The 74th annual Georgia 4-H State Congress was held July 26-29, 2016 at the Crown Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. The 4-H State Congress is the highlight of the Georgia 4-H program year and brings to a close the 2015-2016 year by honoring those who have been District Project Achievement winners and recognizes all the 2015-2016 State Winners and Master 4-H members.
Carrianna Simmons was recognized at the Leadership Banquet for serving as the Northwest District Representative on the 4-H State Board of Directors for 2015-2016.
During State Congress, district project winners from the four 4-H districts in Georgia competed to earn the honor of being named state 4-H winners in their respective projects. As a state winner 4-H’ers are given the title “Master 4-H’er”.
Spalding County was honored to take five district winners that competed during State Congress. Abigail Noulis competed in the History project and Martha Hicks in the Performing Arts Piano project. Dani Gibson competed in the Veterinary Science project and placed second. Ben Rutledge competed in the Outdoor Recreation project and placed second. Hannah Rutledge competed in Food Safety and Preservation and was named the state winner.
On Thursday evening 48 state project winners and 125 special events winners were recognized during the annual Awards Banquet. Hannah Rutledge was recognized not only as a master project winner in Food Safety and Preservation but also as part of the state winning Food Product Development team along with teammates Nathaniel Haulk, Carrianna Simmons, Isabel Rutledge, Turner Jordan, and Francisco Zepeda; their coach is Lisa Kelley. The Precision Air Rifle Team were recognized as state winners, also coached by Lisa Kelley. Team members included: Amanda Mayo, Jennings Curd, Dalton Stoves, and Ben Davis. Ben was also the state high individual winner. Carrianna Simmons won the Bill Edwards Dean’s Award for Communication and the Arts. Our Hippology Team of Dani Gibson, Martha Hicks, Tyler Gibson and Carly Nash also won state honors with Dani also receiving the state high individual award and the Master Horseman award. Taylor Orr was the Ranch Horse Champion in the State Horse Show. Spalding County was honored to bring 19 Master 4-H titles home.
During the Awards program the William H. Booth Award is given to a 4-H agent for outstanding work in their 4-H program. This year’s award was presented to Cherry Hovatter, Spalding County Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development.
Pictures from this event included with this release:
Tyler Gibson (second from the left) represented the Hippology Master team during Awards Ceremonies at State Congress. Pictured with Tyler are Jay Morgan, Georgia 4-H Foundation; Julia Lucas, Master 4-H Club; and Cherry Hovatter, County Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development.
The Precision Air Rifle Team was recognized as State 4-H Masters at the 4- H Awards Ceremony. Pictured are: 1st row Jay Morgan, Georgia 4-H Foundation; Craven Hudson, Donor, Amanda Mayo, Lisa Kelley, Coach, Cherry Hovatter, County Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development; Ted Jenkins, Master 4-H Club. 2nd row Ben Davis (also the High Individual Master) Jennings Curd, Dalton Stoves.
Carrianna Simmons (2nd from left) won the Bill Edwards Dean’s Award for Communication and the Arts. She is pictured with Bo Ryles, Retire State 4-H Director, Cherry Hovatter, County Extension Agent 4- H Youth Development, Kirby Thompson, Georgia 4-H Foundation.
The Food Product Development Team was recognized at the State 4-H Congress Awards program for achieving 1st place. 1st row: Bo Ryles, Retired State 4-H Director; Carrianna Simmons, Turner Jordan, Hannah Rutledge, Cherry Hovatter, County Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development 2nd Row Isabel Rutledge, Nathaniel Haulk, Lisa Kelley, Coach; Kirby Thompson, Georgia 4-H Foundation.
Hannah Rutledge was the 1st place winner in the Food Safety and Preservation project at State Congress. She is pictured with Cherry Hovatter, County Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development; Julia Lucas, Master 4-H Club, Kirby Thompson, Georgia 4-H Foundation.