Habersham honors 4-H students

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County commissioners recognized a group of accomplished 4-H students during Monday’s meeting, highlighting achievements in statewide competitions, leadership, and community service.

Commissioner Dustin Mealor presented the recognition for Habersham County 4-H, which serves students in grades 4 through 12 through hands-on programs in agriculture, science, civic engagement, leadership, health and wellness, community service and the arts.

Over the past year, Habersham 4-H members earned top honors in forestry, cotton bowl and consumer judging, poultry judging and wildlife judging. The county’s livestock show team also competed at shows across Georgia.

Students earn statewide honors

At the 83rd Georgia 4-H State Congress in Atlanta, three Habersham students earned the prestigious title of Master 4-H’er in their respective project areas.

Luke Nunnally earned the honor in wildlife, Emmalee Turgeon in food fair and Tyner Wood in public speaking. Each placed among the top five students in Georgia in their respective project areas.

Nunnally also earned Master status through the Georgia 4-H Key Award Project, which requires students to accumulate 1,450 points throughout their 4-H careers.

Mealor said most eligible activities are worth only about three points each, making the accomplishment the result of years of participation, service and perseverance.

Grace Stewart was selected as a Leadership in Action finalist and competed at State Congress for her work developing a youth Sunday school program. Mealor said Stewart created lesson plans, developed a welcoming environment, and increased participation among students.

Nunnally, Stewart and Wood also completed a year of service through the Georgia 4-H Ambassador Program. Nunnally served as a wildlife ambassador, while Stewart and Wood served as health and wellness ambassadors.

Nunnally is now serving as a 2026-27 agricultural technology ambassador, while Stewart is continuing as a health and wellness ambassador.

Land judging team places third

Habersham 4-H also returned to the Georgia Land Judging Competition for the first time in many years.

At the state competition in Watkinsville in August, the senior team of Buck Manglitz, Holly Samsel, Stewart and Wood finished third statewide.

Mealor also recognized Program Assistant Sydney Jackson for coaching and preparing the team.

Throughout the year, Habersham 4-H members met with legislators and farmers, attended agricultural technology training at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and participated in leadership events including Junior Conference, Fall Forum and District Project Achievement.

Members also conducted Clover Buds classes for children in kindergarten through third grade and prepared art bags for senior citizens.

The program’s activities included visual and performing arts, outdoor activities and summer camps. Mealor noted that students also staged a complete play in 48 hours.

Habersham students also held leadership positions beyond the county. Holly Samsel completed her term as president, while Veda Sanders concluded her service as junior representative for the Northeast District. Wood served as the Northeast District senior representative during the 2025-26 year.

The 2026-27 Habersham County 4-H Council is led by President Wood, Vice President Stewart, Recorder Turgeon, Senior Representative Samsel, Junior Representative Wyatt Alberson and Officer at Large Eli Samsel.

“These accomplishments reflect much more than awards and competition results,” Mealor said. “They reflect countless hours of study, practice, responsibility, service, teamwork and personal growth.”