Cloverleaf 4-H members participate at DPA; eight place in top three spots of project areas

Wilkes County Cloverleaf 4-H'ers who participated at District Project Achievement were (front row, l-r) Liam Smith, Ashlyn Holley, Payton Burriss, Katie Trimm, Tabatha Welch, (second row) Amanda Smith, Joshua McLeroy, Megan Thackston, Leslie Souther, Brittany Klaus, Michael Edwards, (on the limb) Cody McLeroy, Kathleen Storrin, Ryan Jones, and Jackson Armour.

Twelve Wilkes County Cloverleaf 4-H'ers traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton to participate in District Project Achievement on December 1, 2007. Eight of the 12 4-H'ers placed in the top three spots in their project areas. Wilkes County was recognized and received a plaque for the highest percentage of winners.

"They're all really winners," said Jackie Crew, 4-H program assistant. "It took a lot of work and practice for each young person to prepare for this event." Each fifth or sixth grade 4-H'er gave an illustrated talk or demonstration on a topic they chose. Most demonstrations last about four minutes, and the 4-H'er uses two or three posters. Some prepared food in a food lab demonstration.

4-H'ers choose from 63 projects for their demonstrations. Projects include international, veterinary science, air science, computers, water conservation, photography, public speaking, plant and soils, performing arts, and safety, just to name a few.

Competition for Cloverleaf 4-H'ers ends at district competition but it prepares them for more advanced competition as they get older. In Wilkes County, competing at Cloverleaf Project Achievement earns the 4-H'er an invitation to and recognition at the 4-H Annual Awards Banquet, ten Bulldog Bucks, and a reward trip to Athens for an evening of bowling.

4-H'ers participating were: placing first - Kathleen Storrin, Cat Care. Placing second - Jackson Armour, poultry; Leslie Souther, performing arts, vocal; Katie Trimm, performing arts, vocal; Ryan Jones, public speaking; and Tabatha Welch, rabbits. Placing third - Liam Smith, sports. Honorable Mention went to Cody McLeroy, veterinary science; Amanda Smith, horse; Ashlyn Holley, performing arts, instrumental; and Megan Thackston, betweenmeal snacks.

Volunteers, teen leaders and Extension Officestaff helped 4-H'ers prepare for DPA and some attended with the youth. Teen leaders Michael Edwards, Brittany Klaus, and Joshua McLeroy helped 4-H'ers after school with speeches and posters. Mr. Rick Smith, CEA and Mrs. Jackie Crew, CEPA attended the contest. Tina McLeroy attended the event as an adult volunteer and helped judge projects. Teen leaders attending the event were: Michael Edwards, Brittany Klaus, and Joshua McLeroy

4-H started in 1905 with corn clubs for boys and tomato clubs for girls. Since then, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension's 4-H and Youth program has helped thousands of Georgia youth "learn by doing to make their best better."

Contact your county Extension office at 706.678.2332 for more information about 4-H programs in Wilkes County.

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