August 11, 2021
By: Leigh Fuson, 4-H Agent
Over 250 high school aged 4‐H members from across the state traveled to the University of Tennessee at Martin for State 4‐H Roundup and All Star Conference during the week of July 19‐23rd.
Representing DeKalb County this year were Riley Fuson, 10th grade, and Jacklyn Kleparek, 11th grade.
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 2021 is “The Great Comeback” which is fitting after a challenging year of virtual and postponed events due to the pandemic. Both youth and 4-H leaders were excited for this in person event to take place.
After years of hard work, 4-H involvement, and record keeping, both Fuson and Kleparek were State Finalists in their project areas and attended Roundup on scholarship. This is an award and great honor within itself! They submitted portfolios at the regional level and then were selected to participate in competition interviews at Roundup. Fuson competed in the Horse project, while Kleparek was named a Level 1 State Winner in the Creative Arts and Design project. She received the Horizon Award along with a $500 college scholarship to a University of Tennessee school.
Fuson and Kleparek also attended as State 4-H All-Star members where they participated in a service project, special ceremonies, and elections. As a whole, Tennessee 4-H All Star members complete hundreds of thousands of service hours each year. DeKalb County is proud to be a small part of this endeavor and to be able to give back to our wonderful community.
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.