Kristen Quinton  Kristen Quinton began her volunteer service in Bibb County 4-H as a member of their Program Development Team. Since then, she has served as an anchor during times of turnover, assisting new agents as they created new advisory boards. Kristen is a highly praised attorney and has utilized her knowledge and expertise to coordinate “Law Days” for 4-H’ers to explore judicial and law enforcement career pathways. Kristen started the Bibb County S.A.F.E. BB team as well as the county’s first S.A.F.E.  Archery team in 2022. She visited with over 600 students at Title I schools and gave Archery presentations with the hope of building her team. Additionally, Kristen is passionate about keeping her archery program low-cost; allowing students to participate each season for just $30 which removes the financial barrier students may have. Most recently, Kristen has started leading in-school club meetings at the local Montessori school to increase 4-H membership. Bibb County 4-H is fortunate to have Kristen Quinton in their corner! 

Rhonda Dunnaway is the volunteer leader and coordinator for the Gordon County 4-H Tech Changemakers program. She also serves multiple 4-H programs by providing transportation, taking photographs, and supporting program logistics. Rhonda is great at making teens feel cared about; she always has the food, the fun, and the friendship! She is constantly promoting the 4-H program in multiple counties and urges those who sit in her hygienist’s chair to join 4-H in their county. In the past seven years, she has put a lot of energy, time, and effort into fulfilling the 4-H motto of making the best better, and we certainly are better for it!

Jessica recently completed a year of volunteer service as an AmeriCorps VISTA and recruited 83 new youth members during her tenure. She worked directly with programs like TechChangemakers, SAFE teams, and a performing arts club. Her fundraising efforts raised $6,488 for Houston programming and she recruited 9 new volunteers, with a total of 75 volunteers under her leadership. Jessica created a new management system for volunteers to be placed within their interest areas to increase future participation and satisfaction.

Stewart Thigpen is the winner of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award. Congratulations, Stewart!

Ashley Yeager is an asset to the 4-H program in Coweta County. For ten years, she has actively served in many capacities including assisting with the BB Team, Shotgun Team, and all areas of the horse program in the county. In addition, she coordinates and runs the 4-H food booth each year at the Coweta County Fair which is the 4-H program’s largest fundraiser for all clubs and teams in the county. Ashley is always willing to do what is asked of her for the benefit of the 4-H’ers. She can be seen doing paperwork for a team, setting up for meetings, cleaning up after events, attending club meetings, chaperoning a trip, or driving the minibus to competitions. She encourages and supports the 4-H’ers in their pursuits and always is there for them. Coweta County 4-H is honored to work with her and feel their 4-H programming would not be the same without her experience, hard work, and constant support.

Laural has served as a faithful volunteer in Bleckley County for the past nine years. She is reliable and knowledgeable in all things 4-H and is always eager to help with anything needed, whether that’s coaching a team or stepping in last minute for a club meeting. She is one of Bleckley County’s most valued and dependable volunteers. However, her voluntary service does not stop with Bleckley County; she also lends a hand at district and state level events such as fall and spring Junior Conferences, State Council, and State Congress. Laural leads students to mastery! She serves as a coach for Chicken BBQ where she recently led a 4-H’er to first place at the national championship! She also serves as a certified Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Coach and Wildlife Judging Coach. She led the 2017 Bleckley County 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging team to claim the national title! She helps prepare kids for District Project Achievement and judges or helps out wherever she’s needed at the competitions. Laural has definitely been a blessing to the 4-H program.

Cisco Damons has attended Cloverleaf Camp for the past 9 years with Gwinnett County and several other counties as well as Senior and Junior camps.  He attends other state camps or activities as a chaperone as needed when called upon by district agents or state staff members. Cisco gives of his time so willingly to Gwinnett County 4-H.  He attends and chaperones almost every Gwinnett County 4-H event.  He goes to Fall Forum State Council as the county’s volunteer leader.  He attends Gwinnett County’s Award Trip and Cloverleaf and Junior-Senior DPA events.  He assists with county council meetings each month for Juniors and Seniors.  He is a resource that our 4-H agent and program assistants so appreciate.  If he is asked to drive, he makes himself available even if that requires rearranging his work schedule or his many church activities.

Mr. Brogdon is a retired UGA Extension Associate and still comes in on a daily basis to help with the office and organize fundraisers for the 4-H Club. Larry works tirelessly each year on the annual plant sale that brings in a lot of support for the 4-H Club. He also works with the youth during this time planning and educating them on the plants that the 4-H has to offer. As President of the Pickens County Master Gardener’s, Larry has had a positive impact with the 4-H youth over the years. Larry encourages duties in community service and leads youth in accomplishing these duties. He gets them involved with community gardens at our local Children’s shelter, schools, and with Habitat for Humanity.

Martha Morris is the 2015 Volunteer of the Year! Congratulations, Martha!