4‐H members from across Tennessee gathered at the University of Tennessee at Martin for State 4‐H Roundup and All Star Conference. The 94th anniversary of the event, which took place July 24‐28, recognized the outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments of senior high 4‐H members. Approximately 300 high school age 4‐H’ers from across Tennessee met for several days on the UT Martin campus.
4‐H’ers competed in projects such as communications, livestock, computers and technology, and photography for college scholarship money and trips to National 4‐H Congress in Atlanta. The State 4-H theme in 2017 is “Tennessee 4‐H: Made From Scratch.” The idea is that a 4-H’er grows personally and professionally in their time with the organization and always strives to be a better person.
Representing DeKalb County at State 4‐H Roundup this year were Kayla Belk, 12th grade, Caleb Taylor, 11th grade, and Caitlyn Lawrence who graduated this past May. All three students attended as an All-Star member and completed service hours at a local nursing home. They helped clean up and wash windows at the facility as well as play games with the residents.
Kayla also received the Vol State Award, the highest level of recognition a 4-H member can be awarded. This award is only given to current or incoming high school seniors.
Teens from all over the state came together, competed in their project areas, learned life skills such as leadership and citizenship, made lifelong friends and had a great time at Discovery Park in Union City. They also enjoyed a banquet, dance, and learning sessions, as well as campus tours. Roundup is one of the highlights for Tennessee’s 4‐H program. Delegates who attend have spent years of work in their respective project areas. Delegates to the 2017 Tennessee 4‐H Roundup and All Star Conference were also asked to collect toiletry items for families at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
“UT Martin and northwest Tennessee welcome 4-H members from around the state for this traditional event,” said Dr. Keith Carver, university chancellor. “4-H does an exceptional job preparing young people for future leadership roles. Our university is a perfect setting for hosting project competition and recognizing the accomplishments of these top 4-H members.”
4‐H is the Youth Development program for University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State University. 4‐H teaches leadership, citizenship and service learning to more than 168,000 youth in 4th through 12th grades. 4‐H also has more than 6,000 adult volunteers. For more information about DeKalb County 4-H, please call 615-597-4945.
Photo Captions:
Round Up 17: Caitlyn Lawrence, Caleb Taylor, and Kayla Belk after the awards banquet at State 4-H Roundup held at UT Martin.
Kayla Vol State: Kayla Belk received the highest honor a TN 4-H member can receive: Vol State Award
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