08/25/2026
Screven County Jr/Sr Board Spotlight: Diya Patel
Hey there! My name is Diya Patel, and I’m a 12th grader at SCHS. I am so excited to serve as the Georgia 4-H State Board Vice President and Screven County 4-H State Liaison this year! I began my 4-H journey in the fifth grade after I saw how much fun my brother had at summer camp. Because of him, I developed my love for the amazing organization that is Georgia 4-H! From my first 4-H event, Cloverleaf Project Achievement, to now serving on the State Board, I have learned that 4-H is the place to be!
Over the past six years, I have participated in numerous 4-H activities. First, I have attended 4-H camp almost every year! At camp, I have made so many new friends and lasting memories! Also, I have attended countless conferences as both a Junior and Senior 4-H’er! While at these events, I met 4-H’ers from across the state, learned about topics that impact today’s world, and participated in several projects to help surrounding communities. Over the past year, I served as a teen leader at many Cloverleaf events. In this position, I was allowed to show my love for 4-H to younger students, who I hope learn to appreciate it as much as I do! Additionally, I compete on the Screven County Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging Team, which made its debut two years ago. In this contest, 4-H’ers highlight rational decision-making with the judging of various classes of products, and they display the importance of cotton through a 90-second advertisement. At the area contest in Bulloch County last fall, my team placed second overall, earning a ticket to the state contest! At the state contest at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, I received the highest score on the team and was the 3rd highest individual in the state.
Moving on, one of my most notable experiences of this year was participating in the One Georgia Urban/Rural Agricultural Experience! For the last three summers, I have spent time with fellow 4-H’ers touring agricultural facilities around the state. The most recent summer, specifically, I was chosen to serve as one of four ambassadors of the program. From all of the years that I have participated in this program, I have gained knowledge on different agricultural practices within Georgia and have become suited for educating others on the topic. Also, I serve as a Georgia 4-H Health and Wellness ambassador. Throughout the next program year, I will learn and teach about ways to help your bodies survive and thrive! Be on the lookout for activities and events that I plan while serving this role! From learning in workshops to competing in dance-offs, I have made a great number of memories that I will cherish for years to come!
I am a three-time Master 4-H’er in National 4-H Conference, Key Award, and Public Speaking. First, after submitting an application and completing an interview, I was selected to attend the 2026 National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC. In April, I traveled with the Georgia delegation, and I was able to meet individuals from around the nation and present to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Next, Key Award is designed to be presented to 4-H’ers who have participated in multiple different types of events. This award works with a point system, where listed events are given a specific number of points. Once different amounts of points are surpassed, different levels are unlocked. Level 4 is the highest, and it grants individuals Master status. Finally, since fifth grade, I have competed in DPA (District Project Achievement) every year! In February, I competed in the “Public Speaking” project, where I wrote a ten-minute motivational speech. I discussed the importance of cherishing everyone and not judging others prematurely. I placed 1st at DPA, which earned me my first bid to State 4-H Congress. In late July, I represented Screven County at the state contest in Atlanta, GA. I gave my speech again and interviewed with new sets of judges. At the end of that night, I placed 1st in my project area and was announced as the newest Master 4-H’er in Public Speaking!
During State 4-H Council in June, I ran for a position on the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors with the slogan “Don’t be Regina, Vote for Diya!” Before this event, I served as the 2025-2026 Southeast District Senior Board Vice President, which made me ready for a larger role of representation. At State Council, I gave a short speech in front of my peers explaining why I am deserving of their votes. While campaigning, I was able to meet hundreds of 4-H’ers from around the state and discover the issues that matter most to them. In the end, I was able to make this prestigious leadership team and receive the second-most votes in the state, naming me State Board Vice President! In this year ahead, I am excited to work alongside my board sisters, brothers, and advisors and give back to the program that has given me so much!
Overall, 4-H has played an important role in my life. The leadership skills that I will gain on both county and state boards this year will have a large impact on my future! Also, my experiences through this wonderful program have led (and will continue to lead) me onto new paths of learning that I would have never crossed without 4-H. Because of my experiences, I encourage anyone with any interests to join this club. After all, 4-H isn't just anything; it's everything!
