February 3, 2026 — Big wins often come from years of quiet dedication, long practices, and strong community support. That dedication paid off in a big way for four Cobb County students who recently represented Cobb 4-H and Georgia 4-H at the 4-H Family and Consumer Science National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Prayushi Padhi of Campbell High School, Aarsheya Gunjal of Sprayberry High School, Naitik Maheshwari of Wheeler High School, and Shubham Badve of Wheeler High School returned home with an impressive collection of national honors.
Competing against top teams from across the country, the Cobb 4-H team earned Champion Team Overall, Champion Team for Placings, Champion Team for Group Think, and Reserve Champion Team for Reasons. Their individual accomplishments were just as remarkable.
Cobb Students Shine at National 4-H Competition
Prayushi Padhi, Campbell High School
- Third High Individual for Reasons
- Fourth High Overall
Aarsheya Gunjal, Sprayberry High School
- Fifth High Individual for Reasons
Naitik Maheshwari, Wheeler High School
- Fourth High Individual for Placings
Shubham Badve, Wheeler High School
- First High Individual Overall
- Fifth High Individual for Placings
- First High Individual for Reasons
- Earned perfect scores for both sets of reasons — a rare national-level achievement
Behind these awards is a story that stretches back years. Each of these students has been involved in the Georgia 4-H Cotton Boll and Consumer Judging Competition since the fourth grade. That long-term commitment speaks volumes about their work ethic, perseverance, and passion for learning skills that extend far beyond the competition floor. Consumer Judging is more than a contest. It teaches students how to make thoughtful, informed decisions when purchasing goods and services while maximizing available resources. Participants are presented with real-world scenarios and must evaluate products or services based on quality, cost, and value. They then defend their decisions through clear, organized reasoning, both individually and as part of a team.
These skills translate directly to success in the classroom and beyond. Students learn critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork, and confidence — skills that support academic achievement and prepare them for future careers. And while trophies and titles are exciting, the true reward lies in the growth students experience along the way. Strong coaching and mentorship also played a key role in this national success.
.jpg)
