For Immediate Release: Georgia 4-H Food Showcase Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Finley Smith and Davis Donahue Shine at Georgia 4-H Food Showcase

Rome, GA – September 25, 2025 – The Georgia 4-H Food Showcase held this past weekend saw an outstanding performance from local 4-H members Finley Smith and Davis Donahue. The young chefs demonstrated exceptional culinary skills and creativity, earning honors in their respective categories. This year Food Showcase had 78 youth from 19 counties compete in the various events at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

Finley Smith, a dedicated and talented senior chef, secured an impressive 3^rd place in the Egg Chef contest. The Georgia 4-H Egg Chef contest is a culinary competition where youth use eggs as the main ingredient in their prepared dish. Participants can create a variety of dishes, including appetizers, salads, main dishes, and more. The contest aims to develop participants’ nutritional knowledge, cooking skills, and presentation abilities.

Contestants must prepare their dish and then present a demonstration to the judges, explaining the preparation steps, nutritional information, and other details about eggs.

Davis Donahue used his years of chef experience by participating in the Chicken BBQ contest. The Georgia 4-H Chicken BBQ contest is a grilling competition where youth participants prepare chicken thighs using charcoal grills. The contest aims to develop participants’ knowledge of chicken’s nutritional value, versatility, and its role in human nutrition and health.

Participants are judged on their ability to safely start and maintain their fire, the sensory qualities of their grilled chicken (such as taste and appearance), and their oral presentation about chicken preparation, safety, nutrition, and the broiler industry

“We are incredibly proud of Finley and Davis for their hard work and achievements. These are true life skills that they will carry with them to adulthood,” said Abbie Salmon, 4-H Agent.

The Georgia 4-H Food Showcase is an annual event that brings together young chefs from across the state to compete in various culinary categories. It provides a platform for participants to develop their cooking skills, learn about nutrition, and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.

For more information about Floyd County 4-H, please contact: 706-295-6210 or asalmon3@uga.edu.