Cara Sanders

          Level II Project Winners Photography Project: Faith d’Ablaing Faith d’Ablaing was named the state level II winner in the Photography Project at Tennessee 4-H Roundup. Faith worked to develop her photography skills over the last nine years and entered a number of photos in local and state competitions. She used her photography skills to help document events in her community including local vacation Bible schools. Faith served as a teen leader at Junior 4-H Camp and Crazy

In September, we welcomed Aaron Fisher as the youth livestock and equine programs Extension specialist for the department of animal science. A Rhea County native, Fisher completed a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in ruminant nutrition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He went on to serve as an Extension specialist and a lecturer in animal science at UTK before accepting a position at Purdue University as the 4-H animal science specialist. Throughout his role at Purdue, Fisher provided

4-H Shooting Sports is a volunteer-led program teaching life skills and STEM principles through shooting. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and have completed a state level 4-H shooting sports workshop. The 4-H certified training program focuses on safety, ethics, risk management, youth development and proper hands-on training techniques. For 4-H members, the program’s curriculum stresses safety and ethical development and aims to instill lifetime participation in recreation, hobbies, and careers related to shooting sports and wildlife. 4-H members choose between shotgun, air rifle, air pistol, BB,

Under Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiative, the state has focused on helping more youth and adults seek out higher education. Tennessee 4-H has partnered with the University of Tennessee Admissions Office to provide 4-H’ers from around the state with the Next Chapter Program. The Next Chapter Program is designed to help 4-H’ers to be successful in both college and career endeavors. Students who participate in the five-year program, modeled after the University of Nebraska’s ‘Next Chapter,’ take part in career exploration

Mary Beth Antunes has turned a lifetime of 4-H into a family affair. The Williamson County 4-H Extension agent grew up in the Rutherford County 4-H program; and after she began dating her husband Shea, he was all in for the program too. During her time as a 4-H youth member, Antunes participated in everything from an annual babysitter training to serving as an officer in Rutherford County’s Homeschool Pioneer Club and the 4-H Honor Club. Antunes also represented Tennessee at the

In mid-April, Tennessee 4-H tragically and unexpectedly lost an invaluable alumnus, Greer Goddard. Goddard was an active member of the Loudon County 4-H program and remained involved as a volunteer after graduation. A member of a national champion skillathon team, Goddard participated in many projects during her time in 4-H, including sheep, swine, public speaking, beef, veterinary science, leadership and wildlife. She also competed on livestock and wildlife judging teams. Her primary focus, though, was livestock. A woman with countless accomplishments, Goddard

Corinne Gould’s dedication to 4-H runs deep. The Spring City native grew up as an active member of the Rhea 4-H Club, a county in which her mother started the first 4-H Horse Club, and now serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Gould’s primary project areas were Horse and Public Speaking, but she credits her success to her ability to be a flexible team player. “If there was a judging team that needed

A record-breaking 19 students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville were awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to study, research and teach in cities around the world for the 2018-19 academic year. One student in particular stands out. Alex Crockett from Jamestown was a recipient of the 2018-19 Fulbright Scholarship and a Tennessee 4-H Alumnus. He is preparing to move to the United Kingdom this September and pursue a Master of Arts at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, about an hour outside

Being a member of Tennessee 4-H sure has some benefits! Did you know that for the second year in a row, Kentucky Kingdom is offering a special deal for 4-H members, families and extension staff in Tennessee? This year’s deal is valid from April through September, when the park closes. Be advised that some dates are not valid for this amazing member benefit. To view the park’s buyout dates, when it isn’t open to the public, please visit kentuckykingdom.com/experience/hours/. Ticket prices start

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 16.  Over the last several years, Tennessee 4-H alumni, friends and members have had the opportunity to participate in an annual Titans 4-H Day, which includes a special ticket rate and tailgate before the game. The State 4-H office and the UT-TSU Extension Davidson County host a free tailgate party for 4-H members, guests and families from 9:30 until 11 a.m. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and other refreshments are provided as well as games such as