2017 was a big year for Tennessee 4-H! Thanks to friends like you, 4-H youth across the state are able to participate in a variety of events each year. Our Tennessee 4-H’ers were very busy and made us proud on the local, state and national levels. Here’s to a great 2017 and an even better 2018!
January: Annual TN 4-H All Star Council Meeting
This year, members of the Tennessee 4-H All Stars High Council met in Lebanon for their annual meeting to discuss the program, set the state’s service theme, elect state officers, strengthen leadership skills and much, much more. These All Stars participate at the second level of Tennessee’s recognition program for outstanding work.
February: Annual Meeting, 2017 Membership Drive
The Annual Alumni and Friends Meeting was held on Saturday, Feb. 25, and was a huge success. The meeting included an auction, speakers, food and fellowship and was a great time for 4-H’ers to reconnect and meet other alumni. Macon and Hamblen Counties won the 2017 Membership Drive by having the most people sign up.
March: 4-H Congress
Delegates from across the state gathered for the 70th Annual TN 4-H Congress. This year’s Congress recognized outstanding 4-H’ers and leaders, provided new experiences for students across the state and allowed participants opportunities to assume and continue leadership roles in their communities. Keynote speaker Lt. Governor Randy McNally addressed the delegation during the banquet.
April: The Chew’s Carla Hall is Thankful for 4-H
Carla Hall, a celebrity chef and host of ABC’s popular morning show The Chew, described 4-H as an integral part of her childhood. The Nashville native and Tennessee 4-H alum sat down with Parade magazine and spoke of the positive impact 4-H had on her and how she is paying it forward. To read the complete article, click here.
May: A Legacy of Learning by Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7)
Tennessee Congressman Marsha Blackburn penned an open letter about the positive impact 4-H had on her as a child and the deep family ties she has to the program. Blackburn is a founding member of the 4-H Luminaries, a group that aims to raise awareness of the life-changing impact 4-H can have. To read Blackburn’s letter in full, click here.
June: Junior High Academic Conference and State Championships
There was no rest for the weary this summer. In July, 4-H’ers across the state participated in various championships, including the Horse Championship and Shooting Sports Championship. In early June, the Junior High Academic Conference held its 29th annual meeting in Knoxville for junior high 4-H members.
July: Roundup
Finalists from around the state convened in Knoxville during the last week of July for the 94th Tennessee State Roundup.
August: Hurricane Harvey Relief
Through a fundraiser benefitting Texas 4-H Youth Development Program and Foundation, 4-H’ers from all over the country, including Tennessee, were able to band together to help aid victims of Hurricane Harvey.
September: 4-H Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference
Tennessee hosted the 13th Annual Southern Teen Leadership Conference, which is a first-of-its-kind, multi-state 4-H conference created to bring together teens and empower and inspire them to make a change across the southern region.
October: Steve Sutton Inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame, National 4-H Week
On Oct. 6, our very own Steve Sutton was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame, becoming only the sixth Tennessean to be awarded the honor. Congratulations, Steve! October was also National 4-H Week, where youth, volunteers and alumni across the nation celebrated the 4-H program.
November: National 4-H Congress, TN Skillathon Team
Tennessee delegates traveled to Atlanta for the annual 4-H Congress. Tennessee 4-H was well represented at this year’s Congress, which was held the last weekend of November. Our very own 4-H Extension Specialist, Justin Crowe, served as an adult member of the Congress’ Design Team. Also in November, the Tennessee 4-H Skillathon team and coaches won the National 4-H Skillathon Contest. Congratulations to a job well done!
December: TN Farm Bureau Federation Convention, Reba’s Country Christmas
To round out a great year, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation held its annual convention. 4-H All Star Chief, Emily Nave, represented us well at the conference. Later in the month, country music superstar and proud 4-H alum Reba McEntire invited a group of Tennessee 4-H members to visit with her as she hosted the 2017 CMA Country Christmas. Performers also included 4-H alumni Luke Bryan and Trisha Yearwood.
