Two students from Effingham County earned Master 4-H’er status at the 72nd annual 4-H State Congress at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta.

Sophie Usher and Natalie Starling were among the 48 Georgia 4-H’ers to earn Master 4-H’er recognition by taking first place in a project area at State Congress.

Usher, a senior at Effingham County High School, placed first in the companion animals science project. Usher earned a trip to the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, along with other state project-winning 4-H’ers from throughout the United States.

Starling is pursuing a degree in music and communication at Georgia Southern University. She was awarded a State 4-H Scholarship and Master 4-H status.

The 4-H State Congress brings 4-H’ers from across Georgia together to compete at the state level. They qualify for the state competition by winning first place in their regional competition.

At state, Georgia 4-H’ers competed in a variety of categories ranging from history to horses and performing arts to public speaking. Each student gave a 12-minute presentation before expert judges and prepared portfolios detailing their research, leadership and service projects.

Mastering in a project area is the ultimate goal for all 4-H’ers participating in Project Achievement.  Through Project Achievement, 4-H’ers gain skills in public speaking, resume building and interviewing, by presenting a portfolio of accomplishments and a demonstration based in their project area.

“State 4-H Congress is an opportunity for Georgia 4-H to honor winners in project work and special events during the program’s 110th year,” said Arch Smith, Georgia 4-H state leader. “4-H continues to prepare tomorrow’s workforce by assisting young people in developing self-confidence and gaining leadership skills that will enable them to be tomorrow’s leaders.