Franklin County was highlighted at this year’s 77th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress, as the newly elected Tennessee 4-H Governor, Speaker of the House and Speaker of the Senate all call the county home. Jadian Keith, Calli Alonso and Summer-Grace Kelly, this year’s newly elected Congress officers, also comprise a unique all-female ticket.

The event, held March 10-13, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE in Murfreesboro, was this year’s premiere Citizenship event, connecting ninth and 10th graders across the state. Students from all 95 counties had the opportunity to debate and vote on mock bills and resolutions, as well as elect the new 4-H Congress officers.

“Through participating in the event, we hope that youth become more civically engaged in their community,” says Jamie Harris, Interim State 4-H Leader.

For Jadian Keith, the 2025 Tennessee 4-H Governor, running alongside her Franklin County peers was a unique opportunity that led to a lasting friendship.

“Those girls are going to be by my side for the rest of my high school years because of this opportunity,” Keith says. “It definitely is something that is amazing to be part of.”

Currently a sophomore at Franklin County High School, Keith’s 4-H journey began in fourth grade, where she started out in public speaking. Encouraged by her grandmother, a former 4-H’er, Keith developed a love for 4-H that has lasted throughout her school career.

At this year’s Congress, Keith ran with the slogan “Journey with Jadian,” handing out friendship bracelets as part of her Taylor Swift-themed campaign. Her hard work paid off as she was elected to be the new Tennessee 4-H Governor. She credits her running mates, along with her county Extension agent, Hunter Isbell, with their success.

“It depends on your team and who’s behind you,” Keith says. “We were so well put together.”

Keith’s goal as governor is to encourage more people to get involved in 4-H and highlight the ways in which the program can benefit students throughout their lives.

“I really encourage people to get involved in 4-H because it offers so many opportunities and scholarships and life skills that will help you so much in your future,” Keith says.

Calli Alonso, a freshman at Franklin County High School, is the 2025 Speaker of the House. Starting out in fourth grade, Alonso focused on public speaking, winning third place at this year’s regional competition.

“Giving speeches is something that I know I’m good at and I know that I can go far with,” Alonso says.

Her public speaking skills came in handy at this year’s congress as she campaigned for her new role as Speaker of the House. A longtime soccer player, Alonso handed out mini foam soccer balls as part of her campaign. When she found out that she had won along with her two Franklin County peers, the feeling was hard to describe.

“We were all so excited because we worked so hard for it and campaigned so hard,” Alonso says.

Along with helping plan next year’s 4-H Congress, Alonso will lead the House sessions at Congress 2025. Throughout their term, all three officers will have the chance to attend events like the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Convention and Farm Bureau Convention representing 4-H and their county.

Alonso, who is also involved with Future Leaders of America, hopes to use her platform as Speaker of the House to unite 4-H participants across the state and raise awareness of the 4-H mission.

See more: Tennessee Farmers Cooperative CEO Receives Friend of 4-H Award

“I want to help people all over the state of Tennessee and in my county, too,” Alonso says. “There’s a great community with a bunch of great donors and people helping put this on.”

For Summer-Grace Kelly, a freshman at Tullahoma High School, changing school districts didn’t mean an end to 4-H. Now representing Franklin County as the 2025 Speaker of the Senate, Kelly is proud to use her public speaking background to connect with students and leaders across the state.

“It’s been really special to put Franklin County on the map,” Kelly says.

Kelly, along with her fellow 4-H Congress officers, was recently recognized at a Reagan Day dinner in Franklin County. Being featured in local newspapers has been “surreal” for Kelly. After the elections, the new delegates visited the Nashville State Capitol, where Kelly got to meet several representatives and learn more about their work.

Outside of 4-H, Kelly is a lifelong dancer. She also plays volleyball, serves as student council secretary and participates in Tennessee DECA. Kelly credits 4-H with helping her cultivate the skills to serve as a leader and connect with her peers.

After the delegates are officially inducted at Tennessee 4-H Roundup and All Star Conference in July, they will continue the work they started at Congress, proudly representing Franklin County and Tennessee 4-H at large.

“I’m going to have to take on a really big responsibility, leading not only my county but people at Congress next year,” Kelly says. “4-H has really made me happier because I get to meet new people and grow stronger relationships.”