Dawson County 4-H senior members Stephanie Mize and Audra Vaughters recently traveled to Atlanta for the annual State 4-H Congress. 

This is the statewide competition for high school 4-H’ers and their projects.

Audra placed third in the history project. 

Stephanie competed in the Dairy Foods Project. 

Audra was judged on her 12 minute presentation, “Women in Georgia’s History.”  Stephanie prepared a meal using dairy products.  Both girls were interviewed and received scores on their portfolios.

Audra and Stephanie began competing in 4-H projects in fifth grade. 

Audra is the daughter of Gary and Debra Vaughters; Stephanie is the daughter of Steve and LaVerne Mize. 

Earning the trip to State Congress began in March at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center. 

4-Hers prepared their portfolios and presentations for judging at the district level.  

Audra’s history project involved her various activities throughout the year relating to history. 

Stephanie’s focus was on cooking.  

Audra and Stephanie competed against other 4-Hers from across northeast Georgia to win their respective projects.  At State Congress, they competed against representatives from other districts.  There are four districts across the state.

Funding for 4-H project competition comes from local support and fundraisers.  The district trip was supported by the Dawson County Woman’s Club and money generated at the annual Rabies Clinic. 

The Georgia 4-H Foundation and the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk funded the two projects Audra and Stephanie competed in. 

4-H Program Assistant Samantha Graves and County 4-H Agent Ian Cowie accompanied the Dawson County contestants to Atlanta. 

4-H members in Dawson also can compete in project work or other team competitions.  There are more than 50 projects 4-H members can participate in. 

The Dawson County 4-H club competes in several judging events. This involves a team that practices and competes at the district level. 

Judging teams include forestry, consumer goods and poultry.

Audra, Stephanie and other 4-Hers will be recognized for their accomplishments this of the past year at the 4-H Awards program set for Aug. 26.

If you would like to learn more about the 4-H program, contact the Dawson County Extension office at (706) 265-2442.