EATONTON — Junior and Senior 4-H’ers from Sumter County traveled Feb. 2-4 to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton to compete in Georgia 4-H’s weekend event, Southwest District Project Achievement (DPA). The weekend is designed to challenge 7th through 12th graders with a fun competition that builds public speaking, leadership, communication, and record keeping skills. Students also participated in community service projects throughout the weekend as well as enjoyed making new friends throughout the Southwest District. The annual event also draws interesting characters and costumes as youth campaign for a coveted spot on Junior and Senior Board, an elite committee which plans 4-H activities.
Sumter County had 14 participants and one teen leader, Anjum Alam, in attendance. Overall, Sumter County 4-H club did an outstanding job at DPA.  First place winners in the junior division (7th and 8th graders) were Endiya Brown in the Safety project, Trenton Floyd in the Public Speaking project, and Hinano Tomlinson in the Performing Arts-General project. Second place winners in the junior division were Tykira Bailey in the Pizza project and Aaron Jenkins in the History project. Paris Eberhardt placed third in Arts project junior division. Kate Busman competed in the Performing Arts-Vocal project.
First place winners in the senior division (9th-12th graders) were Lauren Busman in the Photography project and Ryan Mournighan in the Computer Information/Technology project. Both Busman and Mournighan will advance to compete at Georgia 4-H’s State Congress in July of 2018. Third place winner in the senior division was Morris Winters in the International project. Other senior DPA participants were Shazia Alam in the Food Safety and Preservation project , Zachary Pickle in the Performing Arts-Drama project,  Melinda Busman in the Health project, and Rosnice Williams in the Human Development project. Great job to Sumter County 4-H DPA participants and congratulations to Trenton Floyd on being elected the 2018-2019 Southwest District Junior Board Vice-President!
A graduating senior reception was held for all high school senior 4-H’ers in Southwest District. Anjum Alam, Lauren Busman and Ryan Mournighan were recognized and given a green and white 4-H cord for completing high school during the 2018 4-H year. Jordan Parker, Sumter County 4-H volunteer, was recognized as Southwest District’s most outstanding 4-H Volunteer Leader.
For more information about Sumter County 4-H and upcoming activities, contact Sumter County Extension office at 229-924-4476 or sumter4h@uga.edu.