Cook County 4-H excels at Southwest District Project Achievement 2025

Cook County 4-H excels at Southwest District Project Achievement 2025

By Katrina Searcy

4-H Agent

ROCK EAGLE, GA – Cook County 4-H’ers recently showcased their hard work, talent, and dedication at the Georgia 4-H Southwest District Project Achievement (DPA) at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Sixteen outstanding 4-H’ers represented Cook County with pride, earning top honors in a variety of project categories.

District Project Achievement is one of Georgia 4-H’s signature events, allowing students to build leadership, public speaking, and research skills. Participants spend months preparing detailed portfolios highlighting their work in leadership, community service, and project-related activities. The competition culminates in a weekend where students present their 8-12-minute demonstrations, showcasing their knowledge and expertise.

Cook County 4-H made an impressive showing with fourteen students earning individual awards, three advancing to State Congress, and the county receiving multiple honors for outstanding activities, volunteers, and leadership.

Individual Awards:

🥇 1st Place Winners:

💚 Arabella Meyer – Wildlife

💚 Natalie Kocheran – Entomology

💚 Julian Joiner – Sports

💚 Catherine Joiner – Health

💚 Matthew Alexander – Marine Biology

💚 Anna Cook – Food Safety and Preservation

💚 Daniel Searcy – Housing

💚 Julia Joiner – Forestry and Wood Science

🥈 2nd Place Winners:

💚 Hadessah Gandy – Communications

💚 Markell McCall – Plant and Soil Science

💚 Bella Cain – Arts and Crafts

💚 Kaleb Keen – Outdoor Recreation

💚 Shelby Goldinger – Dairy

🥉 3rd Place Winner:

💚 Ziah Smith – Food Labs: Festive Foods for Health

🏅 4th Place:

💚 Braylan Rawls – Physical, Biological, and Earth Science

🏅 5th Place:

💚 Joshua Shittu – Health

County Awards:

🏆 Most Outstanding Junior Activity: AGventure Series

🏆 Most Outstanding Project Club Led by a 4-H’er: Daniel Searcy

🏆 Most Outstanding Volunteer Leaders: Mr. Clint & Mrs. Shannon Folsom

State Congress Delegates:

🌟 Anna Cook

🌟 Daniel Searcy

🌟 Julia Joiner

A special shoutout to our outgoing 2024-2025 Southwest District Senior Board Member, Kaleb Keen, who presided over this incredible weekend. Additionally, we celebrate Catherine Joiner, who was elected Vice President of the 2025-2026 Southwest District Junior Board of Directors by her peers!

None of these achievements would be possible without the incredible support of our donors and community partners who continue to invest in the future of Cook County youth. Cook County 4-H continues to thrive as a leader in youth development, and we could not be prouder of our 4-H’ers for their dedication, leadership, and hard work. Congratulations to all participants—your futures are bright!

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 242,000 people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local Cook County Extension office at uge4075@uga.edu.

EDITOR”S NOTE – The Adel News will have more photos of local recognition during Georgia 4-H Southwest District Project Achievement (DPA) in an upcoming print edition.