The William H. Booth Award recognizes agents from each district who have outstanding career achievements as 4-H Extension Agents and who have a strong commitment to community support. Agents are nominated by their peers, complete a portfolio, and participate in an interview process. This award is given by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) in honor of Jackson EMC founder William H. Booth, a community leader who was instrumental in building member-owned electric cooperatives in rural areas.

State Winner: Sonya Jones Pulaski County 4-H Agent • Southwest District
With over 22 years of service in Pulaski County, Sonya has built a dynamic 4-H program centered on “Place, Potential, Purpose, and Passion.” She launched HEROES for youth with disabilities, created the Culture Connection day camp, and led the seven-state Pulaski Proud virtual exchange. Her efforts 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. She empowers youth to discover where they belong, who they can become, and what fuels their spark.

District Finalists

Meridith Meckel Burke County 4-H Agent • Southeast District
Meridith’s passion for 4-H is rooted in her own experience as a 4-H’er in Burke County. Over the past 8 years, she has grown the “Empire Burke” 4-H program into a powerhouse of opportunity and impact. Her efforts have led to over $180,000 raised for local programming, more than 500 youth completing projects through school partnerships, and 46 Master 4-H’ers. Known for her creative outreach, Meridith launched a student-led 4-H Open House and helped send multiple judging teams to national contests. Her commitment to helping every child “find their spark” continues to shape lives across her community.

Jacqueline Nunn Putnam County 4-H Agent • Northeast District
Jacqueline’s 4-H story began as a 4-H’er who found belonging, purpose, and opportunity through the program and grew into a lifelong commitment to empowering youth through Extension. With over 11 years of service, she has received numerous honors, including the NAE4-HYDP Distinguished Service Award and state awards in healthy living, diversity, and camping. Jacqueline has mentored thousands of youth, with over 100 participants competing at District Project Achievement. Many have returned to the program as 4-H professionals. In Putnam and Ware counties, she engaged more than 100 volunteers who contributed over 3,500 hours of service. Her work continues to shape Georgia 4-H through mentorship and lasting community impact.

Octavia Jackson Lamar County 4-H Agent • Northwest District
Octavia has served for 25 years as the Lamar County 4-H Agent. Her work in science education and garden-enhanced healthy lifestyles reaches over 200 youth monthly and has resulted in more than 1,600 educational contact hours led by volunteers. Octavia has earned more than 30 local, state, and national awards, including the 2024 NAE4-HYDP Meritorious Service Award. Known for her empathy and dedication, Octavia is passionate about empowering youth to become productive members of society. She builds partnerships across regional sectors and inspires both youth and adults to grow, lead, and serve for life.

Allie Griner In Memory • Gordon County 4-H Agent • Northwest District
Allie, a dedicated 4-H Agent in Gordon County, is remembered for her profound impact on youth development, a passion cultivated since her own active participation as a Jones County 4-H’er. Her professional life was a seamless integration of her agricultural roots, her academic background in family and consumer sciences, and her unwavering commitment to empowering young people. Allie consistently found immense joy in witnessing the achievements of the children she mentored. She took pride in seeing their faces light up as they were recognized for their hard work and perseverance, whether as project winners, district officers, or contest champions, or those that achieved their personal best. Her ability to connect with and support these young individuals, often over several years, in achieving their personal goals was truly remarkable and an inspiration to all who knew her.