Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 82nd Annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta July 22-25.

State Congress includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests, as well as recognition of youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Three Bryan County 4-H’ers competed at State Congress this year, including Lacey Howell in the Engineering and Mechanics project, Aubrianna Stewart in the Entomology project, and Maddie Walraven in the Housing project. Howell and Stewart earned the title of “Master 4-H’er” and Walraven placed 3rd in her category.

Students who place first at state-level competitions in Georgia 4-H earn the title of “Master 4-H’er.” During State Congress, more than 200 delegates competed in 49 Project Achievement areas and eight delegates competed in the Leadership in Action contest; one individual from each project area and two Leadership in Action competitors received Master 4-H’er status. Special event Master 4-H’ers from the 2024-25 program year were also recognized at State Congress.

Over 60,000 youth receive instruction in Project Achievement each year through 4-H programs at the county level. This essential Georgia 4-H program element empowers young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking, and record keeping skills that will last a lifetime. At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of 52 categories in focus areas that include agriculture, science, health, wellness, leadership, and civic engagement. They subsequently research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities. State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work. To view a complete list of Project Achievement participants, visit this link.

The Leadership in Action competition calls for 4-H’ers to identify a community need and work to meet that need by planning and implementing original projects and initiatives. Competitors then prepare an application packet and participate in interviews at the district level. The 2025 Leadership in Action winners were Addy Winchester from Pulaski County and Leila Rimes from Tift County.

Stewart competed in Leadership in Action with her project “Don’t Bee a Hater, Save the Pollinators”. She started this project to educate younger students as well as adults in the community about the importance of pollinators as they are vital to our local ecosystems and food sources. Through this project she has gained hands on experience by working with a local apiary and started a hive for her family. Serving as a Georgia 4-H Pollinator Ambassador, she has been able to share knowledge with the community, develop relationships with businesses, and teach workshops.

State Congress also serves as an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations who provide guidance and support to Georgia 4-H’ers.

Leaders in the camping program and 4-H center leadership also received recognition during State Congress. Additionally, the 2025-2026 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors were inducted into their positions of leadership. The 2024-2025 Board of Directors were honored for their year of service.

State Congress is made possible by contributions from organizations that support positive youth development in Georgia. Major sponsors include Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia 4-H Foundation, and Georgia Master 4-H Club. Georgia 4-H Pillar and Presenting Sponsors include Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation, Inc., Premium Peanut, Kelly Loeffler, META, and Chemours.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia County Extension Office or visit www.georgia4h.org.