4-H’ers Win State Challenge Bowl

As fair season rolls around each year, there are opportunities for 4-H’ers to showcase their skills and talents in a variety of contests, such as baking, showing livestock, arts and crafts, and photography.

There is one event that stands out as an all-time favorite with a few local 4-H’ers and their 4-H Agent, and that’s the Challenge Bowl competition that’s held at the Georgia National Fair.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, this contest became even more special for a certain group of Jasper County 4-H’ers. Let’s just say that Sunday ultimately turned into a blue-ribbon day for them.

Nine Cloverelaf, Junior, and Senior 4-H’ers in grades five through nine traveled to Perry on the last day of the fair for this annual state contest. There were 23 teams from 13 counties including two from Jasper competing for top honors in the double elimination tournament where they were tested on their knowledge of agriculture, family and consumer science, and 4-H related topics. This year, the 4-H’ers learned about home garden peaches, safety in the home, 4-H history and using the 4-H emblem, and the 2015 Cotton Boll/Consumer Judging study materials, which included information on selecting hoodies, family cruises, trail mix, and headphones/earphones.

Jasper County 4-H was represented by two teams which is the most that a county can have participate in this event. The Jasper 1 team consisted of Keri Roach (team captain), Gabby McCombie, Eilie Kennedy, and Taylor Boyd. Making up the Jasper 2 team were Lauren Hicks (team captain), Hailie Girdler, Toren Nix, Mallory Boyd, and Makya West.

The youth were accompanied by 4-H Agent and team coach Kasey Hall, as well as several of the team members’ parents and additional family members. County Extension Secretary Janice Arnold and volunteers Toy West and Allen McPherson assisted with the scorekeeping and additional coaching duties for the teams during the competition rounds.

The Jasper 1 team sailed through its first five rounds unblemished with no losses and found themselves in the final round where they faced the tough Clarke 2 team that they had beaten in a close round earlier in the contest. In an even closer match, the Jasper 1 team remained unbeaten and clinched the Challenge Bowl state championship for the first time. The team members were awarded with blue rosettes there and later the 4-H office will receive a check for $1,000 from the Georgia National Fair for their impressive first place finish.

The Jasper 2 team first played the Houston 1 team and lost. Then they had to go up against the strong Clarke 1 team where they received their second loss and were unfortunately eliminated from the contest. The Jasper 1 team also met this Clarke 1 team in round five. Ultimately, the Clarke 2 and Clarke 1 teams placed second and third overall. This victory was a little sweeter for the Jasper 1 team because their only losses at last year’s contest were to the Clarke 1 and 2 teams who also placed second and third in the finals then.

The 4-H’ers reported that they had fun at the contest, and they’re already looking forward to competing again next year. Of course, they will undoubtedly have their eyes on the final prize with hopes of winning the state title for a second year in a row.

Upon reflecting on the big win, first year team member Eilie Kennedy said, “When I heard that we won, my mind went blank and I was in shock! I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy!” Team captain Keri Roach added, “It was good to know that our hard work paid off and that we had won the money for our county office.”

Jasper County 4-H has fielded one or two teams in the Challenge Bowl contest five of the last eight years under the leadership of 4-H Agent Kasey Hall. This is the first time that a local team has earned the state title. In 2009, a Jasper County team brought home second place honors. Also worth noting, this is the third consecutive year of competition for 4-H’ers Keri Roach and Makya West. Keri has also served as her team’s captain for all three years.

4-H is a unit of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Cooperative Extension. 4-H provides a forum for hands-on learning experiences and youth development opportunities for young people ages nine to 19.

If you would like more information on 4-H in Jasper County, please call me at 706- 468-6479.