2018 was a big year for the Tennessee 4-H Foundation! Thanks to friends like you, 4-H youth across the state are able to participate in a variety of events last year. Our Tennessee 4-Hers were very busy and made us proud on the local, state and national levels. Here’s to a great 2018 and an even better 2019:

January: Grant Hitchcock meets President Trump

During President Trump’s January visit to Tennessee for the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, Grant Hitchcock was one of two students selected to greet the president upon his arrival. “I was excited and nervous about the event, but it didn’t become real to me until Air Force One landed,” says Hitchcock. “I was able to introduce myself and he asked me how I was doing…it was a once in a lifetime experience and I had an amazing time meeting President Trump and representing Tennessee 4-H.” To read more about Hitchcock’s meeting, click here.

February: Alumni & Friends Annual Meeting

During the last weekend of February, more than 100 alumni from across the state gathered at the Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon for the annual 4-H Alumni and Friends Meeting. The meeting included entertainment from Dr. Jim Byford, a keynote speech from Rutherford County Commissioner Pettus Read and award presentations. To see pictures from the meeting, click here.

March: 71st Annual TN 4-H Congress

In late March, students from around the state gathered in Murfreesboro to celebrate the 71st  Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress. Since its beginning in 1948, Congress has given nearly 40,000 4-Hers and volunteer leaders the opportunity to experience state government firsthand. To read more about the 2018 Tennessee 4-H Congress, click here.

April: 4-Hers meet U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Alex Crockett Named Fulbright Scholar

A group of Tennessee 4-H members were invited to meet with United States Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Purdue, at the Knox Farmers Co-op. Alex Crockett of Fentress County was named a 2018 Fulbright Scholar.

May: Clyde M. York 4-H Center Dedicates the A.C. Clark Recreation Hall

On May 1, the Clyde M. York 4-H Center in Crossville remembered A.C. Clark with the unveiling of the newly named A.C. Clark Recreation Hall. Clark was the former Extension District IV supervisor and a huge part of the Tennessee 4-H family.

June: Junior High Academic Conference, Championships

2018 marked the 30th anniversary of the Tennessee Junior High Academic Conference. The conference recognizes outstanding 4-H members and leaders, providing academic training and offering special opportunities for career exploration. Click here to learn more about the Junior High Academic Conference. Additionally, several championships were held in June, including Shooting, Horse, and Meat Judging competitions.

July: Roundup, Dwight Loveday begins as Interim Assistant Dean

Finalists from around the state convened at the University of Tennessee, Martin in late July for the 95th Annual Tennessee State Roundup. Additionally, Dr. Dwight Loveday was named the Interim Assistant Dean and Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communications (ALEC) Department Head. For a complete overview of Roundup winners, click here. To learn more about Dr. Loveday, click here.

August: Back to School

School was back in session in August and 4-Hers geared up for an exciting new academic year.

September: Southern Region 4-H Teen Leadership Conference held in Crossville

The Southern Region 4-H Teen Leadership Conference was held in Crossville this year at the Clyde M. York 4-H Center. Started in 2005, the conference is a first-of-its-kind, multi-state 4-H Conference created to bring together 4-H teens and adults to empower and inspire them to make a positive change across the Southern region through youth-adult partnerships.

October: Remembering Lacy Upchruch, National 4-H Week

On Oct. 19, 2018, Lacy Upchurch, the seventh president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. After becoming president in 2005, Mr. Upchurch continued his leadership of the state’s largest farm organization until his retirement in 2015. Mr. Upchurch was a true friend to Tennessee 4-H. His kindness and generosity benefited countless young people. Mr. Upchurch believed in the power of 4-H and was one of program’s greatest advocates.

November: 4-H Alumnus Bill Lee named Tennessee’s 50th Governor

4-H Alumnus Bill Lee was named the 50th Governor of Tennessee during November’s midterm elections. Congratulations, Gov. Lee!

December: End of the Year

In December, 4-Hers across the state prepared for the holidays and reflected on another successful year. Congratulations to everyone and the many accomplishments made by 4-Hers, volunteers and leaders throughout the year.