Recently Brittani Kelley, Paulding County Extension 4-H Agent, received the Ryles Rising Star Award. This award recognizes individuals who exhibit leadership and exemplary service while working to carry out 4-H work in the state of Georgia. The award is named in honor of former State 4-H Leader Dr. Bo Ryles and is awarded on an annual basis.
Only one individual is recognized each year as the recipient of the Ryles Rising Star Award. Brittani was recognized and received the award at the Annual Banquet of State 4-H Congress. Additionally, a scholarship or gift will be made to a 4H’er or 4-H project in Brittani’s name. Arch Smith, the director of 4-H/state 4-H leader will designate the recipient of the gift.
Brittani was nominated for this honor by UGA Extension Northwest District Program Development Coordinator for 4-H, Lori Purcell. Lori nominated Brittani because, “She embodies all of the qualities a 4-H Agent needs. She stepped in to a large 4-H program, but continues to increase participation each year in each grade level along with winning over the youth who had the same 4-H Agent since they started 4-H. The 4-H’ers became hers and they have brought their friends because Brittani makes every youth feel welcome in the program. When they achieve, she achieves, and it is fun to watch when they do! She makes them behave and sets high expectations for them, but they strive to reach those expectations because they want to please her. Brittani bleeds green!” Paulding County UGA Extension is proud to have Brittani as our 4-H Agent and excited to begin another great school year with our active 4-H program for 5th through 12th graders. If you would like to learn more about 4-H, contact the Paulding County UGA Extension Office at 770-443-7616 or find us online at www.ugaextension.com/paulding.

Pictured from left to right, Arch Smith, Georgia 4-H Leader, Brittani Kelley, Paulding County Extension 4-H Agent, Marilyn Poole, and Dr. Lori Bledsoe, Northwest District 4-H Program Development Coordinator.