Pierce County is celebrating National 4-H Week and highlighting youth excellence and leadership Oct. 5 through 11.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in Pierce County reaches young people from all backgrounds and communities. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H engages hundreds of thousands of students each year, in fourth through 12th grades.
“Beyond Ready” is the 2025 National 4-H Week Theme. Current 4-H’ers will join alumni, parents, faculty, staff, volunteers, and supporters in sharing how 4-H has prepared them to be engaged members of their families and communities.
Young people will play a key role in creating a more promising future. Georgia 4-H helps members find their spark and discover belonging, empowering youth to thrive and develop life skills through high-quality programming.
Leadership is a focal point of the 4-H positive youth development model. Elected by their peers, the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors provides student leadership to the organization. The 2025-2026 Board is led by President Robert Thomas, an 11th grade 4H’er from Putnam county. He is assisted by vice president Timothy Carter of Richmond County, State Representative Gregory Huston of Toombs County, State Representative Cecilia Moore of Stephens County, State Representative Shaelin Calder-Denny of Bibb County, Northeast District Representative Tyson Mathis of Oconee County, Northwest District Representative Lesley Nichols of Coweta County, Southeast District Representative Tiya Patel of Evans County, and Southwest District Representative Max Nelson of Tift County.
Georgia 4-H has roots in agriculture, originating with the 1905 Newton County Corn Club for Boys. The program now has additional branches in science, technology, healthy living and civic engagement, attracting students from all areas of interest and engaging youth from the most urban to the most rural areas. A four-leaf clover is the official emblem of 4H; the “H” in each leaf of the 4-H clover emblem represents head, heart, hands, and health.
Students perform community service, conduct research, compile portfolios of their accomplishments and learn public speaking skills through oral presentations during 4-H Project Achievement. Additional 4-H programming includes livestock projects, judging teams, ambassador programs, performing arts, safe and healthy cooking, Project S.A.F.E., and countless other opportunities for learning and growth.
Pierce County 4- H is known for their successful programming in all areas. The popular 4-H public speaking contest known as project achievement is a huge success in the Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior level, winning multiple individual, county, district and state titles. Students such as Paige Folette even carry out Master 4-H status in the Vet Science Category. 4-H member Alayda Anderson attended State Congress as she competed for Master Status in the Health Project Area. Pierce County BB team continues to thrive as they earn State Champion title for 2025 at Rock Eagle 4H Center. Orientation for the new BB season is October 6th at 6pm at the 4H Office.
Summer camp provides life-changing experiences for thousands of Georgia youth every year. Pierce County 4-H attended Cloverleaf Camp at Rock Eagle 4-H Center with almost 80 campers, including volunteers and leaders. Pierce County Junior and Senior 4-H Members also attended camp at Fortson and Camp Jekyll in 2025. Georgia 4-H also offers a robust environmental education program at each of the 4-H centers, providing school groups residential and day-learning opportunities that are aligned with current state educational standards.
“We celebrate the great work of 4-H every week, but it’s particularly special to highlight our impacts during National 4-H Week,” said Melanie Biersmith, Georgia 4-H state leader. “The 4-H leaders, including faculty, staff and volunteers across Georgia, are creating and producing experiences and opportunities for youth to thrive.”
Georgia 4-H expands horizons for its members and encourages them to be productive citizens in the world around them. National 4-H Week is a collective opportunity to recognize all the ways that 4-H’ers are living out the organizational motto “to make the best better.” Visit the Facebook Page [Pierce County (Georgia)] to see how you can take part in the celebration!
For more information about how to join, volunteer or support Georgia 4-H, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office or visit georgia4h.org. Join 4-H today by calling Pierce County 4-H at 912-4492034.
