The beginning of March marked the end of the Newton County 2024-25 4-H District Project Achievement (Public Speaking) program. This program is a part of youth development in Georgia 4-H, giving students from grades four through 12 a chance to explore interests, develop important life skills and gain confidence through public speaking and project presentations.
Cloverleaf (4th-6th Grade) District Project Achievement
On Feb. 8, Newton County 4-H hosted a district-wide public speaking competition for fourth through sixth-graders at Newton County STEAM Academy. The event saw 284 competitors from 14 counties. Newton County 4-H had 32 participants in various categories.
For these young students, the focus is on hands-on learning, building self-confidence and sharing knowledge. They present their projects in their classrooms, advance to county-level competitions and eventually compete at the district level.
Newton County 4-H’ers earned many awards, with 59 percent placing in the top three in their categories. Newton County 4-H also received the Outstanding Participation award for a 52 percent increase in participation over 2024. The wide range of presentation topics included desiccant dehumidifiers, the history of Mansfield, dairy cows and spirograph art.
Junior/Senior (7th-12th Grade) District Project Achievement
The weekend of Feb. 28, 483 youth from the Northwest District traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center for the Junior/Senior District Project Achievement Competition.
Newton County was represented by 16 middle and high school 4-H’ers who had prepared for months.
This two-part contest began last fall when participants worked to submit a portfolio that tells the story of a 4-H’ers achievement and growth, characterized by a strong vision of content, skills and learning.
After submitting the portfolio in January, the youth created their demonstrations. This year, Newton County youth prepared speeches, dances, vocal ensembles, original monologues and food lab demonstrations.
Throughout the weekend, participants competed, practiced citizenship by electing peers to represent Northwest District 4-H, participated in community service and learned a few new line dances. On Sunday morning, 14 Newton County 4-H’ers returned home with medals for placing in the top three of their categories.
“Newton County 4-H staff and volunteers are incredibly proud of all the 4-H’ers that stepped outside their comfort zones and showed the world that they are not afraid of public speaking!” stated a press release.
For more information about Newton County 4-H, including next year’s competition, upcoming summer activities, and camps, contact the Newton County 4-H office at 770-784-2010 or by emailing newton.extension@uga.edu. For any visitors, the office is located on the second floor of the Newton County Administrative Building, 1113 Usher St. Suite 202 in Covington.
