The humidity is dropping along with the temperatures. That can only mean one thing. It’s DPA time! Our Oglethorpe County 4-H staff are busy this time of year preparing students to step out of their comfort zone and do something that they have never done before…PUBLIC SPEAKING! DPA is an abbreviation for District Project Achievement. DPA is an annual Georgia 4-H event that youth ages 9-19 compete. Students pick a topic of interest to speak about and create a speech and presentation and practice, practice, practice. On a Saturday in November, we load up and head down to Rock Eagle 4-H Center for the DPA competition. Many other 4-H’ers from around northeast Georgia come to compete and see who can give the most polished and informative presentation. Students are always excited to share all of their hard work to others. During the day, students also get to explore Rock Eagle 4-H Center, peruse the gift shop and meet new friends. After lunch we all gather in the large auditorium with anticipation to finally hear who has earned 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbons. As the judges scores are read for each presentation category cheering and excitement fills the room! Competitors are filled with a since of accomplishment and encouragement and have unwittingly learned many new life skills through their journey with 4-H District Project Achievement.