Floyd County 4-H’ers Complete District Leadership Roles

Lee Donahue and Hailee Palmer were selected to serve on the Northwest District 2023-2024 Georgia 4-H Board of Directors.

Palmer served as junior board vice president and Donahue served as a senior board member. Youth are elected to these positions by their peers and receive extensive leadership training as representatives of the organization.

“We are so incredibly proud of both Hailee and Lee. It takes courage to be able to lead your peers and take on additional responsibilities while also balancing school and other extracurricular activities. They have both made us very proud,” said Abbie Salmon, Floyd County 4-H agent.

Each of the four Georgia districts elect nine officers for both a junior and a senior board of directors. Junior 4-H’ers are elected during their seventh-grade year and serve during their eighth-grade year. Senior 4-H’ers are elected in ninth, tenth, or eleventh grades and serve the following school year.

Officers campaign for their positions during District Project Achievement weekends held each spring at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. It involves developing a campaign slogan and supporting materials and culminates with a speech and networking. Delegates select their choices and announcements are made at the conclusion of the weekend.

Positive youth development informs the leadership training that elected officers receive during their year of service. Trained 4-H faculty and staff provide immersive character and team-building exercises. Professionalism and etiquette are integral parts of training as 4-H’ers prepare for interactions with public figures, elected officials, and their peers.

A major part of their service includes planning District Project Achievement. Officers are responsible for choosing a theme for the event, preparing fun and educational activities, writing and performing a skit, and presiding over assemblies throughout the weekend. The competitions, at Rock Eagle, are qualifiers for state competition at Georgia 4-H State Congress.