Tennessee 4-H Foundation News Archives

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

A New President for Tennessee 4-H Alumni

As the new president for the Tennessee 4-H Alumni, Matt Fennel is focused on growing its reach across the state.

Rachel Graf2020-10-28T13:51:16-05:00

Creativity in Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges

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

Rachel Graf2020-10-28T13:50:49-05:00