The 2008 Polk County 4-H Awards Program followed the theme Sparks Today. . . Flames Tomorrow, which proved true to parents, friends and others watching a number of young people receiving awards at the Coosa Valley Technical College Campus in Rockmart.
Jennifer Robinson, senior at Cedartown High School, was named “Outstanding 4-H’er of the Year” and recognized by James Casey, president, Polk County Farm Bureau. A member of 4-H for the past eight years, she has been an active participant in District Project Achievement. Her competitive experience was launched with Sheep and Meat Goats and ended with Human Development.
“This 4-H member is one that has been very active for several years,” said Pat Murry, 4-H Program Assistant. “She is someone you can depend on to help where it is needed.” Recognition was also given to Jasmine Williams and Chris Galloway, who will represent Polk County at the State 4-H Congress during July.
A number of youth received the Joe Colquitt Award for their enthusiasm and interest in program activities. They included Angel Presley, Katherine Saxton, Summer Holbrooks, Elizabeth Cruz, Justin Womack, Lucy Garrison, Alyssa Wheeler, Sydney Blackmon, Abby Cook, Britt Morgan, Sha Murphy, Gaby Cruz, McCajun Houston, Stephanie Lopez, Danea Ellis, Freddie Moore, Maris Green, Shameiraka Neal, Dalton Puckett, Brittani Harings, Kelci Kimbro, Andrea Fincher, Kristen Goss and Glenn Matthews.
Fifth graders recognized as Sun Valley Beach High Point Winners were Shannon A. Williams, Allie Harris, Melissa Gilmer, Whitney Frasier, Nadiyah Neal, Gabriel Bates, McKensie Clopton, LaMesha Crocker, Destiny Sewell, Jada Lierance, JoyLeigh Owens, Caitlyn Harris, Emma Short, Keith Bishop, Hamza Khan, Kasey Gibson, Nancy Cervantes, Lisbeth Rangel, McCall Pirkle, Michael McCree, Cayden Litesey, Lindsey Hayden, Kelsey Tucker, Kassie Beck, Jeniver Cornejo, Karimy Cornejo and Baylee Prince.
Receiving the 2008 Achievement Award for earning first place at District Project Achievement (DPA) were Valerie DeWandel, Chris Galloway, Rebekah Giddens and Jasmine Williams.
Other participants in the 2008 DPA were Kelsey Tucker, Nancy Cervantes and Jenifer Cornejo, second place; Jada Lieurance, Katherine Saxton, third place; Ryan Garrett, second place; Amanda Weeks, Kathleen Garrett, Destiny Sewell, Ashley Gable, third place; Andrea Fincher, Lucy Garrison, Shannon A. Williams, Jennifer Roberson, Samantha Gentry, second place;
Kate Fletcher, second place; Lindsey Hayden, Ree Palmer, third place; Ashley Roberson, Will Dover, McKensie Clopton, Justin Womack, second place; Velora Kitchens, Sofie DeWandel, third place; Hamza Khan, Nicole Long, third place; Shannon Williams.
Congratulations were extended to DPA participants, who received a free trip to a Rome Braves Game and CiCi’s Pizza. Cedartown Middle School’s fifth/sixth grade was recognized for having the most 4-H’ers attending DPA.
Polk County has 30 4-H clubs with a total of 720 members who participate in a number of activities and meetings throughout the year.
They are also active in community service projects, such as exhibiting in a booth at the annual Polk County Fair and assisting with Farm Day. They participated in a canned food drive, Christmas cards for residents at nursing homes, banners for the Samaritan House, supplies for Our House, Valentine cards for Murphy-Harpst Home and the Family Learning Center, baby items for The Adult Learning Center, Easter candy for the food bank and Keep Polk Beautiful projects and other events.
