The Bryan County 4-H chapter earned 12 top-three placings March 23 at the 2013 District Project Achievement in Emanuel County.
Parents, teen leaders, volunteers and 4-H staff convoyed to the day-long competition. After weeks of researching topics, preparing speeches and posters, and practicing their demonstrations, the group returned to Bryan County with two first-place ribbons, eight second-place ribbons and two third-place ribbons, while others earned competitive scores in their categories.
Project areas included topics on cat-and-dog care, art, history, performing arts and safety.  
Cloverleaf 4-Hers attending were:  
Alexandria Blessett, Sarah Cunningham (second place), Sarah Davidson (third place), Whitney Dixon, Daniel Ellerman (first place), Benjamin Elm (second place), Kyle Etheride (second place), Tyler Garkey (first place), Lexxy Garrett, Christopher Germany, Delaney Gray, Kaylee Kwek, Sage Lamb, Hunter Lee (third place), Isabella Martinez (second place), Cailyn McHugh (second place), Garrett Stigall (second place), Katherine Stigall (second place), Brianna Underwood and Tyree Whiters (second place)
“These 4-Hers were very creative and chose demonstration areas that you would not see every day. I am proud of the diversity in our county,” said Shanna Davis, Bryan County 4-H agent.
After the public speaking competition, the 4-Hers had a pizza lunch and a carnival with games and concessions hosted by Emanuel County 4-H Volunteers.  The day ended with an awards ceremony.  
Davis added that most of the 4-Hers  chose a topic they had been exposed to in their fifth-grade classes and expanded their research to prepare their demonstration.
Using a portable classroom in Richmond Hill, Davis and other 4-H staff meet with all fifth-grade classes at Bryan County Elementary School and Carver Upper Elementary School. The portable classroom also is used for junior and senior 4-H club meetings since 4-H has not been able to have club meetings at RHMS.  
“Teachers and students are faced with strict time schedules during the school day to meet educational requirements. I completely understand this and have worked diligently to offer alternatives for the children wishing to participate in 4-H after the fifth grade,” Davis said.
In other 4-H news, summer-camp registration is open for fifth- through 12th-grade students.  For more information, call 653-2231.