By Becky Collins
Young people in Appling County know they are Georgia 4-H and that’s what we’re celebrating this year during National 4-H Week, October 2-8. We’re celebrating people all across the state who have had their lives bettered–and changed–through the 4-H program.
Fourth District Elementary- pictured l-r, Eli Swain-first place, Briana Williams-second place, and Tara Boatright-third place.
“I am Georgia 4-H”
It’s been a tradition that in celebration of 4-H Week, we ask fifth graders to help us get the word out by making posters to announce that it is National 4-H Week. Ninety-three posters were made this year. Winners were chosen from each school and the winning posters are being displayed in the schools.
Winners from Fourth District Elementary are Eli Swain-first place, Briana Williams-second place, and Tara Boatright-third place.
Altamaha Elementary winners are Noah Harris-first place, Kimbrell Higginbotham-second place, Kayla Wynn-third place, and Jesse Bruce-Honorable Mention.
The winners of the poster contest from Appling County Elementary are Caroline Morris-first place, Gabby Collins-second place, Talannis Henry-third place, and Sydney Cauley-Honorable Mention.
The winner from Appling Christian Academy is Phillip Twiggs.
I am Georgia 4-H! What does that mean to you? We asked 4-H’ers, sixth-twelfth grade, and 4-H alumni to answer that question. We heard from several people, and this is what they said:
4-H has helped me in more ways than you could possibly imagine. It’s been a huge part of my life since I was in fifth grade! When I started competing in DPA, Poultry Judging, Conferences and things like that, it really helped me become a more outspoken person. I also love 4-H because I make a new life-long friend at almost every event that I attend. There are always some really amazing new people you can meet in 4-H. If I hadn’t started participating then I would have missed out on so many wonderful opportunities that I have been given. My name is Callie Brannen, and I am Georgia 4-H!
My mother was the first person to tell me about 4-H. She encouraged me to join the club and be an officer in the fifth grade. I am so glad she did! She told me her 4-H story and it made me want to make my own. My favorite part of 4-H was being on the Junior District Board of Directors. It was a blast! I met so many people and made great friends that I still keep in touch with today. I wouldn’t trade anything for my wonderful experiences as a Georgia 4-H’er. My name is Katie Spell and I am Georgia 4-H!
Hi, my name is Axel I would like to tell you what I like about 4-H. I like 4-H because of how many things there are to participate in. I have enjoyed being on the BB gun team, picking blackberries and making jelly, sewing, drama, skating trips, parties, public speaking and learning tons of stuff!!!!! I am Georgia 4-H!
I am proud to say I’m a 4-H’er! These past two years in 4-H have been the most exciting, fun, and interesting moments of my life since I hit fifth grade. While in 4-H, I’ve been to camp, bowling, skating, and much more. I’ve learned a lot these past two years. I’ve grown to love 4-H members and staff. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for me while being a 4-H member. I am Jasmine Noble and I am Georgia 4-H!
I have only been in 4-H a year, but I have been in many activities. My favorite activity was the Appling County Market Hog Show. The experience with my hog gave me responsibility to care for him and to learn more things about a pig. I’m about to also compete in the Georgia National Fair in Perry, in the Variety Show and the Ice Cream making contest. I’m Gracie Lewis and I am Georgia 4-H!
Georgia 4-H is awesome! I got to serve as a class officer, be on the BB team, which placed second at district, enter and place in the top three in the MilkMake Contest, and attend camp at Rock Eagle. I also enjoyed many fun-filled trips. I am Gabe Music and I am Georgia 4-H!
I have done so many life-changing and exciting things in 4-H. One of my favorites is 4-H camp. Even though I got homesick, I still want to go back. There is one thing I want to do, the hog show. Well, my name is Katie Tillman and I am Georgia 4-H!!!
I am Carter Cauley, I am 12 years old, and 4-H has really changed my life. When I started competing in 4-H activities I could tell I was getting into something that really inspires me. Mrs. Becky and Mrs. Donna have also really encouraged me in many, many things. A few things I’ve done and am still doing is DPA, milkshake competition, wildlife judging, horse judging, and an exhibit at the Georgia National Fair. One thing that was extremely fun was going to Rock Eagle with all my friends. Not only is 4-H super fun, it also builds a high level of self-confidence for any kid. 4-H is a spectacular club that any kid can join. And that’s a few reasons why I Am Georgia 4-H!
See more next week.
Hello, I’m Sophia Suarez and I want to share with you my experiences in 4-H this summer. Well, first I went to Summer Waves. It was the best thing ever because I’ve never gone before. I met a lot of new friends. I love the Lazy River, because it’s so calm and cool. I also helped my best friend Tessa, with her watermelon. I got to help her plant it and water it. It was the least I could do because she helped me with my 4-H demonstration on “Dippy Dolphins”. It turned out pretty amazing to my class and also to Mrs. Becky. I was also considered for the 4-H camp scholarship. I didn’t win, but it was okay and awesome that I was considered. Well that’s all I did this summer in 4-H. Hope you enjoyed it. “I Am Georgia 4-H!”
In 4-H, I learned a lot of different things. The first thing was that you have to wear green on 4-H meeting days. The second thing was about DPA. DPA seems like a lot of fun. I know 4-H may sound boring but it’s not. I want all the kids to at least try 4-H. I am Darren Garcia and I am Georgia 4-H!
Two years of 4-H have taught me to make creative posters, speeches, and have FUN! I’ve gained leadership and public speaking skills. I’m a CPA, DPA, and Cake Bake ribbon winner, pumpkin decorator, and a sixth grade Cloverleaf of the Year winner. I’m Amber Smith and I AM GEORGIA 4-H!
I have done many things in 4-H. I did the National 4-H Week poster contest in fifth and sixth grades. I’ve made Valentine Cards for the elderly people in the nursing home in seventh grade. My name is Ivey Herrington and I am Georgia 4-H!
I’m an eighth grade 4-H’er, and I’m 13 years old. I have done a lot of 4-H judging events like Forestry, Cotton Boll, Wildlife and Horse. I have been secretary all my 4-H years. I have learned to be my best in everything I do. My name is Kiara Ampuero and I am Georgia 4-H!
My name is Madison Gruber. I am a seventh grader and I have been active in 4-H since the fifth grade. One of my favorite things to do is the pumpkin decorating contest. I enjoy doing it because I can be creative and come up with my own design. I participated in the summer activities, Forestry Judging and Wildlife Judging, and had a lot of fun while also learning new things. Being involved with 4-H has taught me a lot and I’ve also made new friends. I plan on staying active with 4-H and look forward to watching my sisters follow behind me. I want to thank Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Becky, and 4-H volunteer, Mrs. Stephanie Williams for all their hard work! You guys are awesome! I am Georgia 4-H!
I’m a junior 4-H’er and my favorite activity in 4-H is District Project Achievement (DPA). The first time I participated in DPA, I demonstrated dog care and training and won second place. This year I will demonstrate various kinds of horses. I am Aurora Taylor and I Am Georgia 4-H!
My first 4-H project was the Market Hog Show. I learned how to take care of a “show pig”. I also competed in my cheer project at the county and district level. I took a 4-H summer cooking class and learned about setting a budget and how to cook several recipes. I am proud to say I won the National 4-H Week poster contest. I entered my poodle, “Angel Mae” in the 4-H dog show. She won best in show. I’ve gone to 4-H camp for two years. We had a blast! I met lots of new friends there. It was an adventure of a lifetime. I can honestly say I made memories I will cherish forever. Participating in 4-H has been a great experience for me. One of the most important things I am learning is leadership. We also have a lot of fun in 4-H. 4-H has become a big part of my life. I am Lauren Graham, and I am proud to say, “I am Georgia 4-H!”
I first began 4-H in fifth grade at Fourth District Elementary School. I’ve been mostly active in classroom activities such as this story, projects, CPA, DPA, and some outside of the classroom trips. In sixth grade I was the program chairman. I myself love 4-H! I enjoy Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Becky when they come to our classroom. I also love bulldog bucks! I’ve earned lots of them. I can’t wait to be active in 4-H this year! I’m so excited! I hope I get a chance to attend camp this year because I’ve never gone before. I’ve heard it’s really fun and exciting! I love 4-H and all the activities that take place in it! I am Andrea Nicole Branch and I AM GEORGIA 4-H!!! 4-H ROCKS!!!
The previous stories were from 4-H’ers, but this next story is from a 4-H alumnus.
I was on every 4-H judging team that Appling County 4-H had to offer. I made sure I was on the 4-H van whenever it was pulling out of the parking lot of the Extension Office. I traveled to Washington, DC for a full week representing the state of Georgia at Citizenship Washington FOCUS. I felt my portfolio was always awesome, but for some reason my District Project Achievement percussion performance for six years was always MUCH better. Oh, being able to be a counselor at Camp Wahsega for three weeks in the summer was more than worth it. Lastly, being a member of the Georgia Southern University Collegiate 4-H program as well as being the United States Southern Region 4-H Vice President wasn’t a bad idea at all.
Who am I? I am Marcus K. Rayner, and the Appling County 4-H Club certainly played a significant role in the development of my character, professionalism, self-motivation, decorum, and leadership. I often served as a leader in our local 4-H chapter. The opportunity to travel and meet other 4-H’ers throughout Georgia and abroad put my leadership skills to great use. Many of the friendships I made in 4-H have lasted until today, such as Otto Walker.
In my profession as Director of Bands at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia, I realize that 4-H imparted in me the confidence needed to be a public speaker in front of large crowds, motivator, and inspiration to all my band students. I truly “Appreciate” every one of my agents and leaders for their hard work starting with Mrs. Becky Collins, Mr. Jerry Pullen, Mr. Richard Matthews, Mr. Jim Crawford, Mr. James Clark, Mrs. Janet Hollingsworth, Mrs. Joy Tomberlin, and the infamous Mr. Tim Varnedore. I must also thank my parents, Larry and Mamie Rayner, for chaperoning almost every 4-H trip I attended. And yes, Mrs. Mamie was everybody’s MAMA! Again, I say, “THANK YOU 4-H!” I Am Georgia 4-H!
Appling County 4-H programs offer so much to youth. There is a project in 4-H that interests almost everyone. Participants learn through fun activities, community volunteering, and local, district, and statewide competitions.
More than 600 4-H members from fifth through twelfth grade are enrolled in Appling County. Extension 4-H leaders meet with 4-H members in school and after school. In 2011, more than 170,000 youths participated in Georgia 4‑H programs.
Besides projects and competitions, Georgia 4-H members can go to special camps and exciting events all over the state and nation. Special camps at the beach, in the mountains, in the city and at Rock Eagle and even trips to Washington, D.C., offer exciting ways to learn while having fun.
In Appling County, our 4-H activities include competitions such as shooting sports teams, project achievement, judging events, livestock shows, and more. Our 4-H’ers also participate in many community service activities, such as visiting the nursing home and the senior citizen’s center, delivering goods to needy families and to the Ronald McDonald House, adopt-a-highway, and much more.
But the 4-H’ers aren’t the only ones having fun. Adult volunteers work with 4‑H’ers helping them prepare for competitions, sharing their knowledge with them and, most importantly, spending time with them. I don’t know what we’d do without our volunteers. They work with our 4‑H’ers on so many projects and teams. Many volunteers are 4-H alumni, so they recognize the benefits of 4-H.
Appling County 4-H’ers help the community, but they also need help from the community. They need support through funding, volunteers and guidance in their project areas.
If you’re not currently involved in 4-H, we’d love for you to join us. As Georgia celebrates 4-H Week, think about how you can get involved, whether as a student, a volunteer, or a parent.
The Appling County Extension staff would like to thank the judges of the poster contest. This is another example of volunteering with 4-H. Some photos of the poster winners are in this issue and some will be in next week’s issue.
To learn more about Georgia 4-H, call your county’s Cooperative Extension office at 912-367-8130 or 1-800-ASK-UGA1, come by the office at 83 South Oak Street, or visit the Georgia 4-H Web site at georgia4h.org. To share your story with us, visit iamga4h.org or www.facebook.com/pages/I-am-Georgia-4-H.
Winners from Fourth District Elementary are Eli Swain-first place, Briana Williams-second place, and Tara Boatright-third place.
Altamaha Elementary- pictured l-r, Noah Harris-first place, Kimbrell Higginbotham-second place, Kayla Wynn-third place, and Jesse Bruce-Honorable Mention.
Altamaha Elementary winners are Noah Harris-first place, Kimbrell Higginbotham-second place, Kayla Wynn-third place, and Jesse Bruce-Honorable Mention.
The winners of the poster contest from Appling County Elementary are Caroline Morris-first place, Gabby Collins-second place, Talannis Henry-third place, and Sydney Cauley-Honorable Mention.
The winner from Appling Christian Academy is Phillip Twiggs.
I am Georgia 4-H! What does that mean to you? We asked 4-H’ers, sixth-twelfth grade, and 4-H alumni to answer that question. We heard from several people, and this is what they said:
4-H has helped me in more ways than you could possibly imagine. It’s been a huge part of my life since I was in fifth grade! When I started competing in DPA, Poultry Judging, Conferences and things like that, it really helped me become a more outspoken person. I also love 4-H because I make a new life-long friend at almost every event that I attend. There are always some really amazing new people you can meet in 4-H. If I hadn’t started participating then I would have missed out on so many wonderful opportunities that I have been given. My name is Callie Brannen, and I am Georgia 4-H!
My mother was the first person to tell me about 4-H. She encouraged me to join the club and be an officer in the fifth grade. I am so glad she did! She told me her 4-H story and it made me want to make my own. My favorite part of 4-H was being on the Junior District Board of Directors. It was a blast! I met so many people and made great friends that I still keep in touch with today. I wouldn’t trade anything for my wonderful experiences as a Georgia 4-H’er. My name is Katie Spell and I am Georgia 4-H!
Hi, my name is Axel I would like to tell you what I like about 4-H. I like 4-H because of how many things there are to participate in. I have enjoyed being on the BB gun team, picking blackberries and making jelly, sewing, drama, skating trips, parties, public speaking and learning tons of stuff!!!!! I am Georgia 4-H!
I am proud to say I’m a 4-H’er! These past two years in 4-H have been the most exciting, fun, and interesting moments of my life since I hit fifth grade. While in 4-H, I’ve been to camp, bowling, skating, and much more. I’ve learned a lot these past two years. I’ve grown to love 4-H members and staff. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for me while being a 4-H member. I am Jasmine Noble and I am Georgia 4-H!
I have only been in 4-H a year, but I have been in many activities. My favorite activity was the Appling County Market Hog Show. The experience with my hog gave me responsibility to care for him and to learn more things about a pig. I’m about to also compete in the Georgia National Fair in Perry, in the Variety Show and the Ice Cream making contest. I’m Gracie Lewis and I am Georgia 4-H!
Georgia 4-H is awesome! I got to serve as a class officer, be on the BB team, which placed second at district, enter and place in the top three in the MilkMake Contest, and attend camp at Rock Eagle. I also enjoyed many fun-filled trips. I am Gabe Music and I am Georgia 4-H!
I have done so many life-changing and exciting things in 4-H. One of my favorites is 4-H camp. Even though I got homesick, I still want to go back. There is one thing I want to do, the hog show. Well, my name is Katie Tillman and I am Georgia 4-H!!!
I am Carter Cauley, I am 12 years old, and 4-H has really changed my life. When I started competing in 4-H activities I could tell I was getting into something that really inspires me. Mrs. Becky and Mrs. Donna have also really encouraged me in many, many things. A few things I’ve done and am still doing is DPA, milkshake competition, wildlife judging, horse judging, and an exhibit at the Georgia National Fair. One thing that was extremely fun was going to Rock Eagle with all my friends. Not only is 4-H super fun, it also builds a high level of self-confidence for any kid. 4-H is a spectacular club that any kid can join. And that’s a few reasons why I Am Georgia 4-H!
See more next week.
Hello, I’m Sophia Suarez and I want to share with you my experiences in 4-H this summer. Well, first I went to Summer Waves. It was the best thing ever because I’ve never gone before. I met a lot of new friends. I love the Lazy River, because it’s so calm and cool. I also helped my best friend Tessa, with her watermelon. I got to help her plant it and water it. It was the least I could do because she helped me with my 4-H demonstration on “Dippy Dolphins”. It turned out pretty amazing to my class and also to Mrs. Becky. I was also considered for the 4-H camp scholarship. I didn’t win, but it was okay and awesome that I was considered. Well that’s all I did this summer in 4-H. Hope you enjoyed it. “I Am Georgia 4-H!”
In 4-H, I learned a lot of different things. The first thing was that you have to wear green on 4-H meeting days. The second thing was about DPA. DPA seems like a lot of fun. I know 4-H may sound boring but it’s not. I want all the kids to at least try 4-H. I am Darren Garcia and I am Georgia 4-H!
Two years of 4-H have taught me to make creative posters, speeches, and have FUN! I’ve gained leadership and public speaking skills. I’m a CPA, DPA, and Cake Bake ribbon winner, pumpkin decorator, and a sixth grade Cloverleaf of the Year winner. I’m Amber Smith and I AM GEORGIA 4-H!
I have done many things in 4-H. I did the National 4-H Week poster contest in fifth and sixth grades. I’ve made Valentine Cards for the elderly people in the nursing home in seventh grade. My name is Ivey Herrington and I am Georgia 4-H!
I’m an eighth grade 4-H’er, and I’m 13 years old. I have done a lot of 4-H judging events like Forestry, Cotton Boll, Wildlife and Horse. I have been secretary all my 4-H years. I have learned to be my best in everything I do. My name is Kiara Ampuero and I am Georgia 4-H!
My name is Madison Gruber. I am a seventh grader and I have been active in 4-H since the fifth grade. One of my favorite things to do is the pumpkin decorating contest. I enjoy doing it because I can be creative and come up with my own design. I participated in the summer activities, Forestry Judging and Wildlife Judging, and had a lot of fun while also learning new things. Being involved with 4-H has taught me a lot and I’ve also made new friends. I plan on staying active with 4-H and look forward to watching my sisters follow behind me. I want to thank Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Becky, and 4-H volunteer, Mrs. Stephanie Williams for all their hard work! You guys are awesome! I am Georgia 4-H!
I’m a junior 4-H’er and my favorite activity in 4-H is District Project Achievement (DPA). The first time I participated in DPA, I demonstrated dog care and training and won second place. This year I will demonstrate various kinds of horses. I am Aurora Taylor and I Am Georgia 4-H!
My first 4-H project was the Market Hog Show. I learned how to take care of a “show pig”. I also competed in my cheer project at the county and district level. I took a 4-H summer cooking class and learned about setting a budget and how to cook several recipes. I am proud to say I won the National 4-H Week poster contest. I entered my poodle, “Angel Mae” in the 4-H dog show. She won best in show. I’ve gone to 4-H camp for two years. We had a blast! I met lots of new friends there. It was an adventure of a lifetime. I can honestly say I made memories I will cherish forever. Participating in 4-H has been a great experience for me. One of the most important things I am learning is leadership. We also have a lot of fun in 4-H. 4-H has become a big part of my life. I am Lauren Graham, and I am proud to say, “I am Georgia 4-H!”
I first began 4-H in fifth grade at Fourth District Elementary School. I’ve been mostly active in classroom activities such as this story, projects, CPA, DPA, and some outside of the classroom trips. In sixth grade I was the program chairman. I myself love 4-H! I enjoy Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Becky when they come to our classroom. I also love bulldog bucks! I’ve earned lots of them. I can’t wait to be active in 4-H this year! I’m so excited! I hope I get a chance to attend camp this year because I’ve never gone before. I’ve heard it’s really fun and exciting! I love 4-H and all the activities that take place in it! I am Andrea Nicole Branch and I AM GEORGIA 4-H!!! 4-H ROCKS!!!
The previous stories were from 4-H’ers, but this next story is from a 4-H alumnus.
I was on every 4-H judging team that Appling County 4-H had to offer. I made sure I was on the 4-H van whenever it was pulling out of the parking lot of the Extension Office. I traveled to Washington, DC for a full week representing the state of Georgia at Citizenship Washington FOCUS. I felt my portfolio was always awesome, but for some reason my District Project Achievement percussion performance for six years was always MUCH better. Oh, being able to be a counselor at Camp Wahsega for three weeks in the summer was more than worth it. Lastly, being a member of the Georgia Southern University Collegiate 4-H program as well as being the United States Southern Region 4-H Vice President wasn’t a bad idea at all.
Who am I? I am Marcus K. Rayner, and the Appling County 4-H Club certainly played a significant role in the development of my character, professionalism, self-motivation, decorum, and leadership. I often served as a leader in our local 4-H chapter. The opportunity to travel and meet other 4-H’ers throughout Georgia and abroad put my leadership skills to great use. Many of the friendships I made in 4-H have lasted until today, such as Otto Walker.
In my profession as Director of Bands at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia, I realize that 4-H imparted in me the confidence needed to be a public speaker in front of large crowds, motivator, and inspiration to all my band students. I truly “Appreciate” every one of my agents and leaders for their hard work starting with Mrs. Becky Collins, Mr. Jerry Pullen, Mr. Richard Matthews, Mr. Jim Crawford, Mr. James Clark, Mrs. Janet Hollingsworth, Mrs. Joy Tomberlin, and the infamous Mr. Tim Varnedore. I must also thank my parents, Larry and Mamie Rayner, for chaperoning almost every 4-H trip I attended. And yes, Mrs. Mamie was everybody’s MAMA! Again, I say, “THANK YOU 4-H!” I Am Georgia 4-H!
Appling County 4-H programs offer so much to youth. There is a project in 4-H that interests almost everyone. Participants learn through fun activities, community volunteering, and local, district, and statewide competitions.
More than 600 4-H members from fifth through twelfth grade are enrolled in Appling County. Extension 4-H leaders meet with 4-H members in school and after school. In 2011, more than 170,000 youths participated in Georgia 4‑H programs.
Besides projects and competitions, Georgia 4-H members can go to special camps and exciting events all over the state and nation. Special camps at the beach, in the mountains, in the city and at Rock Eagle and even trips to Washington, D.C., offer exciting ways to learn while having fun.
In Appling County, our 4-H activities include competitions such as shooting sports teams, project achievement, judging events, livestock shows, and more. Our 4-H’ers also participate in many community service activities, such as visiting the nursing home and the senior citizen’s center, delivering goods to needy families and to the Ronald McDonald House, adopt-a-highway, and much more.
But the 4-H’ers aren’t the only ones having fun. Adult volunteers work with 4‑H’ers helping them prepare for competitions, sharing their knowledge with them and, most importantly, spending time with them. I don’t know what we’d do without our volunteers. They work with our 4‑H’ers on so many projects and teams. Many volunteers are 4-H alumni, so they recognize the benefits of 4-H.
Appling County 4-H’ers help the community, but they also need help from the community. They need support through funding, volunteers and guidance in their project areas.
If you’re not currently involved in 4-H, we’d love for you to join us. As Georgia celebrates 4-H Week, think about how you can get involved, whether as a student, a volunteer, or a parent.
The Appling County Extension staff would like to thank the judges of the poster contest. This is another example of volunteering with 4-H. Some photos of the poster winners are in this issue and some will be in next week’s issue.
To learn more about Georgia 4-H, call your county’s Cooperative Extension office at 912-367-8130 or 1-800-ASK-UGA1, come by the office at 83 South Oak Street, or visit the Georgia 4-H Web site at georgia4h.org. To share your story with us, visit iamga4h.org or www.facebook.com/pages/I-am-Georgia-4-H.
Trackbacks
Trackback specific URI for this entry
No Trackbacks