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.”
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
As the new president for the Tennessee 4-H Alumni, Matt Fennel is focused on growing its reach across the state.
Tennessee 4-H leaders have met the challenges of 2020 with a focus on creativity and determination. “This has presented our state program with so many opportunities,” says 4-H Director and State 4-H Program Leader Justin Crowe. “This time during the pandemic is a chance to think outside the box, be creative, and meet every situation brand new rather than follow the precedence.” When it was determined that the traditional summer programs and events would not be possible in person, quick action by
Daniel Sarver has been a passionate leader and proponent of Tennessee 4-H for many years. In his new role as Volunteer Specialist, he hopes to propel 4-H into the future and get more people involved as volunteers.
Each summer, sixth, seventh and eighth graders eagerly travel to UT Knoxville, attend classes, learn about their projects, visit Dollywood, make lifelong friends and much more. But this summer, that was no longer possible to do in person. But with the creativity of 4-H state staff, specialists and volunteers, Academic Unconference was born and pulled off successfully.
Tennessee 4-H Congress has been a tradition for over 70 years. 4-H’ers travel from their respective counties to learn more about government, become more active as high school 4-H’ers, recognize project and public speaking winners, and gain leadership skills. For many Tennessee 4-H’ers, Congress is the highlight of their time in the program.
Tennessee 4-H wouldn’t see its great success without the support of so many generous donors like William “Bear” Stephenson.
Meet Isaac Chandler, 4-H Congress Speaker of the Senate.
Meet Carlin Cochran, 4-H Congress Governor.
