Effingham County 4-H members delivered an outstanding performance at the Georgia 4-H Southeast District Project Achievement (SE DPA), showcasing months of dedication, preparation, and personal growth. Project Achievement is a cornerstone in the Georgia 4-H program that teaches a young person public speaking skills, interview skills, record keeping skills, social skills and self-confidence. To compete in this competition, 4-H members first pick a project area of interest to them and prepare a presentation for competition. 4-H members research a project area for a full calendar year, prepare a portfolio, and deliver a formal presentation before judges. As a partner in public education, Georgia 4-H Project Achievement serves as a forum to showcase a 4-H’ers hard work and success.

Nine Effingham County participants competed, each presenting with confidence and demonstrating significant improvement from previous years. The program helps youth build leadership, public speaking, goal setting, and subject-matter skills while competing with peers from across their district. The competition proved especially successful, with Effingham County qualifying five 4-H’ers to advance
to Georgia 4-H State Congress in Atlanta in July. This state level competition is a 4-day event in which over 200 youth from all over Georgia come to compete for Master 4-H'er status, the highest level of achievement in 4-H.

Three Effingham County participants earned first-place honors and a ticket to State Congress in their respective project areas: Abigail Williamson (11th grader- ECCA) in Entomology, Eli Usher (9th grade-ECCA) in Dog Care and Training, and Jena Lee (9th grade- ECCA) in Arts and Crafts.

Also earning spots at State Congress with strong second-place finishes in categories with a very large number of participants were Abbie Sulkowski (12th grade- ECCA) in the Health Project area and Ethan Campbell (9th grade- Homeschool) in the General Recreation Project area. Project areas with a larger number of participants are given two spots for State Congress as these areas can have up to 3 times more youth competing for a chance to qualify.

Additional Effingham County participants: Dalton Holler (10th grade- ECHS) in General Recreation, Madison Schroeder (10th grade- ECHS) in Food for Health and Sport, Mackena Edwards (8th grade-ECMS) in Human Development, and Chloe Campbell (12th grade- Homeschool) in Human Development earned solid scores and represented the county well with polished presentations and strong subject knowledge.

We are so proud of each and every one of these incredible youth for the time, dedication, and effort they put into their project areas.

The weekend was a celebration of hard work paying off, as well as an opportunity for youth to enjoy competition, build friendships, and experience fellowship with 4-H members from across the Southeast District. Effingham County 4-H is proud of all participants for their commitment, growth, and accomplishments.

- Press Release from Morgan Triplett with Effingham County 4-H