Tennessee 4-H Foundation News Archives

Meet the 2022 Level I State 4-H Project Winners

Join us in congratulating the 2022 Level I project winners. Rachel Ahlheit, Level I Swine Winner The Level I state winner in the swine project is Dickson County’s Rachel Ahlheit. Rachel competes in speech contests and exhibits hogs at several shows across the state. Through these experiences, she has learned responsibility, determination and hard work. Along with being an excellent agriculturalist, she is also an outstanding leader, as she is currently the State 4-H Congress governor. In this role, she will represent

Hannah Lewis2023-02-14T16:43:35-06:00

Meet Matt Fennel, Tennessee 4-H Foundation President

Tennessee 4-H Foundation President Matt Fennel is feeling optimistic about what’s ahead for the organization. “Thanks to good financial investments, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the past few years, and we’re more sizable than we were even five or ten years ago,” Fennel says. “I’m hoping that we can continue to build on the strong foundation we have.” One big item on Fennel’s agenda is the results of the five-year strategic planning that’s underway at 4-H headquarters. “We’re anxiously anticipating them, and

Hannah Lewis2023-02-16T09:21:10-06:00

Martha Jo Tolley Wins 2023 4-H Alumni Leadership Award

Congratulations to Martha Jo Tolley for being the 2023 4-H Alumni Leadership Award recipient. She will be awarded at the Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends Reunion on March 4, 2023. Martha Jo Tolley is Professor Emeritus and former Tennessee State 4-H Leader. She retired from the University of Tennessee Extension after a thirty-three career that included service as a county 4-H Agent in Hawkins and Anderson counties before moving to Knoxville as a state specialist in 4-H Youth Development. Responsibilities in the

Hannah Lewis2023-02-10T09:58:14-06:00

75th Tennessee 4-H Congress Celebrated a Diamond Anniversary

In 2022, the Tennessee 4-H celebrated a milestone with its premier citizenship event, and it was definitely one to remember. “As always, mock legislative sessions are the highlight of the event,” says Ryan Hensley, Tennessee 4-H Foundation executive director. “This year though, Governor Bill Lee addressed the delegation, and we had a museum to help commemorate the 75th Congress.” Cade Simmons from Van Buren County says this is a must-go-to event for all 4-H members and supporters. “Any 4-H event provides tons

Hannah Lewis2023-01-19T13:06:58-06:00

Meet Corinne Gould, 4-H Alumni and Friends President

Corinne Gould is the president of the Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends, but that isn’t the only role she serves in the agriculture industry. From the very start, Gould knew there was something special about the organization. Growing Up Green Before Gould was even in this world, 4-H was a part of her family. Her mom was a leader in the organization in Rhea County, where she started the first 4-H Horse Club. So, it was no surprise that Gould and her

Hannah Lewis2023-01-19T13:06:38-06:00

Educational Trips to Hawaii and Africa Expand Students’ Perspectives

In summer 2022, Tennessee 4-H students in high school and college had the opportunity to experience new cultures both at home and abroad. From the University of Hawaii to the village of Ntlhantlhe in Botswana, 4-H’ers broadened their experience of the world through service and education. Dr. Ashley Stokes, dean of UT Extension, joined 16 state council members on a trip to Hawaii in June. Stokes, who was the state veterinarian at the University of Hawaii for six years, saw the trip

Hannah Lewis2023-01-19T13:06:10-06:00

Save the Date for Tennessee 4-H Picnic at the Fair

We are excited to announce the inaugural 4-H Picnic at the Fair. The event will be held Aug. 22 at the State Fairgrounds in Lebanon beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Rachel Graf2022-07-27T10:20:19-05:00

4-H Member Spotlight: Jerome Linyear

This month, we profile Jerome Linyear, a Collegiate 4-H/FFA member at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.

Rachel Graf2021-03-24T08:29:55-05:00

Justin Crowe Becomes New Director and State 4-H Program Leader

In June 2020, Justin Crowe fulfilled a lifelong dream when he became the Director and State 4-H Program Leader. He is the 10th director since the program’s beginning in 1910. “My goal from the 4th grade was to become a 4-H Agent,” Crowe says. “When I got into high school and was exposed to state programs, I knew early on that I wanted to be the State 4-H Leader. But my number one goal is to give back and serve the program.”

Rachel Graf2020-10-28T13:43:28-05:00

Donor Spotlight: Harry and Alice Ann Moore

For Harry and Alice Ann Moore, supporting 4-H is about ensuring the future of the program. “We both see the value in giving to 4-H,” Alice Ann says. “It’s all about the kids and helping them learn life skills and succeed.” Alice Ann grew up in West Tennessee on a small cotton and diversified livestock farm in Alamo (Crockett County) and participated in 4-H through her citizenship project. After high school, she attended the University of Tennessee – Knoxville to earn her

Rachel Graf2020-10-28T13:42:22-05:00