“We all have our differences. Some big and some small,” said 4-H member Scott Evritt of the Newton County Theme School.

“When we argue whether we can political this or political that we find our common ground much like our Founding Fathers wrote into the Constitution. But why don’t we fight? Because we find the good in others … we find our common ground and sit down at the camp fire laughing and reminiscing about our day.”

4-H members from all schools and activities joined together “around the campfire” to celebrate their achievements at the 59th annual banquet this month.

Outstanding Cloverleaf members honored were Anslee Allen of the Newton County Theme School; Emma Barron of Rocky Plains Elementary School; Amori DeRouen, Betty Eagan, Tripp Marks and Annie Mask of East Newton Elementary School; and DeMorris Neblett of Heard-Mixon Elementary School.

Top honors for 6th grade 4-H went to Robin Underwood of Indian Creek Middle School.

Jane O’Toole of Cousins Middle School was honored as the Rising Star Junior 4-H’er.

Rookie of the Year was presented to Dylan Little of Indian Creek Middle School.

Hope Allen of the Newton County Theme School was recognized with the Heart Award.

Outstanding Junior 4-H’ers recognized were CJ Harris of home school and Mitchell Witcher and Scott Evritt of the Newton County Theme School.

The Senior Leadership Award was presented to Lavendar Harris of home school.

Oustanding Seniors honored were Alyssa Pierce of Alcovy High School and Mallori Johnson of Eastside High School.
Oak Hill Elementary School earned their 12th consecutive School of the Year trophy. Oak Hill School teachers Andrea Dowdy, Nicole Benton and Colt Harper led the top three clubs, respectively.

Other top 10 clubs were #4 Mary Horton of Heard-Mixon School, #5 Allison LaSure of Oak Hill School, #6 Stephanie Almand of East Newton School, #7 Yolonda Watterson of Heard-Mixon School, #8 Mary Ivie of East Newton School, #9 Melanie Sheets of Heard-Mixon School, and #10 the Cheetahs at Newton County Theme School.

The top fourth grade clubs were all at Rocky Plains Elementary School, with Shannon Barron in first, followed by Linda Linton, Sheila Allen, Sean Patrick and Mary Ivie.

Livestock show team members Tripp Marks of East Newton Elementary School, Alicia Nichols and Elizabeth Teasley of Indian Creek Middle School, and Madison Williams and Meagan Williams of Veterans Memorial Middle School were recognized along with volunteer Earnest Nichols.

The Project SAFE BB team achieved their goal of having every member qualify for the state tournament this year. Members were Ty Adams, Scott Evritt, Mason Garrett, Briannah Lewallen, Garrett Rosser, Luke Rosser, Lawson Witcher and Mitchell Witcher of the Newton County Theme School; Jacob Archer of Indian Creek Middle School; Tanner Putnam of East Newton Elementary School; Madison Thornton of Mansfield Elementary School; Levi Troutman and Olivia Troutman of home school; and Nate Williamson from the Butts County School System.

Coaches and volunteers recognized were Robert Witcher, Wendy Williamson, Johnny Adams and Brandy Garrett. The team also recognized the City of Porterdale for space to practice throughout the season.

The Project SAFE Shotgun Modified Trap team completed their first season this year with members Avery Beam, Zeke Bell, Garrett Hensley, Ryan Hensley, Austin Kerbow, Hunter Little, Riley McSwain, Allen Miller, Kayla Stone, Kenzie Stone and Jack Weesner.

Coaches and volunteers were Steve Bell, April Bell and Marcus Pollard. The team recognized the FFA-FCCLA Center for their support.

Lavendar Harris and CJ Harris, both home school students, were recognized for competing at Cotton Boll and Consumer Jamboree.

Joshua Kirkham of Alcovy High School, Justine Kirkham of Newton County Theme School, James Neph of home school and Riley Worley of East Newton School were honored for their participation on the Poultry Judging team.

Flannery Peay, currently attending University of the South, and Ken Galloway, currently attending North Georgia College and State University were recognized as new Master 4-H’ers.

Bradford Porter and Elyse McDonald of the University of Georgia and Michelle Lewis of Georgia State University-Perimeter were thanked for serving as camp counselors.

Newton 4-H alum and board of education District 3 representative Shakila Henderson-Baker assisted with presentations.

The program was led by Mallori Johnson, Alyssa Pierce, Mitchell Witcher, Hope Allen, Scott Evritt, Lavendar Harris, CJ Harris and Jane O’Toole.

Current club officers installed the 2015-2016 County Council officers to conclude the banquet.