{"id":2564,"date":"2026-03-25T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/?p=2564"},"modified":"2026-03-20T11:03:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T15:03:36","slug":"big-wins-bigger-growth-at-public-speaking-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/big-wins-bigger-growth-at-public-speaking-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Wins, Bigger Growth at Public Speaking Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What do future scientists, performers, leaders, and entrepreneurs have in common? They all need to know how to do public speaking! 22 of Forsyth County\u2019s future leaders traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center March 13-15, 2026, to compete against other students from all over Northwest Georgia to showcase their talents, share their passions, and compete in an event that is shaping the next generation of confident, capable young leaders. For Forsyth County 4-H, this year\u2019s competition was not just another event. This year\u2019s District Project Achievement (DPA) was a record-breaking moment of growth, achievement, and opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Achievement is widely recognized as one of Georgia 4-H\u2019s premier leadership programs because it combines academic skill-building with real-world application. Participants not only improve their public speaking abilities but also develop critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills. These competencies align closely with workforce readiness expectations and help prepare youth to be successful in college and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Forsyth County 4-H Northwest District Project Achievement Delegation. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The impact of Project Achievement extends far beyond the competition itself. Students often report increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a greater sense of independence. Many alumni credit their experiences in 4-H Project Achievement as a defining factor in their personal and professional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Achievement challenges students to develop both written and verbal communication skills. To enter, participants in 7th<\/sup>-12th<\/sup> grade create a two-page Portfolio that highlights their work in a specific project area, along with leadership activities, community service, and other achievements from the past year. This process mirrors real-world resume building and helps students reflect on their growth while preparing for future academic and career opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After submitting their Portfolios in early January, students prepare and deliver a presentation on their chosen topic. With more than 50 categories available, ranging from environmental science to performing arts, participants are encouraged to find their spark and build expertise in a subject they are passionate about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year marked a significant milestone for the local 4-H program. The organization brought its largest delegation of Junior and Senior 4-H\u2019ers to the district competition since 2018, demonstrating substantial growth and renewed engagement in Project Achievement programming. Even more notably, Forsyth County celebrated its highest number of first-place and second-place sweepstakes winners advancing to the statewide competition since 2014, reflecting both the dedication of the students and the strength of the local program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presentations were evaluated by a panel of judges with expertise in each project area. For 7th and 8th grade participants, the competition concluded at the district level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forsyth County participants included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7th<\/sup> Grade Contestants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n