4-H News
By Anna Burgess

Thirty-two 5th and 6th grade 4-H'ers participated in Cloverleaf District Project Achievement, a speech contest, this past March. Of the 32 participants, 24 placed in the top three. Students who participated in Cloverleaf DPA and attended the Awards Program were, from left, front row: Robin Boone, Kristin McLamb, Jakovia Williams, Jamaine Torrence, Macy Clarke and Donnie Gay; second row: Jonquette Sanders, Tionette Lee, Rashida Frison, Willie Emory, Zavondric Shingleton, and teen leaders Becca Rich and Cierra Joyner; and back row: Tyler Taylor, Gaige Ridings, Brandon Cherry, DeAnna Dorsey, Tiana Milton, Irene Dieteman, Arielle Larisy and teen leaders Charlotte Davis and Adam Lanier. (Photos contributed)

Jenkins County 4-H held our annual Awards Program on April 26 in the Ag Center. The theme was "Stars of Tomorrow." The Ag Center was decorated as an old drive-in theatre, complete with the ticket booth and old model car cut outs. Thanks to the artistic talents of Elaine Lanier, the 4-H Program Assistant, the event took you back in time.

Twenty five 4-H'ers participated in one of 4-H's toughest events this year, Jr/Sr District Project Achievement. Of the 25, nearly 75 percent placed in the top three. 4-H'ers who participated in Jr/Sr District Project Achievement were, from left, front row: Danielle Dieteman, Callie Dailey, LaVonte Lovette and Krysten Fail; middle row: Marshella Herrington, Jaquetta Grier, Chassity Wilkerson, Heather Brigdon, Emily English, Tabitha Trent, Jessica Herrmann, Ashton Sherrod, Krista Gay, Becca Rich, Bridget Johnson and Charlotte Davis; and back row: Brian Kirkland, Adam Lanier, Justin Lanier, Chelsea Taylor and Anna Burgess, 4-H Agent.

All entertainment was performed by 4-H'ers from 5th through 12th grade. They danced the night away to Grease, Foot- loose, and Funky Music. Many students were honored for their outstanding achievements. 4-H has had a very rewarding year. We have increased involvement through new activities and excelled in competitions. In addition to the awards pictures you see here, our Project SAFE team was also recognized. They had a wonderful turn out this year and did very well at both the district and state competitions. Unfortunately, the picture from the Awards Program did not develop well.

This year, Jenkins County started a Dairy Judging Team. The junior team placed 5th at the state competition in Athens and the senior team came in 4th. Jessica Herrmann received honors as third high junior individual. Pictured are, from left, front row: Danielle Dieteman and Becca Rich; middle row: Cierra Joyner and Irene Dieteman; and back row: Tabitha Trent, Charlotte Davis, Jessica Herrmann, and Melissa White.

I would like to thank everyone who helped make this year such a success. There is no way I could write down everyone's names but you know who you are. 4-H could not be what it is today without the support of the community. I am very privileged to work in a community with so many great, supportive parents and teachers. The community businesses have also played a big part in funding some of our programs, which, without it, would not be possible. Having said all that, the number one thing this organization has going for itself is the students. They are always eager to participate in any activity and very well behaved during the event. In preparing for the Awards Program, students came in religiously to learn their dances. Two students in particular, Cierra Joyner and Becca Rich, gave up a tremendous amount of their time to help create and teach the dances to the other students. It took a lot of dedication by all to make the night and year a success and for that, I am much appreciative.

The Forestry Judging Team had another successful year with the junior team placing fourth at the District competition. Pictured are, from left, front row: Krysten Fail, Melissa White, Jessica Herrmann. back row:: Justin Lanier, Tabitha Trent, Callie Dailey, Adam Lanier, Becca Rich, and LaVonte Lovette.

See you at our summer programs!