Pierce County celebrates National 4-H Week and highlights the excellence and leadership of local youth Oct. 6-12 by celebrating the many 4-H activities and successes of 4-H youth.
“Beyond Ready” is the theme for 2024 National 4-H Week, and this year’s crop of participants from Pierce demonstrate that readiness in action.
Current 4-H’ers will join alumni, parents, faculty, staff, volunteers and supporters in sharing how 4-H has prepared them to be engaged members of their families and communities.
“4-H has given me opportunities that grow my skills in leadership, public speaking and team work. All of these make me ready for life,” said Paige Folette, Pierce County 4-H President and one of several winners to be celebrated this week.
4-H participants perform community service, conduct research, compile portfolios of their accomplishments and learn public speaking skills through oral presentations during 4-H Project Achievement.
This year, Pierce County received several awards based on highest participation with a total of 44 students from grades 4 -6 attending the contest.
Fifteen of the 21 local Pierce County youths from grades 7-12 that took part in Jr.- Sr. Southeast District Project Achievement were awarded first, second or third place medals at Rock Eagle earlier this February.
This year, two Pierce County Senior 4-H’ers also advanced to State Congress, competing to earn the highly sought after “Master Status” in their respective projects: Briley Harris (History), and Paige Folette (Vet Science). Folette ultimately achieved master status, meaning she will attend National Congress in November.
Other awards received in February at DPA include a $400 Waterwise Scholarship awarded to Jacob Clark, and Outstanding Project Club awarded to our four 4-H ambassadors, Jacob Clark, Briley Harris, Paige Folette, and Addison Folette.
University of Georgia’s (UGA) Cooperative Extension in Pierce County reaches young people from all backgrounds and communities. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H engages hundreds of thousands of students each year, typically in fourth through 12th grades. Pierce County serves every student in Pierce County.
Georgia 4-H has its roots in agriculture, originating with the 1905 Newton County Corn Club for Boys. The program now has additional branches in science, technology, healthy living and civic engagement, attracting students from all areas of interest and engaging youth from the most urban to the most rural areas. A four-leaf clover is the official emblem of 4-H; the “H” in each leaf of the 4-H clover emblem represents head, heart, hands, and health.
For more information about how to join, volunteer or support Georgia 4-H, please contact the UGA Cooperative Extension office at 705 College Ave., call 912-4492034 or email [email protected]
Pierce County Cloverleaf DPA participants assembled for a group picture following the award ceremony at Bacon County Middle School. Pierce took home its share of awards, including several awards based upon total highest participation due to the 44 students presenting projects that year.
Pierce 4-H’ers (l-r) Lauren Trusdell, Rileigh Jones, Summer Felts, Aleah Eason, Dorcas Harris, Carlee Walker, Allie Herrin, Lily Wright, Jaelyn Bowen, Braylee Oliver and Layla Justice hang out in front of a cabin at Camp Rock Eagle.
Pierce 4-H President Paige Folette earned her Master status in Veterinary Science at the 4-H State Congress.
Brystol Dixon earned 1st place in the Food for Health category with her presentation on the Mediterranean Diet.
Halle Tomlin, Brittney Still and Rose Belmondo pause for a photo after suiting up with helmets and safety gear prior to getting their feet off the ground at Camp Rock Eagle in Eatonton. Camp Rock Eagle is the world’s largest 4-H center and hosts summer camp activities every year.
Briley Harris was one of two Pierce 4-H’ers to attend the 2024 4-H State Congress held in Atlanta.
Suzanne Clark won the Southern States Volunteer Scholarship at State Council for giving her time to assist Pierce 4-H students.
