Tennessee 4-H Round Up is the pinnacle event for 4-H’ers during their high school years. Throughout the week, 4-H’ers receive recognition for their hard work in their project areas and All Star service projects, discover if they win a coveted trip to National 4-H Congress in the fall and wait for their name to be called for a distinguished scholarship award. These awards can change the lives of their recipients.
“The highlight of Tennessee 4-H Roundup is always the Project Achievement portion of the program,” says Ryan Hensley, executive director of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. “The selection of the state winners is a huge deal for the youth. Over the course of the week, more than $150,000 in scholarships and awards are provided to 4-H members.”
Ella Flynn
Congratulations, Ella Flynn
From Macon County, Ella Flynn grew up on a century farm, where her family grew crops and large gardens, along with raising cows and other animals. Working in agriculture was the furthest thing from her mind. She was a theater kid, and when she grew up, she had big plans to move out of her rural area and head north. It wasn’t until her older brother became involved in 4-H that Flynn became interested in joining the local 4-H in her county. Little did she know that joining 4-H would completely change her life. Since gaining membership, Flynn has competed in 4-H National Roundups and placed first in three of those events.
“I don’t think I appreciated what the farm meant until I got involved with 4-H and got to experience all that is offered,” Flynn says. “I became very involved in 4-H and later in FFA when I was in high school. I was elected class president at Macon County High School, and I credit my experience to my time with 4-H, where I learned valuable communication and leadership skills.”
Flynn is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee,Knoxville (UTK) and is majoring in agricultural leadership, education and communications.
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“I feel very blessed to have received a scholarship,” says Flynn, who received one of the scholarships at Round Up in 2024. “Every new experience with 4-H led me to where I am today, and I am grateful.”
After graduation, Flynn hopes to land a job in agriculture communications and her dream career – a broadcaster for RFDTV.
Delia Marchant
Hats Off to Delia Marchant
Delia Marchant’s list of achievements includes serving on the 4-H State Council for two years, participating in Senate mock debates through the Tennessee 4-H Congress with other 4-H’ers across the state, and volunteering with Ag Extension, in addition to many others.
Marchant began her journey with 4-H as a fourth grade homeschooler. It was her experiences with the higher education representatives at UTK, along with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Policy Meetings and working with legislators, that sparked her interest in agriculture policy.
Marchant is a sophomore at UTK majoring in agriculture leadership, and she hopes to work in UT Extension as an agriculture agent upon graduation. As one of the 4-H Roundup scholarship recipients, Marchant is very thankful to be where she is today. Growing up on a small family farm, she shares that without the help of the scholarship, she would have had to go to a smaller college where her program of study is not offered.
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As a Certified Youth Leader in 4-H, one of Marchant’s goals is to continue to advocate for youth and their involvement in 4-H.
“I would say it’s never too late to get involved,” Marchant says. “There will be obstacles, and someone will be there to help you overcome each challenge and obstacle. I would argue Tennessee 4-H is the best in the nation with supportive employees and volunteers. The growth will come, and they will be there to care for you and watch you grow to be successful.”
Give to Tennessee 4-H Scholarships
Because of generous donors and sponsors, Tennessee 4-H is able to provide scholarships to high school or recently graduated 4-H’ers each year. These scholarships ensure students can continue their education in their desired fields without the added pressure of financial burden.
More than $150,000 is given each year, but that number could always grow. If you are interested in supporting a new or existing 4-H scholarship, visit tn4hfoundation.org/donate.