August 1, 2019
By: Leigh Fuson
Over 300 high school aged 4‐H members from across the state traveled to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for State 4‐H Roundup and All Star Conference during the week of July 22‐26th.
Representing DeKalb County this year were Clayton Crook, 12th grade, and Caleb Taylor, who graduated this past May.
4‐H’ers competed in projects such as communications, livestock, computers and technology, healthy living, and photography for college scholarships and trips to National 4‐H Congress in Atlanta. The State 4-H theme in 2019 is “Roadmap to Success,” because youth from all corners of the state and different backgrounds can come together to learn more about careers, service, leadership, and more.
Clayton was a state finalist in the Beef project and participated in competition interviews. He placed 3rd overall and attended Round Up on scholarship. Caleb attended as an All-Star member and completed service projects for foster families in East Tennessee. As a whole, Tennessee 4-H All Star members completed over 600,000 service hours in the last year with 514 projects reported. DeKalb County is proud to contribute to that number!
Clayton also received the Vol State award, the highest level of recognition a 4-H member can be awarded. This award is given to current or incoming high school seniors who have excelled in 4-H programs and activities. Clayton was among the prestigious group of 92 members to receive the award this year. Caleb had an important speaking part during the Vol State ceremony as a past recipient. There are only four members from across the state to have this honor.
Conference attendees also enjoyed a banquet, dance, learning sessions, and campus tours, all while making lifelong friends. 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. Over $75,000 in scholarship money is awarded each year.
For more information about DeKalb County 4-H, please call 615-597-4945. 4‐H is the Youth Development program for University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State University. Tennessee Extension offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.