 4-H is recognizing the vital role adult volunteers play in delivery of the 4-H programming to thousands of youths who benefit from the educational, recreational and community service opportunities the organization provides during National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

A Georgia 4-H SAFE volunteer helps an Emanuel County 4-H’er with his scores during an indoor archery match in Perry, Georgia.

More than 5,000 adult volunteers contribute approximately 156,000 hours of service in Georgia each year. Volunteer Appreciation Week includes a celebration of current 4-H volunteers and an invitation to community members to become new volunteers with Georgia 4-H. Avenues for volunteer service with 4-H include coaching judging teams, leading special interest projects and chaperoning summer camps.

Madison County volunteer Shannon McBride was honored with the Georgia 4-H Salute to Excellence Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer award in 2021. She has spent more than 15 years as a volunteer coach for the Horse Quiz Bowl, Horse Judging and Hippology teams and also serves a judge for county Project Achievement.

“I had never heard of Horse Quiz Bowl before my daughter came home and asked to join the team,” McBride recalled of her first volunteer experience with 4-H. “If you want to see joy on the face of a young person and feel warmth in your own heart, there is no greater reward than being a 4-H volunteer.”

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension provides youth development education and risk management training to each screened volunteer to prepare them to “make the best better” for every 4-H’er. Volunteers serve as coaches, mentors, cheerleaders and friends to the students they serve. Volunteer involvement in 4-H programs allows for more diverse programming to be offered statewide and enables 4-H’ers to have positive interactions with caring adults who are invested in their futures and their success.

Stewart Thigpen, who has volunteered with Bulloch County 4-H since 2016, received the 2021 Georgia 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year award. He and his wife, Karen Thigpen, are certified archery coaches with the Georgia 4-H Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education (SAFE) program, and they coach the Bulloch County Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging team.

“This organization builds skills like leadership, civic responsibility, public speaking and self-confidence,” Thigpen said. “Volunteering is rewarding because you can immediately see the difference that you are making in the life of a child.”

McBride, Thigpen and numerous other volunteers were recognized at the Volunteer Salute to Excellence award ceremony in December at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Georgia 4-H values the selfless contributions these individuals make and the lasting impact they have on hundreds of thousands of youths each year.

Festivities throughout this week include social media spotlights, digital recognition and local county initiatives to thank volunteers for their service.

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 as a volunteer with Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

Seven Georgia 4-H’ers earned a shot at the 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship after competing at the Georgia VEX IQ Challenge Robotics competition. The Walker County 4-H Robotics Team earned the final Georgia spot at the world championship event this May in Dallas, Texas.

The VEX IQ division of robotics competition involves building and operating a robot that competes in the “Pitching In” challenge. Pitching in requires the robots to earn points by moving or throwing balls in an obstacle course. The challenges incorporate pre-coded movement, joystick driving and team strategy. Teams earn points based on how well their robots move or throw balls within the robotics grid.

Four middle school 4-H’ers and three elementary school 4-H’ers make up the Walker County team known as the “DawgBytes.” Team members include Sam Brown, Mike Hardinger, Gregory Hobbs, Liam Logan, Chyanne Martin, Brendan Matteson and Grant Matteson. These students span six different schools in Walker County. The DawgBytes are guided by adult volunteers who offer support as students lead the charge. Volunteer coaches include Jason Hobbs, Joe Matteson and Wendy Matteson.

Walker County 4-H DawgBytes are a unique team in that they are not school-based. Weekly practices help the team prepare for competition, and students work independently on specific aspects of the design outside of practice. Working together, team members held individual leadership positions including designer, builder, programmer, notebook recorder, tester, driver and leader.

Named for the beloved UGA running back James Cook, “Cook” is the latest robot designed by the DawgBytes. Cook is a push bot design with a slide mechanism to allow the robot to hang.

Previous robots from the season include “Stetson” and “JT,” as the team attempted both flywheel and catapult designs to throw the balls. In addition to physical robots, the Walker County team created an engineering notebook that received a design award earlier in the year.

Casey Hobbs, Walker County 4-H agent, is excited that the DawgBytes are the first Georgia VEX IQ team to qualify for the world championship. “Kids are transformed when they participate in 4-H robotics,” Hobbs reflects. “It opens their eyes to careers in STEM, it validates their intelligence, provides self-confidence, and it empowers them to create. Our goal is to make engineering and robotics accessible to all the youth we serve.” Walker County 4-H plans to expand its robotics program to include a robotics camp and greater coding and building capacity to increase opportunities for students of all ages.

Walker County competed in two regional matches before qualifying for state and then the world championship.

The 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship is presented by Northrop Grumman Foundation, uniting the robotics community to compete and celebrate STEM excellence. Student-led teams ranging from the elementary to university levels will showcase their game strategy, design and teamwork skills to be crowned champions at this world-class global event.

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 240,000 people annually through UGA Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about STEM and robotics in Georgia 4-H, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local Extension office.

By: Josie Smith

Catoosa County 4-H received a $15,000 Digital Education Grant from Spectrum that will support the work of the Georgia 4-H Tech Changemakers program. This grant is part of a multimillion-dollar commitment by Spectrum to provide digital education to communities nationwide.

The 4-H Tech Changemakers program connects 4-H youth with adults to teach essential skills in using technology safely and effectively. Students across Georgia participate in this initiative and provide hands-on learning for adults in areas such as resume building, online shopping safety, phishing awareness and email etiquette.

Funding from the Spectrum grant will enable the 4-H Tech Changemakers to outfit the Catoosa County Senior Center with a technology lab that will be used to equip older adults with comprehensive digital literacy skills. The lab will include computers and other digital equipment, as well as a space for guided learning opportunities.

“Due to the generous funding from the Spectrum Digital Education grant, we can provide new and needed technologies to the Catoosa County Senior Center,” said Johnathan Barrett, executive director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation, which received the grant on behalf of Catoosa County 4-H. “Our 4-H youth are seen as technology experts in this project, teaching the center’s patrons practical digital skills. Being able to replace old, outdated equipment allows the seniors to continue to receive high-quality educational experiences led by our 4-H Tech Changemakers.”

It is the first time Spectrum has awarded a grant of this type in Georgia.

“We applaud the Georgia 4-H Foundation for their broadband education initiatives and for helping us support efforts that promote digital literacy in the Catoosa County and Ringgold communities,” said Rahman Khan, vice president of community impact for Charter Communications Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of broadband connectivity products. “Through this partnership, the Spectrum Digital Education program is able to bring essential resources to those in need, and we look forward to working with them on this transformative project.”

This cross-generational approach to technology is unique to the Georgia 4-H Tech Changemakers program. Kasey Bozeman, Extension 4-H specialist for STEM initiatives, is excited about the expanded opportunities this grant will provide.

“Making online purchases, paying bills electronically, connecting with family and friends, and accessing new information are some of the many things we do daily with the internet and our devices,” Bozeman said. “Time and time again we’ve seen many people who lack digital literacy skills run into problems because they have weak passwords, fall for phishing attempts, or share false information they’ve found online. Programs like 4-H Tech Changemakers allow digital-native 4-H youth to teach adults valuable knowledge and skills. This intergenerational project allows youth to contribute to their community in a meaningful and much-needed way.”

Charter Communications is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, mobile and voice.

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 240,000 people annually through UGA Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

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

By: Josie Smith

The Georgia State Capitol turned shades of green on February 9 as it welcomed more than 400 students to 4-H Day at the Capitol. Outstanding 4-H’ers from counties across the state gathered to engage with their legislators, observe leadership in action, and learn about the civic process.

Civic engagement is one of three focus areas that Georgia 4-H provides to youth through in-school programming, after-school activities, project work, and camps. This unique opportunity brings 4-H’ers to Atlanta to experience the civic process in real time. A special partnership with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and the Georgia 4-H Foundation makes it possible for hundreds of Georgia 4-H’ers to “learn by doing” with an in-person visit to the Capitol.

Youth began their day with a welcome and orientation at the Georgia Freight Depot. Senator Larry Walker served as the Senate Host for the 4-H delegation and he provided participants with an overview of how bills become laws plus helpful information about what happens at the Capitol each day. Senator Walker is the chairman of the Georgia Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.

County groups spent the remainder of the morning exploring the Capitol building through tours and a scavenger hunt. Numerous 4-H Agents arranged for meetings with senators and representatives from their own districts that allowed 4-H’ers to learn from and ask questions of those who represent them in the Georgia legislature. Georgia’s current slate of elected officials contains many 4-H alumni, 4-H parents, and 4-H supporters who were thrilled to welcome students to the place where government comes to life.

The day concluded with a luncheon that brought students and legislators together for a celebration of Georgia 4-H. Governor Brian Kemp delivered a keynote address and provided 4-H’ers with encouragement and motivation to become the next generation of leaders. Representative Rick Jasperse then acknowledged a group of 4-H honorees that have received state and national recognition for accomplishments throughout the last year. Representative Jasperse served as the House of Representatives Host for the 4-H delegation.

Katie Beth Brewer, Georgia 4-H State President, addressed the crowd to offer thanks to the leaders who dedicate their careers to serving youth. “Although 4-H is an organization by the youth, for the youth, and of the youth, none of our success would be possible without the County 4-H Agents, volunteers, parents, and elected officials who give their time and energy to support us,” Brewer said.

The program also included remarks from Decatur County 4-H’er Corbin Austin and Cobb County 4-H’er Venya Gunjal as they spoke about the impact that 4-H has made on their respective pathways in life. Both of these award-winning students have walked through doors that 4-H has opened for leadership, engagement, and community service.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation invests in Georgia 4-H’ers by providing support for transportation, logistics, and lunch during 4-H Day at the Capitol. This event is often the first-ever trip to Atlanta for many of the participants and it makes an indelible mark on those who attend. Students are empowered to become leaders of the future when they are given the opportunity to engage with those who lead in the present.

Georgia 4-H enables youth to become excellent citizens by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 240,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about how to get involved 4-H in your community, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.

Georgia 4-H’ers experienced a day of career exploration and hands-on veterinary demonstrations during 4-H Vet Day at the Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory (TVDIL) on the University of Georgia Tifton campus on Jan. 26. Students from 10 counties in UGA Cooperative Extension’s Southwest District heard from scientists and veterinarians about career opportunities in animal science.

Laboratory faculty and staff welcomed 4-H’ers in ninth through 12th grades and guided them through a series of workshops and rotations to explore elements of veterinary medicine, including studies of blood, bacteria, DNA, infectious diseases, parasites and pathology, and calving. Participants learned about practical applications for animal science and discovered related career options.

Veterinary medicine is a critical part of Georgia’s agricultural industry and creating a sustainable network of veterinarians who understand the importance of animal health and well-being is essential to the industry’s future. Youth involved with 4-H are exposed to vocational possibilities through programs like 4-H Vet Day and many choose to pursue careers based on these experiences.

This immersive day of learning was made possible through collaboration between the laboratory faculty, the leadership of UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Southwest District 4-H staff. Hemant Naikare, director of the TVDIL, and Lee Jones, associate professor of food animal health and management, hosted the 4-H’ers in partnership with Melinda Miller, Southwest District 4-H program development coordinator, and Lindsey Hayes, Decatur County 4-H agent.

The 4-H Vet Day initiative is also supported by Doris Miller, professor and associate director of state government for the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine; Lisa Nolan, dean of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine; Laura Perry Johnson, associate dean for Extension in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and Nick Place, CAES dean and director.

Dean Nolan said that the event is an excellent opportunity for 4-H’ers who participate — and an essential resource for the future of veterinary medicine. “We are proud to collaborate on such an important venture,” she said. “Many of these students will go on to contribute to the well-being of Georgia’s animal populations as the next generation of animal health professionals and advocates.”

The event was sponsored by a Higher Education Challenge grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food and Agriculture and UGA’s New Approaches grants. The event is also supported by the faculty and staff of the laboratory. Naikare dedicates many hours to writing these grants and planning the annual event, and he hopes to receive additional funding to expand the partnership with 4-H and serve a larger youth audience.

“These workshops serve as a springboard to attract and engage young, inquisitive budding veterinarians, future scientists and entrepreneurs,” Naikare said.

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 4-H in your community, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.

The State 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl contest brought teams from across Georgia together on January 29 for a spirited match in which buzzers were hot and stakes were high. Madison County’s senior team took home first place and Alyssa Goldman, Georgia Kane, Clayton Adams, and Elise Parks became the newest Master 4-H’ers in the Georgia 4-H program. The team was coached by Madison County volunteers Shannon McBridge and Sophia Merka.

Horse Quiz Bowl is one of dozens of agriculturally based programs that Georgia 4-H offers to youth with the goal of providing educational experiences that equip participants for their future as citizens and stewards. Contestants prepare by studying industry standard handbooks on equine health, history, management, and care. Participating 4-H’ers gain a practical understanding of equine science and principles of horse management applicable to enhancing horse ownership or other equine related activities.

The contest takes place in a fast-paced quiz bowl style that places teams in brackets with double elimination. Fourteen junior teams and nine senior teams competed at the qualifying level, with the top five junior and top five senior teams competing in-person at Rock Eagle. 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 winners of senior-level state competitions become Master 4-H’ers.

The first-place junior team from Thomas County included Anna Argo, Paisley Hurst, Kira Jenkins, Dakota Law, and Jenna McBee. They were coached by Cindy Wynn, Thomas County 4-H and Youth Extension Agent, with assistance from scorekeeper Brenda Benton.

The equine industry has a $2.5 billion impact on Georgia’s economy in an average year. The Horse Quiz Bowl program connects students with leading veterinarians and industry specialists as they prepare to compete. These impactful relationships facilitate the successful future of this important part of Georgia agriculture. Participants and their parents gain access to valuable information that can improve their equine operations.

Dr. Julia McCann, Extension Animal Scientist for Equine, recognizes the long-term benefits of this program. “Horses always win when their owners are more knowledgeable. The veterinarians that help officiate the contest are very supportive of the students’ and coaches’ efforts,” she says.  “The quest for so much knowledge takes real teamwork, strategy, commitment to excellence, and learning to think fast! Those are handy skills to use in competition and in life.”

Other winners in the contest include second place senior team from Oconee County with team members Emily Coggins, Danica Heeter, Molly Smith, Julia Thomas, and McCall Woodruff; third place senior team from Spalding County with team members Jade Brown, Abbey Deal, Allie Miller, and Nakhia Wolfe; second place junior team from Oglethorpe County with team members Mackenzie Erwin, Abby Gabriel, Camden Huff, and Ava Nimmons; and third place junior team from Cobb County with team members Torie Daniels, Sarah Beth Hembree, Addilyn Henderson, Josy Johnson, and Karma Kilfoyle. The contest includes a test element; the junior test winner was Karma Kilfoyle from Cobb County and the senior test winner was Molly Smith from Oconee 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 how to get involved with Horse Quiz Bowl and Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.