EFFINGHAM COUNTY – State 4-H Council, one of Georgia 4-H’s core programs, is the constitutional meeting of the Georgia 4-H Council and the election of Georgia 4-H State Officers. 

State 4-H Council is open to any rising 9–12 grade 4-H members.

This annual meeting hosts multiple events, competition and trainings throughout the weekend for youth and adults.

Some of the events and competitions include STEM workshops, Georgia 4-H Dean Awards, Iron Clover Contest, Community Service, Teen Leader Training, and a Citizenship Ceremony where 4-H members pledged to become civically-engaged Americans, to vote, and to make a difference in their communities.

This year, Effingham County took eight students to State Council.

These students included: Kimberly Gates, Tristan Hanafin, Abby Henry, Rose Moss, Emilie Rowland, Lauren Usher, Rebecca Velasquez, and Bailee Wilson.

While at State 4-H Council, Effingham 4-H was proud to have two outstanding 4-H members compete in the Dean’s Award competition: Rose Moss submitted a portfolio in the Citizenship Category and Rebecca Velasquez submitted in the Leadership Category.

The Georgia 4-H Dean Award is one of the highest awards a 4-H member can earn and is open to all high school 4-H members.

Competitors submit a cumulative 4-H portfolio and participate in an interview session in one of the five areas: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Citizenship, Communications and the Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Leadership.

The annual Iron Clover Competition is another event held at State 4-H Council.

This event is named after the iron statue of the 4-H emblem currently standing in front of Sutton Hall at Rock Eagle and is designed to observe the district-wide competition.

During the competition, each district competes against one another in fun competitions, ranging from softball to musical chairs.

At the end of the weekend, the district team that has been awarded the most Iron Clover points has won the title of “Iron Clover Champion” for their district.

The Southeast District was the first-place winner of the Iron Clover Competition this year.

Students from across Georgia also have the opportunity to run for a State Officer position. 

Once their application is submitted they have the opportunity to campaign throughout the weekend.

While at State Council they get the opportunity to reach out to other 4-H members in a variety of ways including presenting skits that share their qualities and why they would make a great candidate for office, by answering questions on stage, and by campaigning throughout the weekend for votes. 

Rebecca Velasquez took on this challenge and represented Effingham County 4-H with pride. 

The UGA Extension 4-H Youth Development Program has helped thousands of Georgia youth learn by doing to make their best better.

For more information about Effingham County 4-H programs, call 912-754-8040.