Burke County 4th, 5th,and 6th grade 4-H’ers Succeed in Project Achievement
By: Meridith Franks, Extension 4-H Agent
4-H is helping students face their fears and become good public speakers. Public speaking is a skill that can be used in every walk of life. From job interviews to teaching, and customer service to civic club presentations, everyone has to speak in public at some point. 4-H prepares students for their futures by giving them the opportunity to participate in Project Achievement.
In 4-H Project Achievement, students present a demonstration on the topic of their choice. There are over 60 project categories to choose from – from sports to poultry science and performing arts to marine ecology – there really is something for every interest! Students choose a topic, write a speech, create a demonstration using posters and props to help illustrate their speech, and then present their demonstrations to a panel of judges where they are judged against other students in the same project category.
On Saturday, March 25, 6 Burke County 4th, 5th, and 6th graders traveled to Swainsboro to compete in Project Achievement. Competitors from Burke County Middle School were Tony Gray – 1st Herpetology, and Abby Joyner – 1st Dairy and Milk Science. The competitor from Jenkins County Middle School was Addie Bennett – 1st Public Speaking. Homeschool competitors were Samuel Eckerman – 2nd Target Sports, and Dennis Eberly – 3rd Geology. The competitor from Faith Christian Academy was Holt Sapp – 1st Dairy & Milk Science. Burke County received the award for highest percentage of winners.
Project Achievement is a positive experience for all students. Each student who attended, regardless of placing, learned self-confidence, initiative, responsibility, and time management – skills that will serve them well in any career path they pursue.
For questions or information about any of our Extension and 4-H Programs, please contact the Burke County Extension Office at 706-554-2119 or visit our website www.ugaextension.com/county-offices/burke.
