Fourteen Madison County 4-H members recently competed at Northeast Junior/Senior District Project Achievement (DPA), representing the county among youth from across Northeast Georgia. District Project Achievement is one of the premier events in the Georgia 4-H program, where students present demonstrations related to a project they have studied throughout the year. In addition to their presentations, competitors submit a portfolio highlighting their 4-H involvement, leadership experiences, community service, and project work.
Northeast District also allows 6th grade 4-H’ers to attend alongside junior and senior competitors, giving younger students an opportunity to experience the district event and begin preparing for future competitions.
Madison County had a strong showing across all divisions. Sixth grade competitors included Kennedy Allmon, who placed first in Food Lab – Between Meal Snacks; Pelaiah Lewis, who placed first in Herpetology; Drake Ray, who placed first in Horse; and JC Rouse, who placed first in Wildlife.
Junior competitors included Henry Bartenfeld, first place in Workforce Preparation & Career Development; Judson Free, first place in Entrepreneurship; Beau Knight, first place in Beef; Carsen Stewart, second place in Performing Arts – Other Instrumental; Charley Luke, third place in Health; and Oakley King, who competed in History.
Madison County seniors also performed exceptionally well. Bailey Bennett placed first in Communications, C.A. Duncan placed first in Food Lab – Dairy Foods, Lily Earle placed first in Food for Health & Sport, and Savannah McDaniel placed first in Food Lab – Food Fare. All four senior competitors will advance to State 4-H Congress this summer where they will compete for Master 4-H status, the highest honor awarded in the Georgia 4-H program.
During the weekend, Madison County senior Lily Earle was also recognized at the Graduating Senior Banquet where she received her 4-H graduation cords. Lily was one of only 13 seniors in the district recognized for competing in District Project Achievement every year since the fifth grade.
Leadership opportunities were also highlighted during the event. Seventh grader Charley Luke was elected to serve on the Northeast District Junior Board of Directors. In this role, she will represent Madison County and the district at conferences, meetings, and leadership events throughout the year. C.A. Duncan completed his term serving on the 2025–2026 Northeast District Senior Board of Directors. Throughout the past year, he represented Madison County through district leadership activities and events.
Leadership opportunities were also highlighted during the event. Seventh grader Charley Luke was elected to serve on the Northeast District Junior Board of Directors. In this role, she will represent Madison County and the district at conferences, meetings, and leadership events throughout the year. C.A. Duncan completed his term serving on the 2025–2026 Northeast District Senior Board of Directors. Throughout the past year, he represented Madison County through district leadership activities and events.
Madison County 4-H leaders expressed pride in the dedication and hard work these students displayed in preparing their projects throughout the year. The program also extends appreciation to the community members and supporters who contributed funds to help make this opportunity possible for the students.