From left are Hayden Wolfle, Joy Dixon, Quorra Wolfle, Joel Dixon, Drew Barnes, and Jacqueline McCoppin.

VALDOSTA — In preparation for District Project Achievement, 4-H’ers choose a project area of interest, research a relevant topic, and write and present a presentation. Through this process, 4-H’ers develop leadership, creativity, public speaking, record-keeping, and other skills. The record-keeping component promotes independent-thinking, research and implementation.

Lowndes 4-H carried six 4-H’ers to this year’s project achievement with their projects: Drew Barnes, Wildlife and Marine Science; Joel Dixon, Sports; Jacqueline McCoppin, International; Joy Dixon-, 7th grade Cat Care; Hayden Wolfle, 8th grade Sports Team; and Quorra Wolfle, 7th grade General Recreation.

These six competitors all placed in the top 3. First-place winners were Hayden Wolfle, Quorra Wolfle, Joy Dixon, and Jacqueline McCoppin. McCoppin will advance to the state competition in Atlanta later this summer. Drew Barnes placed second, and Joel Dixon placed third.

All of the local 4-H’ers competed against other 4-H’ers in 40 counties across the Southwest District.

In addition to outstanding project honors, Joel Dixon will serve on the 2024-2025 Southwest District Senior Board of Directors and Quorra Wolfle will serve on the 2024-2025 Junior Board of Directors. Both 4-H’ers were chosen by their peers at this past District Project Achievement to serve their district. In this role they will lead assemblies, perform and create skits, attend trainings, and plan events for the 40 counties of Southwest District.

McCoppin and Barnes were celebrated at the Senior 4-H Reception for their accomplishments achieved during their overall 4-H career. 4-H’ers received their 4-H graduation cords at the reception.

Lowndes 4-H Agent Grace Chauncey said, “Our 4-H’ers represented Lowndes County 4-H exceptionally well, and we cannot be prouder of them. They all worked super hard in their project and were very dedicated.”