Each year in conjunction with the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), GEA4-HA presents the William H. Booth Award. The award recognizes outstanding Georgia extension agents working in the 4-H program. It is an honor acknowledging both peer recognition and career achievement.
William (Bill) Booth was a rural electric pioneer who was a charter member of the board of directors and general manager of Jackson EMC in Jefferson, Ga. It was Booth who first suggested that Georgia’s 41 EMCs take a hand in sponsoring statewide 4-H and youth events. Each district elects one GAE4-HA member with 7+ years experience to be the district nominee. Nominees complete a rigorous application and interview process, and the state winner is named each year at State 4-H Congress in July. GAE4-HA established guidelines for awarding the William H. Booth Award on an annual basis.
GAE4-HA established the following guidelines for awarding the William H. Booth award on an annual basis: William H. Booth Award Guidelines.
Past Winners Include
| Year | Name |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Gene Anderson |
| 1980 | Pat Barkuloo |
| 1981 | Patt Bell |
| 1982 | Jeanette Brooks |
| 1983 | Irene DuBose |
| 1984 | Barbara Carter |
| 1985 | Dawn Perry |
| 1986 | Doris Belcher |
| 1987 | Mary H. White |
| 1988 | Beth Epling |
| 1989 | Emma Thornton |
| 1990 | Diane Moore |
| 1991 | Marilyn Poole |
| 1992 | Lorraine Payne |
| 1993 | Helen Barrett |
| 1994 | Rachel Guthrie |
| 1995 | Ginny Atkins |
| 1996 | Sally Black |
| 1997 | Susan Branan |
| 1998 | Clyde Taylor |
| 1999 | Connie Page |
| 2000 | Kathy Baldwin |
| 2001 | Diane Sumner |
| 2002 | Teresa Harvey |
| 2003 | Phil Torrance |
| 2004 | Judy Ashley |
| 2005 | Jule-Lynne Macie |
| 2006 | Lynn Youngblood |
| 2007 | Sandra McKinney |
| 2008 | Melinda Miller |
| 2009 | Rebecca Thomas |
| 2010 | Jennifer Grogan |
| 2011 | Ann Wildes |
| 2012 | Deron Rehberg |
| 2013 | Zona Medley |
| 2014 | Shirley Williamson |
| 2015 | Dorothea Graham |
| 2016 | Cherry Hovatter |
| 2017 | Stephanie Myers |
| 2018 | Kate Whiting |
| 2019 | Brandi McGonagill |