Three Smith County 4-H’ers, Abby Malone, Gabe Harville, and Kynlee Davis, attended the 100th Tennessee 4-H Roundup and All-Star Conference at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on July 17-21, 2023. Roundup allows Tennessee 4-H members the opportunity to learn new things, have fun, and make new friends, giving them an opportunity to live the “college experience” in preparation for their future.
The first statewide 4-H event in Tennessee took place in July of 1923 and was known as State 4-H Club Camp. From that early beginning, Roundup has seen many changes. This event now serves to recognize 4-H members for their outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments.
State All-Star Conference is a part of the Roundup program, enabling All-Stars state-wide to conduct service-learning projects and recognize outstanding service projects that have been conducted throughout the year. The week is rounded off with special assemblies, award and scholarship presentations, and State 4-H Council Elections. Roundup winds down the week with the induction ceremony for newly initiated Vol State members and a closing dance.
Smith County 4-H was recognized for their commitment to service learning, and several 4-H’ers were also recognized for their individual accomplishments. Kynlee Davis competed in Level I Poultry Project and received a 1st place award for her project board. Abby Malone was honored at the Senior Breakfast and awarded the Stephen McNeil Memorial Scholarship. Finally, Gabe Harville was elected to the State 4-H Council as a Jr. Representative. These 4-H’ers always do an excellent job of representing Smith County, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
We also want to thank Lisa Harville for going with the group as an adult volunteer.
The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. For further information concerning the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.
(Submitted by Katie Martin – Smith County Extension Agent)
