Columbus High grad wins 4-H state title in arts and crafts

Columbus High School 2017 graduate Gabby Brickner won a first place in the state at the 75^th annual Georgia 4-H Congress last month in Atlanta.

Gabby finished first in the arts and crafts category and became a “Master 4-H’er,” Ashleigh Day, the 4-H and youth development agent at the Muscogee County Cooperative Extention office for the University of Georgia, announced in an email to the Ledger-Enquirer.

More than 200 district winners competed in 50 categories for state honors. To qualify, a 4-H’er must show mastery in an oral presentation, an interview, leadership and citizenship, Day said.

According its website, 4-H, which stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health, is “the nation's largest youth organization where kids learn through fun, hands-on projects in STEM, healthy living, agriculture and citizenship.” Partnering with approximately 100 public universities, 4-H has a network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 professionals mentoring 6 million youth throughout the country, the website says.

Gabby, 18, is a freshman at UGA. She told the Ledger-Enquirer in an interview Monday that she plans to major in marketing and hopes to own a business, perhaps for art therapy or in the medical field.

Her 4-H project was a yearlong effort, developing a portfolio of her activities and culminating in her 12-minute presentation at the state congress. She demonstrated to the judges how to glaze pottery.

“I was trying to share my knowledge of different glazing techniques,” she said. “I focused on the four main ones, two simple ones and two intermediate ones, to show them I was capable of doing it and could teach it to somebody who doesn’t know anything about pottery.”

When she heard her name announced as the state winner, Gabby said, “it was one of the most amazing things I ever felt. … I freaked out and ran to the stage. It’s such a good feeling to put all that hard work in and have it come out like that.”

Gabby said she qualified for the state congress by beating 19 other participants in one of four district competitions. She won the state title out of nine competitors.

Asked what she enjoys about pottery, Gabby said, “Doing art and finishing pieces gives me a sense of accomplishment and a therapeutic outlet to deal with the stresses of everyday life. Pottery by far is my favorite medium I’ve used so far because you get a hands-on connection to your piece. Every time I go into my studio, I immediately feel 10 times better and happier because doing art is my way of expressing myself.”

Gabby estimated she spent 20-30 hours per week on her project or other 4-H activities. Her community service during the past year included helping the Columbus High art club refurbish a mural honoring veterans and helping promote 4-H.

Although she has been involved in 4-H for only two years, Gabby said, “I think it has changed the course of my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but it gives you a true chance to be a leader in the community and develop relationships that are life-long and improve your social interaction, and you can reap the benefits really well.”

For more information about 4-H and how to participate in the local program, call 706-653-4200 or email uge2215@uga.edu.

This story was originally published August 28, 2017 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Columbus High grad wins 4-H state title in arts and crafts."