The Georgia 4-H Dean’s Awards competition provided 26 Georgia 4-H youth the opportunity to showcase their talent, hard work and commitment to their communities. The Dean’s Award is one of the highest honors Georgia 4-H members can earn. Competitors submit a cumulative portfolio that reflects their entire 4-H career, and high-scoring submissions are invited to participate in a separately judged interview session.
A Dean’s Award is presented each year in the following six project areas:
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Civic Engagement
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- The William “Bill” Edwards 4-H Dean’s Award for Communications and the Arts
- STEM
- The James Harris 4-H Dean’s Award for Leadership
The top three finishers in each area receive a medal for their achievement. First-place winners receive Master 4-H’er status, a $500 scholarship and recognition at 4-H Day at the Capitol.
The 2021 Georgia 4-H Dean’s Awards recipients are:
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Bryson Smith, Gordon County (first); Sara Pawlik, Forsyth County (second); and Mary Anna Bentley, Chattooga County (third)
Civic Engagement: Ben Tellano, Hart County (first); Grace McBride, Emanuel County (second); and Evelyn Day, Houston County (third)
Family and Consumer Sciences: Malachi Young, Gwinnett County (first); Tianna Ramey, Habersham County (second); and Angel Jarvis, Candler County (third)
Communication and the Arts: Corbin Austin, Decatur County (first); Kalani Washington, Oconee County (second); and Parker Varnadoe, Madison County (third)
STEM: Nicholas McKinley, Paulding County (first); Salih El-Gayyar, Fayette County (second); and CJ Harris, Newton County (third)
Leadership: Gracie Grimes, Candler County (first); Adam Walters, Hart County (second); and Jhaycee Barnes, Spalding County (third)
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 190,000 people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information, visit georgia4h.org or contact your local Extension office.