America's Promise Alliance and ING Release National List of 100 Best Communities for Young People

The Georgia cities of Cumming and Macon, along with Troup County, are tops in our great state for young people.

/PRNewswire/ -- In a celebration of America's young people and the communities most dedicated to helping local youth graduate from high school, America's Promise Alliance (the Alliance) today announced its 2010 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING. An interactive showcase of the 100 Best and their accomplishments can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100Best.

"The 100 Best Communities for Young People are taking bold and effective steps to help their youth graduate and lead healthy, productive lives," said Alma J. Powell, Chair, America's Promise Alliance. "Each community has proven that they are developing programs and implementing initiatives to provide young people with the essential resources they need to graduate from high school and succeed in college and a 21st century career."

The 100 Best competition is part of the Alliance's Grad Nation campaign, a 10-year initiative to mobilize all Americans to end the dropout crisis. This year, more than 350 communities in all 50 states and Washington, DC, were nominated for the 100 Best competition. The winners come from 37 states and 30 are first-time recipients of the honor. They were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges that included some of the nation's most well-known civic, business and nonprofit leaders such as: William Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs; Fr. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA; Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Larry Naake, executive director, National Association of Counties; Jane Beshear, first lady of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Dominique Dawes, Olympic gold medalist and youth advocate.

The 2010 winners will be highlighted at a ceremony in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, with Alma Powell, Alliance President and CEO Marguerite Kondracke, and ING Foundation President Rhonda Mims. Winning communities will be pinpointed on an expansive ceremonial U.S. map.

Twilight star Kellan Lutz will make a special appearance at the event, assisting the Alliance and ING executives in revealing the list of 100 Best Communities and connecting with young people about the importance of staying in school.

"ING is committed to children's education and to the advancement of education initiatives that prepare our young people to graduate and have successful futures," said Mims. "Our support for 100 Best demonstrates our goal of honoring communities that produce real, measurable results for improving the lives of young people."

"100 Best is an essential building block of Grad Nation, an inspiring national movement that seeks to ensure every young person graduates," said Kondracke. "These winning communities are helping to build a generation of assertive, successful and dynamic young people that are the future of this country. Our ultimate hope is that 100 Best will inspire all communities across America to make a commitment to children, keep them in school and help them overcome the challenges that could otherwise determine their future."

First held in 2005, the 100 Best competition is open to all communities that make children and youth a priority, including small towns, large cities, counties and school districts. In addition to enhancing local educational opportunities, most winning communities help facilitate greater access to quality health care for young people, encourage youth civic engagement and supply developmental resources that create better places for young people to live and grow.

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State Birding Contest Draws Flock of Young Birders

Georgia’s 24-hour Youth Birding Competition had a record crowd of children and teens looking and listening statewide for birds common and rare this weekend.

The results: more than 200 species seen or heard, more than $1,200 raised for conservation and about 140 young birders ages 4 to 18 better versed in the state’s diverse bird life. The turnout marked a new high for the annual competition, in its fourth year. The 2008 event fielded 126 participants.

Coordinator Tim Keyes, a Georgia Wildlife Resources Division biologist, said it is encouraging to see the growth, as well as the return of some teams for their fourth year. “From all the feedback I’ve heard, the kids had a great time out there,” Keyes said Sunday night.

The 2009 search started at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and ended with 34 teams bearing names like the Blairsville Birdbrains and Vomiting Vultures turning in their checklists by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield.

Homeschool Hummers, a middle school team from Suwanee, led with 147 birds, the first time a middle school team has won the overall competition.

Division leaders also included:

** High school, Blazin’ Bluebirds from Macon (134 species).

** Elementary, Birds of a Feather from LaGrange (73 species).

** Pre-elementary, Love Bugs from McDonough (57 species).

Top teams in fundraising, a voluntary part of the competition:

** Birds of a Feather from LaGrange raised $500.

** Country Cuckoos from Bainbridge ($330).

** The Brown Thrashers from Decatur ($320).

The money goes to conservation groups chosen by the teams.

Winners of a new birding journal category were:

** High school, Levi Adkins from Bainbridge.

** Middle school, Stennes Austinson, Bainbridge.

** Elementary, Ben Hays, LaGrange.

** Pre-elementary, Brian Hays, LaGrange.

And the leading rookie teams:

** High school, G’Nats Too from Rome.

** Middle school, GS Night Owls from Monticello.

** Elementary, Red Wings from Loganville.

** Pre-elementary, Blairsville Birdbrains II from Blairsville.

The return of a youth birding T-shirt art contest, started last year, drew 89 entries. An osprey painting by 11th-grader Jess Milner of Darlington Upper School in Rome took top honors, which included being printed on 2009 Youth Birding Competition T-shirts. Milner also received a $100 gift card to Michaels. The three other division winners each received a $50 gift card for supplies at the arts and crafts outlet.

Coincidentally, another Darlington Upper School artist won the 2008 contest.

“I’m excited to see so many young people inspired to draw and paint birds,” said art contest coordinator Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

She also said the T-shirt Art contest will return in 2010. “We’ll need good artwork again next year!”

The 2010 Youth Birding Competition will be held the last weekend in April.

This year’s contest was the second straight for 10-year-old Ahmad Gaither of The Brown Thrashers. Fellow team member James Cobb, 9, of Decatur was enjoying his first time. It was an education.

“At first, I didn’t know anything about the birds,” Cobb said. Now, he does. “The best bird I’ve seen so far was a great blue heron,” he added, grinning.

Awards for birding teams varied from binoculars to field guides donated by event supporters such as Eagle Optics, Atlanta Audubon Society, Georgia Ornithological Society, Identiflyer, Softscribe and The Environmental Resources Network.

The competition ended with a banquet Sunday evening at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. An animal program by wildlife center intern Kristi Doebler featured raptors such as a barred owl and red-tailed hawk.

Keyes and expert birder Giff Beaton served as judges. Keyes started the competition in 2006 with help from The Environmental Resources Network and a heart for engaging upcoming generations in birding and wildlife conservation. TERN is an advocate of the Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section and a consistent supporter of the birding event.

The competition blends fun, skill and education, reaching out to students of all bird-watching skills. Pre-registered teams are paired with mentors. Options such as programs and workshops are available, as is a free e-newsletter.

Buying a nongame wildlife license plate or making a donation via the Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff supports this and other conservation education efforts in Georgia. Sales of the bald eagle/American flag and ruby-throated hummingbird license plates provide vital funding for Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funding.



YOUTH BIRDING COMPETITION RESULTS

Pre-elementary division

1. Love Bugs, McDonough – 57 species

2. Blairsville Birdbrains II (also top rookie team), Blairsville – 29 species

3. Bald Eagles, Braselton – 21 species

Elementary division

1. Birds of a Feather, LaGrange (also competition’s top fundraiser) – 73 species

2. The Wood Thrushes, Atlanta – 72 species

3. Chaotic Kestrels, Jackson – 65 species

Middle school division

1. Homeschool Hummers, Suwanee (also competition winner) – 147 species

2. The Thunderbirders, Watkinsville – 126 species

3. Vomiting Vultures, Macon – 71 species

High school division

1. Blazin’ Bluebirds, Macon – 134 species

2. Country Cuckoos, Bainbridge – 132 species

3. G’Nats One, Rome – 117 species



T-SHIRT ART CONTEST WINNERS

** Primary (preK-2nd grade): bluebird watercolor, Isabelle Cowart, Cowart Academy Homeschool, Buford

** Elementary (3rd-5th): bald eagle, Heidi Cashwell, fourth grade, Piedmont Academy, Monticello

** Middle school (6th-8th): Female cardinal, Marianne Lim, eighth grade, Duluth Middle School, Norcross

** High school and grand prize: Osprey, Jess Milner, 11th grade, Darlington Upper School, Rome

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NOPA Applauds GA Bill Passage to End Sole-Source Contracts

/PRNewswire / -- The National Office Products Alliance (NOPA) applauds Georgia Senator Eric Johnson, 1st District and Representative Mark Williams, 178th District for their successful efforts on behalf of small businesses and for the passage of Bill SB-211. The bill removes responsibility for state government purchasing of "routine office supplies used for the daily operation of an office" from the scope of duties of the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS). The practical result of the bill would be to do away with "sole-source" contracts and open the office supplies business with all state government agencies to direct competition among all qualified Georgia businesses.

Unanimously passed by the Georgia State Senate on March 12th and by the House on March 30th by a vote of 144 to 17, the bill need only be signed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to become law.

Although not law yet, the State already opened the doors to competition last year when a large volume of contract pricing irregularities and unauthorized product substitutions were revealed after an audit of sole-source contract holder Office Depot. Following the audit, DOAS terminated the contract and notified Office Depot that it would suspend the company from participation in state government business for up to one year. A legal appeal by Office Depot led to a settlement with DOAS and a temporary reopening of state government business to all qualified office product dealers.

"SB-211 maintains this present situation, precludes DOAS from issuing a new state contract and alleviates awards based on political pressure from the large national companies," said Chris Bates, president of NOPA. "Small independent dealers have fought long and hard to recapture state business they believe was unfairly awarded to a single national company several years ago. SB-211 ensures that state customers continue to receive "best value" when purchasing office supplies."

"Our successes show what independents can achieve when we work together," commented Juanita Strickland of Malone Office Environments in Columbus, GA. "With the current state of the economy, it's more important than ever for government, particularly at the state level, to support small business and our bill does just that."

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Georgia State Alumna Shines at Miss America

When Chasity Hardman enrolled in Georgia State’s School of Music in 2003 for an education in vocal performance, her professors instantly recognized her special gift.

Years later, as she sung on the stage of the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas on Jan. 25, the judges agreed.

Hardman won the talent portion of the competition for her rendition of “Home” from the musical, “The Wiz.” She was also first runner-up overall.

“It was a little surreal to be there at Miss America,” said Hardman, who competed as Miss Georgia. “It’s a great accomplishment and I felt very proud to represent my home state.”

The 24-year-old Columbus, Ga., native graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Although she was a tomboy growing up and didn’t dream about winning beauty pageants, Hardman said she decided to start competing in the Miss America system during her second year at Georgia State as a way to develop herself and earn scholarships.

She clearly has a knack for the competition. Hardman was crowed Miss Fulton County 2005, Miss Columbus 2006, Miss Atlanta 2007, Miss Capital City 2008 and Miss Georgia 2008, and she became just the second African-American to represent Georgia in a Miss America.

Faculty from Georgia State’s School of Music are pleased to see Hardman succeed on the national stage.

“Chasity is one of the students about whom the faculty said ‘She is going to be something,’” said Robert Ambrose, associate director of the School of Music. “She is enormously talented, a great musician and a very diligent student. She has all the pieces.”

At Georgia State, Hardman, a receipt of the University Scholar award, sang as a member of the University Singers and was a Georgia State cheerleader.

This year, Hardman is traveling the state, marketing the Miss Georgia title and promoting both the Children’s Miracle Network and her personal platform, D.R.E.A.M.: Developing, Reaching, Educating and Mentoring through Music.

In 2005, she started D.R.E.A.M.S., a non-profit organization that uses music to mentor children and increase their self confidence, communication skills and multi-cultural awareness.

Hardman, who has been singing for 15 years and has professionally trained in classical, Gospel, country, rock, and rhythm and blues vocalist, said she plans to pursue her dream of being a recording artist. And, if that doesn’t work out, she’ll return to school for a graduate education, most likely in music.

“Music is my passion,” she said. “I want to pursue my dreams of a musical career and continue my nonprofit.”

Online at http://www.missga.org/ and http://chasityhardman.com.

By Liz Babiarz

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How Sweet The Sound Seeks Atlanta's Best Choir and No-Longer-Used Wireless Phones

PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today the Atlanta-area semi-finalists in the search for the country's best church choir. Atlanta-area choirs and their choir directors who have made it into the semi-final round of the Verizon Wireless' How Sweet The Sound(SM) national competition are:

-- Small Choirs (6-35 singers):
- Atlanta Praise Ministries, Pastor James Jackson (Atlanta)
- Enon Church, Kevin Styles (College Park)
- Eagles Nest Cathedral, Johnathan Williams (West Point)
- Due West United Methodist Church, Billy Payne (Marietta)

-- Large Choirs (36-100 singers):
- Beulahland Bible Church, Dr. Jay Terrell (Macon)
- Atlanta West Pentecostal Church, Brandon Frazier (Lithia Springs)
- Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church, Celia Stockton (Atlanta)
- Shaw Temple Mass Choir, Keyth Lee (Atlanta)

The semi-final competition will be held September 15 at Philips Arena. During the event, Atlanta area church choirs will perform for a chance to compete in the national grand finale for a cash prize of up to $25,000 and the title of the best church choir in America.

Bring Your No-Longer Used Phones for a Good Cause

Atlanta gospel music fans planning to watch their favorite choirs compete during this event are encouraged to bring their no-longer-used wireless phones and donate them to the company's HopeLine(R) program. Verizon Wireless will collect the phones at booths set up at different locations throughout Philips Arena. All collected phones will support local domestic violence organizations.

HopeLine is Verizon Wireless' exclusive phone recycling and reuse program that collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider to benefit victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness. Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 5 million phones, awarded more than $5 million in cash grants to domestic violence agencies and organizations throughout the country.

Those who cannot make it to the September 15 show can drop off their used wireless phones, batteries and accessories at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the state of Georgia, at any time of the year.

Award-Winning Gospel Artists Hosting and Judging

The Verizon Wireless How Sweet The Sound national finals are in Atlanta November 8. The semi-finalist winners from 11 cities will compete in the national grand finale. GRAMMY(R)-winning songwriter, producer arranger and music director, Donald Lawrence, will be the tour emcee at each of the 11 semi-final competitions and at the finale. Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker and other gospel artists will join the competition as judges.

Tickets Available

The doors to Philips Arena will open at 6 p.m. before the How Sweet The Sound competition begins at 7:30 p.m. on the 15th. Tickets can be purchased via Ticket Master or the Philips Arena Box Office and are $7 for floor seats and $5 for upper level seats.

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'My Big Redneck' Producers to Look for Future Program Participants at Powers' Crossroads Labor Day Weekend Festival in Newnan, Ga.

PRNewswire/ -- Talent scouts for the "My Big Redneck" television series that airs on Country Music Television will be searching for future show participants for three upcoming programs this weekend at the Powers' Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival in Newnan, Ga.

Held every year on the 100 acres of historic Powers Plantation in Newnan, Ga., near Franklin, Ga., the Powers' Crossroads Festival will open for its 38th consecutive year at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and will wrap up at 5 p.m. Labor Day afternoon, Sept. 1.

"The producers, Pink Sneakers Productions of Apopka, Fla., told me they plan to have talent scouts on the Festival grounds on Sunday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 1," said Carol Chancey, the festival's executive director.

According to Ms. Chancey the producers are looking for participants for three programs, "Redneck Bash," "My Big Redneck Wedding" and "My Big Redneck Christmas."

"It's a little out of the ordinary for us, but we think it's a great opportunity to give Festival attendees 'a little extra Labor Day weekend fun' during their festival visit," Ms. Chancey said.

"Redneck Bash" documents the wild and crazy preparations and celebrations associated with a variety of events from divorce and retirement parties to baby showers and backyard bar-b-cues.

"Redneck Wedding" covers the down-to-earth fun of a redneck nuptial from denim wedding dresses and camouflage tuxedos to shotgun salutes and arriving at the reception in an all terrain vehicle.

"Redneck Christmas" focuses on heart-warming families with wacky traditions and decorations that might include shotgun shell ornaments, monster truck tree toppers or rockin' reindeer games.

Scheduled festival activities include the traditional Rising Star competition on Saturday morning, a contemporary Christian music concert sponsored by radio station J93.3, WVFJ-FM, Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, and an encore performance by the Rising Star competition winners and the Miss Coweta County Pageant, a preliminary event for the Miss West Georgia competition in January 2009, on Monday afternoon.

Visitors to this year's festival will also find perennial favorites in shopping for unique arts and crafts. Each of the more than 175 artisans showcasing their work for sale is selected by judges during the course of the year.

Festival hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and military personnel, $3 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Parking is free and complimentary shuttle service is available from the parking areas.

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State's Best 4-H'ers Compete at Georgia 4-H Congress

Two hundred forty-five Georgia 4-H’ers gathered July 22-25 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta to compete in the 66th annual Georgia 4-H Congress. At the end of the week, 48 returned home with first place honors.

“These students represent the best of the best of Georgia 4-H,” said Roger “Bo” Ryles, director of the Georgia 4-H program. “Only those students who are the most prepared and dedicated to hard work advance from district competition to state competition.”

In order to compete on the state level, a 4-H’er must first exceed at district competition.

At state congress, the 4-H members gave 12-minute demonstrations and prepared portfolios of their research and service in 49 project areas such as public speaking, history, wildlife and human development. Expert judges evaluated their work and interviewed them on their presentations and portfolios.

Those who earned first place honors will go on to compete against 4-H’ers from across the nation this November in Atlanta.

This year's winners, projects and donors, listed by their home counties, are:

BEN HILL — Jenna Gilleland, 15, daughter of Jeri and Frank Gilleland of Fitzgerald, won in communications, sponsored by Sandra Spradley and the Georgia 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association.

BLECKLEY — Christin Taylor won in family resource management, sponsored by Katrina Bowers and the Sarah L. Huff Fund.

CARROLL — Katie Comer won in human development, sponsored by Jeff Christie and Georgia GAE4-HA.

CHARLTON — Hillary Thornton, 17, daughter of John and Elaine Thornton of Folkston, won in public speaking, sponsored by Mary Kiley of the Farm Credit Association of Georgia.

Andy Smith, 18, son of Teresa and Rickey Smith of Folkston, won in history, sponsored by Arch Smith, Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

CHATTOOGA — Matt Hicks, 18, son of Mike and Gaylee Hicks of Summerville, won in housing, equipment and environment, sponsored by Bucky Cook.

COWETA — Allison Gordy, 16, daughter of Donna and Randall Gordy of Sharpsburg, won in forest resources and wood science, sponsored by Bill Lott, Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

Emilee Brinton won in veterinary science, sponsored by Janice Hayes and the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association.

EFFINGHAM — Matthew Rahn, 16, son of Parker and Linda Rahn of Rincon, won in safety, sponsored by Kirby Thompson, the Georgia 4-H Foundation, Lindsey Thomas and AGL Resources Inc.

EMANUEL — Hannah Bowen, 15, daughter of Sam and Jennifer Bowen of Garfield, won in flowers, shrubs and lawns, sponsored by David Skinner and Georgia Development.

Whitney Bush, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bush of Swainsboro, won in performing arts-vocal, sponsored by Melinda Ashcraft and Six Flags White Water.

Kat Thompson, 15, daughter of Kathy and Herman Thompson of Swainsboro, won in companion animals, sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Bill Sell, Dr. Henry Wall, Monroe Veterinary Clinic Inc., Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

EVANS — Taylor Smith, 17, son of Lamar and Edie Smith of Reidsville, won in wildlife and marine science, sponsored by Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

FORSYTH — Mary Singleton, 16, daughter of Frank and Phyllis Singleton of Cumming, won in festive foods for health, sponsored by Carol Barnett and Publix Super Markets Charities.

GRADY — Justin Womble, 16, son of Gene and Jenifer Womble of Cairo, won in health, sponsored by Ellinore Nicholson, Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Martin, Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

GREENE — Tristan Dunn, 17, son of Victor and Tracy Dunn of Greensboro, won in food fare, sponsored by David Skinner and Georgia Development.

GWINNETT — Jayla Freeman, 17, daughter of Darla Freeman of Lawrenceville, won in sports, sponsored by Melinda Ashcraft of Six Flags White Water.

Grace McCurry, daughter of Sharon and Kurt Hansen of Loganville, won in dog care and training, sponsored by Janice Hayes and the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association.

HARRIS — Kevin Roberts, 20, son of Tracee and Don Roberts of Pine Mountain, won in computers, sponsored by Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

Katelyn Pawlowki, 15, daughter of Lisa and Brian Pawlowski of Midland, won in performing arts-dance, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Burley Page.

HENRY — Josh Payne, 18, son of Sue Payne of Stockbridge, won in dairy foods, sponsored by Marcia Crowley and the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk.

Franklin Duke, 16, son of Karan Duke of Stockbridge, won in performing arts-general, sponsored by Melinda Ashcraft of Six Flags White Water.

IRWIN — Justin Sutton, 18, son of Jenny Sutton of Chula, won in conservation of natural resources, sponsored by Brian Skeens of the Georgia Water Wise Council.

LOWNDES — Ashleigh Stevens, 17, daughter of Terri and Dan Stevens of Valdosta, won in arts and crafts, sponsored by Marian S. Fisher, Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

LUMPKIN — David Morris won in physical, biological and earth sciences, sponsored by Paul Wood and Georgia EMC.

MORGAN — Sarah Wibell, 16, daughter of Peter and Karen Wibell of Madison, won in target sports, sponsored by Speer Burdette of the Callaway Foundation and Catherine Boddie Linz.

OCONEE — Drew Bowers, 17, son of Katrina and Andy Bowers of Watkinsville, won in outdoor recreation, sponsored by Melinda Ashcraft and Six Flags White Water.

Josh Daniel, 16, son of Mike and Elyse Daniel of Bogart, won in pork production, sponsored by Charles Griffin of the Georgia Pork Producers Association.

Abby Anderson, 18, daughter of Chris Anderson of Watkinsville, won in general recreation, sponsored by Jimmy Gisi and the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Inc.

PICKENS — Rachel Wiggington, 16, daughter of Earlene and Edwin Wigginton of Jasper, won in fruits, vegetables and nuts, sponsored by Dot Knox and Meadows-Knox Family Fund.

P.J. Wilkie, 18, son of Phil and Leslie Wilkie of Jasper, won in food safety and preservation, sponsored by Rhonda and Gary Keve.

POLK — Jasmine Williams, 18, daughter of Dora and Lee Williams of Aragon, won in fashion revue, sponsored by Sherrie Carlson of the Georgia Master 4-H Club.

PUTNAM — Kari Crandall, 17, daughter of Joan Parker, won in dairy and milk sciences, sponsored by Angela Broder Nemeth and Marcia Crowley of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

ROCKDALE — Jordan Alexander won in plant and soil science, sponsored by Jimmy Champion and the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society Inc.

SEMINOLE — Zenobia Williams, 18, daughter of Audrey Williams of Donalsonville, won in photography, sponsored by Ann Orowski of Georgia Magazine and Jim and Barbara Smith.

SPALDING — Morgan Kelley, 18, daughter of John and Lisa Kelley of Griffin, won in poultry and egg science, sponsored by Richard Jamison and Richard Rateau of Perdue Farms and Abit Massey of the Georgia Poultry Foundation.

TAYLOR — Brent Hamilton, 17, son of Judy Hamilton of Byron, won in entomology, sponsored by Valera Jessee of the Georgia Pest Control Association and Keith Delaplane of the University of Georgia’s entomology department.

Stephen Payne, 16, son of Nancy Payne of Butler, won in performing arts-other instrumental, sponsored by Melinda Ashcraft of Six Flags White Water.

THOMAS — Blake Williams, son of Brett and Angie Williams of Thomasville, won in power and energy, sponsored by Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

TIFT — Jack Branch, 16, son of Tim and Judy Branch of Tifton, won in environmental science, sponsored by Dick Shermerhorn and the Georgia Cooperative Council Inc.

Michael Luo, 17, son of Meng Luo and Longmei Li of Tifton, won in international, sponsored by Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

Tiffany Suggs, 15, daughter of Timothy and Margaret Suggs of Tifton, won in textiles, merchandising and interiors, sponsored by Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

TURNER — Hunter Brock, 17, son of Brinson and Ginger Brock of Ashburn, won in workforce preparation and career development, sponsored by the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

UNION — Sara Bottinelli, 16, daughter of Susan and Michael Bottinelli of Blairsville, won in horse, sponsored by Kirby Thompson and the Georgia 4-H Foundation.

Melissa Lance, 17, daughter of Janice and Bobby Lance of Blairsville, won in beef, sponsored by Dr. Jim and Renee Williamson and Terry England of the Homeport Farm Mart.

WALTON — Chasmine Harris, 18, daughter of Cherisa Ballard of Monroe, won in food fast and healthy, sponsored by M.K. “Curly” Cook.

WARE — Haley Thigpen, 17, daughter of Cindy and Steve Parker of Waycross, won in sheep and meat goats, sponsored by Dr. Jim and Renee Williamson.

WILKES — Christina Albertson, 16, daughter of Steven and Daphne Albertson of Washington, won in performing arts-piano, sponsored by Melinda Ashcraft and Six Flags White Water.

By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia

Sharon Omahen is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

UGA Wins National Competition, Takes Biofuels Exhibit to D.C.

The University of Georgia will give policymakers in Washington, D.C. an up-close look at the future of biofuels in an exhibit that demonstrates how raw materials as diverse as algae, chicken fat and wood chips can be turned into fuel.

UGA is among 13 institutions nationwide to win “The Grand Challenge,” a competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the 25x‘25 Alliance, a coalition of leaders from the agricultural, forestry and renewable energy communities. The Grand Challenge recognizes universities that have taken leadership roles in renewable energy research, teaching and outreach.

As Grand Challenge winners, UGA scientists and engineers will be among 80 exhibitors at the USDA’s Bioenergy Awareness Days (BEAD II), June 19-22, in Washington, D.C. The UGA exhibits will demonstrate how researchers are harnessing the state’s rich natural resources to create sustainable fuels that benefit the economy as well as the environment.

“The Grand Challenge helps focus the nation on the future of renewable energy,” said Craig Kvien, professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and one of several authors of UGA’s winning entry. “Collectively, there are going to be some good ideas presented that can be used to help develop bioenergy policy and to improve research and outreach programs at our institutions. The fact that UGA was recognized says a lot about all of the people across campus working on renewable energy research and outreach.”

The UGA exhibits, at the National Arboretum from June 19 to 22 and at the USDA Whitten Federal Building on June 19 and 20, include demonstrations of how:

Algae can be grown in wastewater and then harvested and processed to create a biofuel;
Waste chicken fat from poultry processing can be refined to an oil that can be used in industrial boilers or further refined to biodiesel;

Wood chips and pellets made from timber scraps can be processed into a biofuel;
An autonomous, ethanol-powered tractor can save farmers time and fuel by working around the clock with minimal supervision.

K.C. Das, associate professor of engineering and director of UGA’s biorefining and carbon cycling program, points out that Georgia currently imports all of its petroleum-based fuel but is rich in plant materials and animal waste – collectively known as biomass – that can be converted into biofuels. In addition to algae, chicken fat and wood chips, UGA engineers are creating biofuels from industrial and municipal wastes, restaurant grease, agricultural products that can’t be sold to supermarkets – such as bruised watermelons and peaches – and even outdated cola and juice.

UGA scientists are searching for efficient ways to break down the tough, fibrous parts of plants so that agricultural wastes such as husks and stems, rather than corn kernels and other edible plants, can be used to create ethanol. Other candidates for ethanol production include fast-growing poplar trees, napier grass and switchgrass, all of which don’t require much water or fertilizer to grow.

UGA has more than 80 scientists, engineers and economists who are working on basic and applied biofuels research, and they’re collaborating through the university’s Biofuels, Biopower and Biomaterials Initiative, also known as B3I.

“The B3I allows us to synergize the resources at the university for a common goal,” said Joy Doran Peterson, professor of microbiology and B3I director. “And the recent surge in gas prices and ongoing concerns about global warming really underscore the urgency of our work.”

The UGA researchers said they’re pursing a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach because there’s no single approach – no silver bullet – that will solve the nation’s energy needs.

“The strength of UGA’s approach is that we’re exploring several solutions so that communities can derive energy from the raw materials that are best suited to their circumstances,” Das said. “Just imagine the benefits of diversifying our energy sources.”