News & Events

Kennedy Blocker and Jileighannah Crooms were selected as vocalists with the nationally acclaimed Georgia 4-H Performing Arts Group, Clovers & Co. This is Kennedy’s 4^th year in the group and Jileighannah’s first year. Clovers & Co. features talented singers, dancers, and instrumentalists ranging from 4th – 12th grades. Clovers & Co. provides entertainment on behalf of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences UGA Extension’s Youth Program, 4-H.

Performing arts is one of the most popular projects in the Georgia 4-H Program. Clovers & Co. was established to provide 4-H’ers with an opportunity to share their talents with others. First established in 1981, Clovers & Co. is celebrating its 42^nd anniversary this year. Young people from around the state audition for this group every June.

Nearly eight hundred 4-H’ers have been members of Clovers & Co. during its 42-year history including Grammy Award Winning Country Music Star, Jennifer Nettles. Washington County has been well represented in Clovers & Co over the past several years.

Clovers & Co. provides a great opportunity for Kennedy and Jileighannah to mature as performers and develop skills in leadership, showmanship, and teamwork.  We congratulate Kennedy and Jileighannah on their success.

Georgia 4-H celebrated excellence during the 80th Annual 4-H State Congress as top 4-H’ers from around the state gathered in Atlanta July 18-21. State Congress includes the state-level Project Achievement and Leadership in Action contests, as well as recognition of youth development professionals, supporters, and public officials for their contributions to the success of 4-H in Georgia.

Three Washington County 4-H’ers competed at State Congress this year, Alyssa Maze 3rd place in Performing Arts Other Instrumental, Mackenzie Sheram in Companion & Specialty Animals and Kendra van Loenen 2nd place in Poultry.

Leaders in the camping program and 4-H center leadership also received recognition during State Congress. Ty Poole, was recognized for serving in his leadership role as a Muskogee Mico at Rock Eagle this summer.

Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships, and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.

Kennedy Blocker has been selected for the 3rd year as a vocalist with the nationally acclaimed Georgia 4-H Performing Arts Group, Clovers & Co. Kennedy has joined the Clovers & Co. group which features talented singers, dancers, and instrumentalists ranging from 4^th – 12^th grades. Clovers & Co. provides entertainment on behalf of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences UGA Extension’s Youth Program, 4-H. 

Performing arts is one of the most popular projects in the Georgia 4-H Program. Clovers & Co. was established to provide 4-H’ers with an opportunity to share their talents with others. First established in 1981, Clovers & Co. is celebrating its 41st anniversary this year. Young people from around the state auditioned for this group in June. More than 700 4-H’ers have been members of Clovers & Co. during its 40 year history including Grammy Award Winning Country Music Star, Jennifer Nettles. Washington County has been well represented in Clovers & Co over the past several years.

Clovers & Co. provides a great opportunity for Kennedy to mature as a performer and develop skills in leadership, showmanship and teamwork.  We congratulate Kennedy on her Clovers & Co. selection and success. 

For more information on 4-H and Clovers & Co., please Washington County Extension at 552-2011 or visit the Georgia 4-H page at www.georgia4h.org.

^{One of the major highlights of the Georgia 4-H year, State 4-H Congress, was held July 20-23 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. District winners from all over the state gathered to compete in the 78th annual Georgia 4-H State Congress. In order to compete at the state level, a 4-H’er must first exceed at district competition.}

 ^{Geena Rubiera, daughter of Manny and Lori Rubiera, represented Washington County at State 4-H Congress. Geena competed in the Companion and Specialty Animals project and won 1st place, therefore earning the prestigious title of Master 4-H’er. She will attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta in November.}

 ^{State 4-H Congress competitors gave 12 minute presentations and prepared portfolios to demonstrate what they have accomplished in their project area, leadership and citizenship. Expert judges evaluated their work and also interviewed the competitors.}

 ^{“4-H State Congress is truly one of the greatest moments, whether you win the first-place medal or just have memories to tell. I want to encourage other Washington County 4-H’ers to come and dream big with 4-H, to have these opportunities I've been able to have, to tell their memories and achievements and to make the best better.” said Geena.}

^{We thank you Geena for representing Washington County 4-H through your hard work and dedication. Congratulations Geena!} 

^{For more information about 4-H or to become a volunteer, please contact the Washington County Extension Office at 552-2011.}

Dr. Kim Kitchens was recognized at the 2020 Southeast District Project Achievement with the Southeast District 4-H Outstanding Volunteer Award. He was nominated for his work with the Washington County 4-H Program.

Dr. Kitchens started the Washington County Shotgun Team in 2012 and it has grown tremendously over the years due to his passion and dedication to 4-H and the youth of Washington County. He has worked diligently with the county to obtain the county landfill to make the 4-H Shotgun Range possible.

He has been responsible for raising thousands of dollars through grants annually to help keep the cost down for team members and to purchase much needed equipment for the new range. Dr. Kitchens and the team of coaches have also raised money through donations to cover expenses such as shells and the cost of registration for competitions. The Washington County 4-H Shotgun Team has also been responsible for hosting one of the four district qualifying matches each year with more than 175 youth participants thus raising money for the team as well.

This year the Washington County 4-H Senior Team won at the State Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays Match and advanced to Nationals where they finished in 5th place overall and 4th place in Sporting Clays. Dr. Kitchens along with the team of coaches raised money within a two week time span to cover the expense of the trip to nationals and new machines for the team, further improving the shooting experience locally.

Dr. Kitchens serves as a county advisory board member for 4-H where he plays an active role and serves as an advocate for the Washington County 4-H Program. He has also served on the Project S.A.F.E. Shotgun Advisory Board the past three years.