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Hayes earns performing arts top honor at 4-H State Congress
Nathan Hayes with parents at State 4-H
Nathan Hayes (center) is pictured with his mom Mimi and dad Nathan Hayes, Sr at State 4-H Congress in Atlanta. (Submitted photo.)

Special to the Herald

Georgia 4-H State Congress, a prestigious event celebrating the achievements of exceptional students across the state, has concluded its 81st year with a notable win for Effingham County 4-H.

ECHS 2024 graduate Nathan Hayes emerged as a standout participant in the performing arts piano project. His talent and dedication to his craft earned him the top honor. Hayes' performance captivated the audience and highlighted the impressive range of skills nurtured through the Georgia 4-H program. His performance was a medley of six pieces: “Stranger Things” theme by the Duff Brothers, “Still Dre” by Dr. Dre, “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin, “Cornfield Chase” (Interstellar movie) by Hans Zimmer, “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey, and “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.

State Congress, held annually in Atlanta, features 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.

More than 200 delegates competed in 50 Project Achievement areas during State Congress. The highest-scoring individual from each project area received Master 4-H’er status.

To qualify for the State Congress, students participate in District Project Achievement, showcasing their skills and dedication in areas such as agriculture, science, and the arts. Top performers are then selected to compete at the state level, where they present their projects before a panel of judges and their peers. The State Congress competition also includes individual interviews with qualified professionals who engage with 4-H’ers about their project work.

Project Achievement is an essential Georgia 4-H program that empowers young people with leadership, creativity, public speaking, and recordkeeping skills that will last a lifetime.

At the high school level, students choose a project of interest from a list of areas that include agriculture, human development, performing arts, communication, engineering, and workforce preparation. They research the topic, create a detailed presentation, and participate in related community service and civic engagement activities.

Hayes will attend Georgia Tech this fall on a full academic scholarship.