Madison County 4-H is celebrating a well-deserved honor for 4-H Agent Michaela Brown, who has been named the 2026 Ryles Rising Star Award recipient. Established in 2010 in honor of former State 4-H Leader Dr. Roger C. “Bo” Ryles, the award recognizes an outstanding Georgia 4-H professional within their first five years of employment who has made exceptional contributions to the success of the 4-H program.

Since joining UGA Cooperative Extension in January 2025, Michaela has made a significant impact on Madison County youth. She conducts 17 in-school 4-H meetings each month across multiple grade levels, reaching nearly 500 youth annually, while also expanding after-school and summer programming. Her leadership is reflected in the accomplishments of Madison County 4-H members. This past year, all 13 of her Cloverleaf Project Achievement participants placed in the top three of their respective categories, and four youth earned the prestigious Master 4-H’er designation.

Michaela’s service extends beyond Madison County as well. She serves as a Northeast District Board Advisor and holds a leadership role as Media Chair for GAE4-HYDP, supporting youth and 4-H programming at the district and state levels.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Michaela earned her master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in 2026.

Her leadership, communication skills, passion for youth development, and commitment to growing the reach and impact of 4-H have made her a tremendous asset to Madison County.

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate this accomplishment and congratulate Michaela Brown on this well-deserved recognition!

In the picture, left to right: Bo Ryles, Michaela Brown, Melanie Biersmith, and Al Parker