Meet the winners of the Level I State Projects in 2023.
Caroline Garrell, Level I Citizenship
Caroline Garrell of Lincoln County was named the Level I Citizenship Project State Winner. She has spent seven years in this project area putting her hands to larger service. As an officer in Honor Club and Central Region All Stars, Caroline works hard to coordinate service projects for 4-Hers. Her favorite projects have been cooking meals for others and working with Families First to provide backpacks and filled stockings to those in need. As a beef cattle farmer, she enjoys using her skills to serve younger 4-Hers through teaching showmanship clinics, sharing livestock judging techniques, and leading beef project groups. Through these opportunities, she has developed a compassionate spirit that overcomes hesitation and intimidation to ultimately make the best better. Caroline aims to attain a degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Brinlee Bradford, Level I Leadership
Lincoln County’s Brinlee Bradford was awarded as the Level I Leadership Project State Winner. As an active 4-Her for eight years, she has enjoyed developing skills and educating others within her Nutrition, Health, and Fitness project. To share her love for healthy living, she teaches swimming lessons, as well as after-school care nutrition programs. As a successful 5K runner and Tennessee 4-H Performing Arts Troupe member, she has come to learn the importance of keeping an active lifestyle. Within Honor Club, she also leads service projects and county events as Vice President. Upon graduation, Brinlee would like to attend the University of Alabama, Huntsville to pursue a career path in aerospace engineering.
Lauren Wingler, Level I Beef
In the Beef Project, Rutherford County’s Lauren Wingler was named the Level I State Winner. Within her eight years of raising and nationally showing Hereford cattle, she has gained several skills and experiences. One of her favorite opportunities was representing Tennessee at the National Hereford Faces of Leadership Conference. As a high individual in both livestock judging and meat judging contests, Lauren has learned how to properly select breeding stock for her operation, created techniques to identify wholesale and retail meat cuts, and developed the skill of public speaking through giving oral reasons. Lauren looks forward to attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to pursue a career path in agricultural law.
Lyla Finchum, Level I Clothing and Textiles
Jefferson County’s Lyla Finchum was named the Level I Clothing and Textiles State Winner. Throughout the past three years, she has developed an array of skills in sewing, from making many items like dresses, costumes, and suits. Lyla is able to use these skills to serve others by doing activities like sewing tissue holders for the elderly and teaching youth in her Sewing Club. One of her favorite parts of 4-H is public speaking contests because she says they have taught her how to be a leader and speak confidently in front of a crowd. Outside of this, Lyla enjoys being an active member of Honor Club and Easter Region All Stars, where she participates in workshops and service-learning projects, like volunteering in her local food pantry. Lyla’s goal is to attain a college degree from Carson Newman University and become a Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent.
Levi Callum, Level I Communications and Public Speaking
In the Communications and Public Speaking Project, Levi Callum was named the Level I State Winner. As a Williamson County 4-Her, Levi has been active in this project for over seven years now. Whether he’s speaking to hundreds in church or to his 4-H peers in Honor Club, Levi has come to learn the techniques of public speaking. Levi enjoys using these skills competitively at Beta Club Convention and Lads to Leaders Conference, as well as Stow Speech & Debate League events, where he has earned national top honors in each organization for policy debate, extemporaneous speaking, expository speech, and parliamentary procedures. Outside of his main project, he is also involved in STEM through robotics and Electric Camp. He is thankful for the community 4-H has given him through networking and establishing connections. After high school graduation, Levi hopes to attain a political science degree from Vanderbilt to become an attorney.
Hadassah Boyle, Level I Companion Animal
One of the Level I Companion Animal Project State Winners is Hadassah Boyle of Knox County. For the past six years, she has spent many hours learning about cats, dogs, rabbits, and other pets. She has utilized this knowledge to educate others by leading lessons with fairgoers at the Tennessee Valley Fair. Outside of this, she is also a leader in her 4-H club, serving as a Healthy Living Ambassador and Club President. Her favorite program in 4-H is All Stars because it has given her various opportunities to make meaningful friendships and serve people in need throughout her region. Hadassah is undecided with what career path she wants to choose, but she knows that 4-H has better prepared her for it, no matter what it may be.
Allison Keeler, Level I Companion Animal
Knox County’s Allison Keeler was named one of the Level I Companion Animal Project State Winners. Three years ago, her interest in this project started when she got a dog and started attending her county’s project group nights. Here, she would learn all about companion animals, complete service projects, make bags for animal shelter fosters, and volunteer with the Tennessee Valley Humane Society. Allison has also competed in speech and demonstration contests by speaking on “dogs-in-action” and explaining the costs of owning dogs. She has held many leadership positions, including Club President, Honor Club Secretary, and Electric Camp Teen Leader. Allison is grateful for the amazing opportunities she has received through 4-H, and we know the life skills she has developed will take her far!
Zane Ritchie, Level I Computers and Technology
In the Computers and Technology Project, Macon County’s Zane Ritchie was named the Level I State Winner. He has gained lots of knowledge over the past four years in this project area, like how to construct a calculator and how to use Python, as well as C++, computer programming. He enjoys teaching these skills to other 4-Hers, leading his project group as Chairman. Outside of this, Zane competes in Clover Bowl, Speech Contests, Demonstrations, and Poster Design. He credits 4-H for giving him tremendous opportunities, like serving as Club President, which has taught him effective leadership and active listening. In the future, Zane would like to attend the University of Tennessee to pursue a degree and career path in computer science.
Jillian Fowler, Level I Creative Arts and Design
One of the Level I Creative Arts and Design Project State Winners was Jillian Fowler of Lincoln County. Throughout the past couple of years, she has learned the art of creating watercolor cards, and she sells these through a local business. Jillian’s artwork has been very successful in many art contests and county fairs. Outside of her main project, she enjoys competing in speech contests and being involved with Honor Club, where she helps coordinate meetings and service projects. Jilian would like to pursue a degree and career path in graphic design.
Emilee Cooper, Level I Creative Arts and Design
Rutherford County’s Emilee Cooper was named one of the Level I Creative Arts and Design Project State Winners. Her seven years within this project area have been spent quilting, making wreaths for Wreaths Across America events, designing floriculture for veteran recognition, and taking pictures for Daughters of the American Revolution. She also competes in fashion design on the county and state fair levels, winning several first places. Emilee uses her skills in these hobbies to lead others as Sewing Group Leader and Homeschool Club President. Outside of this, she enjoys participating in archery, competing in public speaking, and learning culinary arts through cooking challenges, in which her team was ranked first at a national contest. Emilee looks forward to pursuing a career path in special needs education.
Grace DeBusk, Level I Dairy
In the Dairy Project, McMinn County’s Grace DeBusk was named the Level I State Winner. She has learned a variety of skills and lessons within this project area over the past six years. She has developed responsibility, hard work, and dedication through feeding, training, and caring for her dairy cattle. Raising and showing cattle has given Gracie the opportunity to be an advocate for the agriculture industry by teaching consumers about cows and dairy products. As Dairy Group President and FFA Vice President, Gracie is passionate about teaching, leading, and serving others. She is grateful for the friendships established through successfully exhibiting her animals across the state and country. In the future, Grace would like to pursue a degree and career path in nursing.
Michael Cayden Cole, Level I Electric
The Level I Electric Project State Winner is Dyer County’s Michael Cayden Cole. Over the past two years, he has focused on learning and teaching electrical safety in the house, barn, and community. Michael enjoys sharing the skills he has learned with younger 4-Hers by serving as a Teen Leader at Electric Camp. Outside of this, he enjoys being involved in FFA, serving on his school’s Student Council, and exhibiting sheep and goats across the state. Currently, Michael is a member of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and upon graduation, he would like to serve in the United States Military.
Harris Eddins, Level I Engineering and Safety Science
Knox County’s Harris Eddins was named one of the Level I Engineering and Safety Science Project State Winners. Harris has led his county’s engineering project group by teaching them various activities. For the past seven years, Harris has also been a highly active member of the citizenship and leadership projects by building bird houses for Habitat for Humanity, coordinating service projects for his Honor Club as Service Chair, and leading 4-H members as an officer in both Eastern Region All Stars and State Council. He accredits 4-H for giving him confidence in his leadership abilities by learning public speaking techniques. Upon graduation, Harris would like to pursue a degree in business or engineering at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Logan West, Level I Entomology and Beekeeping
Macon County’s Logan West won the State Level I Entomology and Beekeeping Project. With the knowledge and skills gained from several beekeeping and pollination workshops, she has learned how to take care of two hives of bees and properly harvest honey from them. She enjoys teaching other 4-Hers and community members about the importance of bees in our environment. Logan’s most exciting moment in 4-H was being named the National Champion Consumer Decision Making Team. As a proud Honor Club and All Star member, she is grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back to others across her community and region. Logan would like to pursue a degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is excited to take her skills and experience into her future career path, whatever that may be.
Reeva Lalani, Level I Entrepreneurship
The Level I Entrepreneurship Project State Winner was Reeva Lalani from Williamson County. Within this project, Reeva runs a tennis coaching business, in which she has learned vital skills in managing her job and finances. Outside of this, she has been involved in public speaking, demonstrations, Honor Club, STEM Tech Changemaker, and Junior Fair Board. She also enjoys leading younger 4-Hers at camp and CSI lab workshops. Reeva is very grateful for the friendships and opportunities 4-H has provided her to make the best better.
Jasmine Hicks, Level I Food Science
One of the Level I Food Science Project State Winners was Madison County’s Jasmine Hicks. In this project area, Jasmine enjoys baking for community bake sales and competing in food contests. As a teen leader in her Cooking Group, she enjoys sharing her passion with others by teaching demonstrations on making things like smoothies and cookies. Jasmine uses her skills in this project area to serve others by feeding homeless individuals. She is thankful that 4-H has provided her with many opportunities to participate in service projects to give back to others in need. In her future, Jasmine would like to pursue a degree at a University of Tennessee school in order to become a chef and restaurant owner.
Aaron Burke, Level I Food Science
Cadence Patton, Level I Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
In the Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Project, Monroe County’s Cadence Patton is one of the Level I State Winners. With six years of experience in this project, Cadence has been very involved with his county’s forestry judging team. He has created a leaf collection to help teammates identify types of leaves and taught younger judgers how to identify trees. One of his 4-H highlights was winning the state forestry judging contest! As Honor Club President, Cadence also enjoys leading his club in meetings and coordinating service projects for his peers. In Cadence’s future, he would like to attain a degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in order to pursue a career path working in the wildlife industry.
Isaac Welch, Level I Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries
Isaac Welch from Wayne County is one of the Level I Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Project State Winners. As a member of the Tennessee Falconer’s Association, Isaac specializes in learning falconry skills, teaching those through oral presentations, and competing in wildlife judging. Outside of this, he has been successful in public speaking contests, as well as horse judging. Isaac is also a leader in his club, serving as Honor Club Vice President, 4-H County Ambassador, and Junior Camp Teen Leader. He says these positions have taught him the different methods of leadership and the importance of service. Isaac’s goal is to enroll in the United States Airforce Academy to study Aerospace Engineering.
Cannon Wilhoit, Level I Goat
Cannon Wilhoit of Greene County is the Level I Goat Project State Winner. During her five years in the 4-H program, she has competitively exhibited goats on the county, regional, and state levels, winning State 4-H Showmanship, as well as Grand Commercial Doe. Cannon has also competed in livestock judging, stating that it has helped her step out of her comfort zone by gaining confidence and decision-making skills. As Honor Club Vice President, she leads her peers through activities and service projects. Outside of 4-H, she also serves as Reporter in her school’s FFA chapter, as well as a leader in her church’s youth group. Cannon plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with the hopes of becoming a small ruminant specialist.
John Everett Martin, Level I Horse
The Level I Horse Project State Winner is John Everett Martin of Knox County. In his six years within this project, he has done horse training, riding, and showing. Along with this, he enjoys learning about horse health management through working with a local veterinarian to vaccinate, manage teeth, checkup, and collect blood. Some of his highlights include winning state and qualifying for the National Horse Communications Contest, as well as being named Reserve Champion High Individual in the State Hippology Contest. John enjoys using his skills to serve and educate others, as he has taught hundreds of kids at his county’s Farm Days and presented workshops on horse nutrition. John also excels as a leader, serving in multiple roles in his county’s clubs and as an Eastern Region All Star Council Officer. He says one of his favorite things about 4-H is fostering friendships while chasing his dreams and passions.
Maddie Kate Wells, Level I Horticulture and Garden
One of the Level I Horticulture and Garden Project State Winners is Maddie Kate Wells from Dyer County. Wells has spent five years being active in this project area by participating in project showcases, competing in floriculture, and serving at the Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale. As a Healthy Living Ambassador and Youth Health Council member, she uses her knowledge of nutrition to educate others on vegetables and fruits. Outside of her main project area, she enjoys being involved in Dairy Month and Chick Chain, where she has learned about raising and caring for animals. The connections she has made within this organization are what she appreciates the most. In her future, Wells would like to pursue a degree and career in aerospace engineering.
Miracle Brown, Level I Horticulture and Garden
Miracle Brown of Wilson County was named one of the Level I Horticulture and Garden Project State Winners. Over the past two years within this project, Brown has worked hard in her greenhouse, growing various vegetables and flowers and finding the best methods to produce high quality plants. Outside of this, she serves her club as a Healthy Living Ambassador by assisting at various events, service projects, and fundraisers. As a highly active Honor Club member, Brown has gained valuable skills in leadership and service. After graduation, Brown plans on pursuing a degree in order to land a career in the plant sciences industry.
Emilee Lassiter, Level I Nutrition, Health, and Fitness
One of the Level I Nutrition, Health, and Fitness Project State Winners is Emilee Lassiter from Warren County. Within this project area, she advocates for the dairy industry by educating others on dairy products’ nutrition. Outside of this, by serving as a 4-H Junior Camp Teen Leader, Emilee has learned how to effectively lead younger kids. As Vice President of her club, she enjoys coordinating service projects and activities for members to be involved in. Emilee is thankful for the life skills she has developed through 4-H, and she is excited to take those with her into her future in family and consumer sciences.
Tessa Palma, Level I Nutrition, Health, and Fitness
Tessa Palma from Robertson County is one of the Level I Nutrition, Health, and Fitness Project State Winners. As an advocate for educating others on health, she leads a youth running group, teaches yoga, trains for 5Ks, and spends time finding the most nutritious recipes and healthy habits to share with others. She also leads her club as a Healthy Living Ambassador, and she enjoys serving others through Honor Club and All Stars. Tessa has gained an array of knowledge and skills within the Nutrition, Health, and Fitness Project, and she looks forward to using it all in her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as she pursues a career in the medical field.
Zac Ross, Level I Outdoor Recreation/Shooting Sports
Knox County’s Zac Ross is the Level I Outdoor Recreation/Shooting Sports Project State Winner. In this project, he enjoys all things outdoors, from camping to white water rafting. Zac also helps lead the Outdoor Adventure Prospect Group, where he teaches kids basic outdoor skills, like pitching a tent or building a fire. He is also active in serving his community through Honor Club. Outside of this, he is involved in Boy Scouts, where he is active in scouting and serves as Vice President of his Venturing Officers’ Association. He is most thankful for the public speaking opportunities 4-H has provided him with as they have improved his communication skills. Zac is excited to see what the rest of his 4-H career holds and where this organization takes him in his future career.
Laura Kennedy, Level I Performing Arts
In the Performing Arts Project, Laura Kennedy of Williamson County was named the Level I State Winner. Throughout the past six years in this project, Laura has rocked many stages across the state, doing ballet, singing and dancing on Tennessee Performing Arts Troupe, acting in plays, teaching line dancing, and competing in various pageants. Laura is thankful to have developed interpersonal skills and met countless friends through 4-H. Outside of her main project, she enjoys competing in shooting sports, exhibiting chickens, serving others through Honor Club and All Stars, and participating in public speaking contests. Laura knows that the skills and experiences she has gained in 4-H will take her far in her education and future career.
Brinlee Bradford, Level I Personal Development
Lincoln County’s Brinlee Bradford is the Level I Personal Development Project State Winner. As an active 4-Her for eight years, she has enjoyed developing skills and educating others within this project. To share her love for personal development, she competes in public speaking contests, teaches swimming lessons, and leads after-school care nutrition programs. As a successful 5K runner and Tennessee 4-H Performing Arts Troupe member, she has come to learn the importance of not only keeping an active lifestyle but also developing the right mindset to learn and grow within this organization. Within Honor Club, she also leads service projects and county events as Vice President. Upon graduation, Brinlee would like to attend the University of Alabama, Huntsville to pursue a career path in aerospace engineering.
Callie Petty, Level I Photography
Callie Petty of Knox County is the Level I Photography Project State Winner. She has spent seven years capturing many opportunities through this project. Some of Callie’s highlights include leading a photography scavenger hunt at her local Nature Center, successfully competing with her photography exhibits, and serving as the photographer for Honor Club events. Outside of this, Callie is involved in the Tennessee Performing Arts Troupe, as well as the Line and Design Project through art classes. She says her most valued skill is confidence gained through 4-H public speaking contests. Callie is thankful for the countless experiences and friendships established in this tremendous organization.
Emma Kinsey, Level I Plant Science
The Level I Plant Science Project State Winner is Emma Kinsey from Jefferson County. One of her project highlights was when she worked with park rangers to reroute a state birding park. She has a wide array of interests as she is also involved in chick chain, horse bowl, and hippology, and she recently attended Fashion Design Conference. Emma is most appreciative of the friendships she has formed within this program. Outside of 4-H, she is active in FFA as an officer and in Girl Scouts, in which she achieved the Gold Award. In the future, Emma would like to attain a degree in Plant Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to own a gardening business.
John Hancock, Level I Poultry
Wilson County’s John Hancock is the Level I Poultry Project State Winner. Throughout the past three years in this project, he has competed in poultry judging, shown multiple grand champion chickens, and raised over 100 hens. This past year, he sold over 1,000 dozen eggs from his hens to local community members. John has also been successful in both demonstration and public speaking contests, qualifying for area, regional, and state competitions. Outside of this, he is also involved in photography, entrepreneurship, livestock judging, and wildlife judging. As an excellent leader in his community, he enjoys serving as Honor Club President, Cooking Club Teen Leader, and FFA Chapter Treasurer. Upon graduation, John would like to go into ministry while still being involved with agriculture by operating his own greenhouse.
Sarah Powell, Level I Sheep
Sarah Powell of Wilson County is the Level I Sheep Project State Winner. Within her six years in this project area, the fifth-generation farmer raises and shows sheep at several county and state fairs. Claiming several titles in showmanship and bred-by divisions, she has learned about hard work and determination in and outside of the show ring. As a three-time Tennessee Livestock All Star Award recipient, Sarah enjoys competing in livestock judging and helping lead activities with her livestock project group. She also values service-learning through many Honor Club projects and citizenship activities. Sarah would like to pursue a degree in Animal Science to work in the agriculture industry in her career.
Kendall Hamilton, Level I Swine
Clay County’s Kendall Hamilton is the Level I Swine Project State Winner. Within the past seven years in this project area, she has raised and exhibited many hogs at shows across the state. She uses her livestock knowledge to educate younger 4-Hers by teaching skillathon lessons and showmanship techniques. One of the highlights of her project was qualifying for the Arizona National Livestock Judging Contest, and her team being named national champions there. Outside of this, she is also active in outdoor meat cookery contests, the goat project, and community service activities. Kendall truly values advocating for agriculture and does so by reading to elementary students for Ag Literacy Week and leading agriculture workshops with various clubs. Kendall is grateful for the friendships and connections she has established in 4-H, and she knows the skills and knowledge gained here will take her far in her education and career.
Caroline Garrell, Level I Veterinary Science
In the Veterinary Science Project, Caroline Garrell from Lincoln County is the Level I State Winner. As a Simmental and Hereford cattle farmer, she has gained a variety of skills in learning how to feed, medicate, show, and manage her animals. She advocates for the beef industry as a Tennessee Cattlemen’s Youth Association Ambassador, Tennessee Junior Simmental Association Vice President, and American Black Hereford Junior Association Secretary. Caroline enjoys using her skills to serve younger 4-Hers through teaching showmanship clinics, sharing livestock judging techniques, and leading beef project groups. Hard work and determination are integral skills she has developed in this project. Whether in livestock quiz bowl or the show ring, she has also learned the importance of winning with humility and losing with grace. Caroline aims to attain a degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in her future.