Steven Spandle

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

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

 

Jenn Townsend

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

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

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

Stacy Jones

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

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

Georgia Simmons

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

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

 

Jenna Saxon

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

Ronan Warenzak has curated a collection of 120 pressed Georgia tree samples. At the 2024 Georgia 4-H State Forestry Field Day, he added a blue ribbon to that impressive collection as he continues to overcome challenges and thrive.

Ronan has a longstanding love for trees and the natural environment. Looking to expand his horizon and learn even more about the environment, Ronan discovered the Bulloch County 4-H program and joined the Forestry Field Day team as an eigth grade 4-H’er.

At his first area-level contest, Ronan felt quite nervous but still excited. Rotating through the competition stations, his confidence increased as the skills he practiced guided him through. He was announced as the 2nd highest individual in the junior division as the event concluded – grinning ear to ear.
Forestry programming opened the door to an array of 4-H opportunities for Ronan. He began attending monthly club meetings, quickly making friends and creating a support network of peers and adult leaders. He began participating in even more programs, including Project SAFE Archery and Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging. These pursuits helped Ronan develop tactile skills while enhancing his ability to communicate and work toward his goals.

This year, as a tenth grade competitor, Ronan used his new skills to become a vital part of the Forestry Field Day team by acting as a scrupulous tree specimen gatherer and identifier, bringing in samples that he had gathered to help the team with identification. On bus rides to competitions, Ronan brought along more tree samples for on-the-go practice. He describes this as the “study bus,” and remembers it as one of his favorite parts of his 4-H tenure so far. His efforts paid off with a first-place win for his team at the state contest.
Their win earned the team a trip to the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in West Virginia, earning a fourth place finish and experiencing other states’ perspectives on the environment.

Ronan’s success has come alongside a set of challenges. Living with dyslexia, dysgraphia and speech fluency, he has faced obstacles that fueled his determination. Through persistence and new-found confidence, he’s shown himself and his support network that he can perform and compete at a high level.

“Learning differences don’t limit potential; they reveal resilience and strength,” said Ronan’s mother Lacy Warenzak. “Our family views 4-H as a place for those with learning differences to thrive, and we want as many people as possible to be aware of these opportunities.”

Ronan is excited to stay involved with 4-H programs as he moves through high school. As he steps towards his future, he plans to study forestry and carry those studies into a career in environmental conservation.

 

Anna McKissick earned first place in the Performing Arts – Dance project at State Congress in July 2025. This blue ribbon marked her addition to a family legacy of 4-H excellence.

The McKissick family made the Atlanta Journal Constition in 1969 when John McKissick earned the status of Master 4-H’er with a win in the “4-H Achievement Project.” The newspaper feature highlighted an impressive three-generation legacy, beginning with John’s grandfather, C.C. McKissick, who was a 1917 winner in the Corn Club that later became Georgia 4-H. John’s father, Bobby Gene McKissick, earned a Master 4-H’er title in the Dairy Project in 1948 and went on to win the national contest that year. Jane McKissick Carter, John’s sister, also earned Master status in the Dairy Project in 1975. John and Jane both became two-time Master 4-H’ers with wins in the Dairy Judging contest.

 

The fourth-generation Master 4-H’ers came two decades later when John’s children, Chase and Mary Ann, earned the title as state officers. Jane’s children, Bob and Libby, both became state winners in the Dairy project. Anna, John’s granddaughter, followed in the footsteps of these 4-H legends at State Congress in July 2025. Georgia 4-H has provided the foundation of success for families across the state for more than 100 years. The McKissicks are proud to continue the tradition of excellence established in the earliest days of the organization.

“My grandmother had a passion for learning,” Kingston Ryals said as he reflected on his positive influences.” She was the first in her family to graduate high school. She instilled the importance of education in her children, who instilled this principle in me.”

Since he was very young, Kingston has dreamed of graduating from college. While that dream is still a few years away, high school graduation is just around the corner. Kingston is a senior at Vidalia Comprehensive High School, where he ranks in the top five of his class.

During a college fair at his high school, Kingston noticed that many of his peers were confused about the college admission process. His leadership instincts led him to create “The Rock Project,” a program designed to give young people a “rock-solid” foundation on which to grow into successful adults of tomorrow. Through The Rock Project, youth partner with community leaders to access tutoring services, SAT preparation, and college and workforce tours.

In 2025, Kingston’s efforts were recognized by National 4-H Council’s Youth in Action program. Youth in Action shines a spotlight on the remarkable leadership stories of 4-H youth across the nation, celebrating those who are making a tangible difference in their communities. Each year, exceptional individuals are recognized as Youth in Action Winners, a prestigious honor that includes a $5,000 scholarship for their educational pursuits.

Kingston recently completed his term as Georgia’s State 4-H President, marking the culmination of a leadership journey defined by growth and resilience. Early on, he faced the challenge of overcoming a speech impediment and the fear of being ridiculed. Through encouragement and opportunities in his county 4-H program, Kingston found his confidence as a public speaker and leader. Kingston credits 4-H with opening doors to new career paths and empowering him to grow as a leader in his community.

Georgia’s five residential 4-H centers welcomed over 8,600 participants during the 2025 camping season.

The success of the 4-H camping program is rooted in a shared belief in its transformative power. Dedicated staff at 4-H Centers, exceptional camp counselors, and passionate county Extension professionals all inspire youth to experience camp.

Cloverleaf Camp for 4th-6th graders hosted 6,900 people at four 4-H centers, with some weeks at full capacity.

A new middle school camping approach offered options at three centers. Burton 4-H Center hosted two weeks of camp for over 260 middle school campers, Wahsega 4-H Center entertained over 300 6th-8th graders during two weeks of Wilderness Challenge Camp, and Fortson 4-H Center hosted over 450 middle school campers.

Senior Camp for high school 4-H’ers moved to Camp Jekyll for two weeks of camp, and high school 4-H’ers were also offered two week-long sessions of outdoor camping at Rock Eagle 4-H Center’s Frank Fitch Pioneer Camp. Combined with a week of Natural Resources Exploration Camp, 490 youth attended camps for high school students.

The long-running Community Camp at Fortson 4-H Center and two sessions of camp offered to military-connected youth at Rock Eagle 4-H Center rounded out a slate of 36 different camping opportunities.

Summer camp serves as a powerful launchpad, opening doors to meaningful experiences through continued 4-H involvement.

The Burton 4-H Center dock and boardwalk renovation was completed in May 2025 and offers visitors a comprehensive view of the marsh cycle on Tybee Island.

Available across the state from the north Georgia mountains to the coastal Golden Isles, Georgia 4-H facilities provide unique opportunities for a variety of youth and adult groups.

With lodging accommodations, meeting spaces, full-service dining halls, and high-quality programs, the 4-H facilities collectively served over 88,000 guests last year.

Improvements and updates are constantly happening at all six 4-H centers. One of the more significant projects completed in the last year was the renovation of the recreation hall at Fortson 4-H Center. It has returned to its status as an open-air pavilion and is now the perfect place to gather young people for activities and classes.

Another standout improvement was the relocation and replacement of the dock at Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island. This update was necessary to address the position of the previous dock in the shifting tidal creek due to marsh dynamics. The new location gives young people incredible views and access to explore Georgia’s dynamic coastal ecosystems.

It is also exciting to report that at the time of publication, three new cabins at Rock Eagle 4-H Center are nearing completion. This brings the total number of new cabins at Rock Eagle to 42, leaving only 12 traditional cabins remaining to be replaced.

Georgia 4-H is always making the best better. Additional projects are planned for the coming year, including the design work on the new observation tower to provide elevator access at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center Effigy. Fortson 4-H Center will see improvements to the septic system for dorms 3 and 4. Burton 4-H Center will begin progress to install two new living shorelines, continuing to stabilize the creek banks. All centers are making improvements, both major and minor, with the goal of enhancing guest experience and the priority of ensuring the facilities are safe and impactful places to visit.

State 4-H Leader Melanie Biersmith celebrates with 4-H’er Lizzy Norton during State Council.

We are so proud to share another year of incredible impact with this edition of Cloverleaf magazine.

The work we have highlighted here is a direct reflection of hundreds of employees, thousands of volunteers, and additional contributions of many generous donors and supporters.

The pages of this magazine illustrate how Georgia 4-H is preparing young people to be BEYOND READY for work and for life. Many of our 4-H’ers participated in a recent national index study that provided data to support what we already knew – our 4-H’ers are healthy, productive, and engaged.

The national index study produced key highlights that help us elevate our impact:

As it relates to their health, 84% of youth respondents said 4-H is influential in their ability to care for their physical health.

In terms of productivity, 87% of youth respondents said they fill their time with positive activities.

Related to engagement, 82% of youth respondents said 4-H is influential in their desire for community engagement.

Regarding personal growth, 93% of youth respondents reported that 4-H gives them the opportunity to explore things that they care about, and 89% stated that 4-H is influential in helping them be ready for work and careers.

Addressing positive influences, 93% of youth respondents reported that adults in 4-H stretch them and push them in new ways and 97% reported that adults in 4-H respect them.

These statistics show us that Georgia 4-H’ers are thriving.

We are proud to be able to report this positive impact: it validates our approaches, encourages us to continue, and helps us recognize that this is only possible because of the incredible efforts of the entire Georgia 4-H and UGA Extension community.

I invite you to read more about our work and continue to engage with 4-H as we work together to make the best better.

With gratitude,
Melanie Biersmith
State 4-H Leader