Georgia 4-H Adult Honorees: 2025 Cloverleaf Magazine

Green Jacket Award: Senator Larry Walker III

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

Complete List of Previous Green Jacket Award Recipients

William H. Booth Award: Sonya Jones

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

Ryles Rising Star Award: Lauren Clark

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

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

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