South Effingham High School sophomore Rylee Kirk represented Effingham County at the recent Georgia 4-H Congress.

Kirk competed in the Human Development project area at the four-day event in Atlanta. An active 4-H’er, Kirk participates in a wide array of events through 4-H and has attended 4-H Project Achievement since the fifth grade, according to Effingham County 4-H agent Abby Smith.

“She is dedicated to giving back to her community and serving as a teen leader for Cloverleaf activities,” said Smith, who attended the State 4-H Congress with Kirk. “Effingham County is proud to have such outstanding 4-H’ers as representatives as they continue the tradition of excellence striving to ‘make the best better.’”

The 71st annual Georgia 4-H Congress celebrated Georgia 4-H’s success for the 2013 4-H year. It brought together 4-H’ers from throughout Georgia to compete at the state level.

After a first-place achievement at State Congress, they are considered a “Master” 4-H’er. Mastering in a project area or in a special event is the ultimate goal for 4-H’ers. Through Project Achievement, 4-H’ers gain public speaking, resume building and interview skills by presenting a portfolio of accomplishments and a demonstration based in their project area.