August 21, 2018
By: Leigh Fuson
High school aged 4‐H members from across Tennessee traveled to the University of Tennessee at Martin for State 4‐H Roundup and All Star Conference during the week of July 23‐27. Approximately 375 students attended the 95th annual event. Representing DeKalb County this year were Clayton Crook, 11th grade, Caleb Taylor, 12th grade, and Kayla Belk who graduated this past May.
4‐H’ers competed in projects such as communications, livestock, computers and technology, healthy living, and photography for college scholarship money and trips to National 4‐H Congress in Atlanta. The State 4-H theme in 2018 is “Tennessee 4‐H: Branching From Our Roots,” because youth are learning to grow and succeed through their project work and activities.
Clayton was a state finalist in the Beef project and participated in competition interviews. Kayla and Caleb attended as All-Star members and completed service projects for underprivileged families in West Tennessee. Attendees brought over 4,000 items to be distributed.
Caleb also received the Vol State Award, the highest level of recognition a 4-H member can be awarded. This award can only be given to current or incoming high school seniors. Caleb was among the prestigious group of 73 members to receive the award this year. Kayla was recognized at the senior breakfast and helped take part in the Vol State ceremony as a past recipient.
Teens from all over the state came together, competed in their project areas, learned life skills such as leadership and citizenship, and made lifelong friends. 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. Over $75,000 in scholarship money was awarded this year.
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.
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Photo Captions:
Clayton Clayton Crook was a state finalist in the beef project area at State 4-H Round Up.
Caleb Caleb Taylor received the highest honor a TN 4-H member can receive: Vol State.
Round Up 18 Caleb Taylor and Kayla Belk during the banquet at State 4-H Round Up.