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4-H members compete in virtual event
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In Effingham County, more than 2,000 students in fourth through 12th grade participate in 4-H programs.

Georgia 4-H celebrated success a little differently for the 2020 program year with a Virtual 4-H State Congress. Typically, this event is held in Atlanta with youth from all over Georgia participating in state level competition. 

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. 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 become tomorrow’s leaders.

The 2020 Virtual State Congress was held during the week of July 20-24. Effingham County had a pair of outstanding participants take on the challenge of competing virtually. 

Skylar Morgan competed in the Robotics project area. Morgan competed as a sophomore and attends South Effingham High School. 

She has been active in 4-H since she was a fifth grader, participating in a wide range of events and activities. She also serves as a STEM ambassador.

Effingham County also had Owen Mercer compete in the Arts & Crafts project area. Mercer competed as a junior and attends Georgia Cyber Academy. 

He has been active in 4-H since he was in the sixth grade and serves his 4-H Club as a teen leader and a member of the leadership team. 

Morgan and Mercer did an outstanding job of altering their presentations into a virtual format by utilizing technology to record their work and to complete their interviews with judges.

Prior to competing at the state level, these students competed at the regional level where they earned first place in order to excel. 

Every year, more than 77,000 youth participate in Georgia 4-H Project Achievement. 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.”

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 242,000 people annually through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local Effingham County Extension Office at (912) 754-8040.