From left: Chloe Ragland, Katherine Anne Thierfelder, Claire Brooks

1. Where are you from and which county program do you belong to?

I’m from Van Buren County and I’m a member of the Van Buren County 4-H Honor Club Program.

2. How did you first become involved with 4-H?

I first became involved like most – my 4-H agents at the time, Chris Hicks and Mary Beth Antunes, came to my classroom and got me hooked on the idea of raising my own chickens. My brother was also in 4-H and had done the Chick Chain before me, so I already knew a little about the program.

3. Tell us a little bit about you and what sorts of hobbies you have outside of 4-H.

I am currently a sophomore in high school. Outside of 4-H, I compete in FFA, play basketball, run cross-country, ride horses and work on Ragland Farms.

4. What leadership roles have you held in 4-H before Congress?

Before Congress, I was an officer for my 4-H Club in the classrooms and I had served as secretary for my FFA chapter.

5. Why did you want to run for a 4-H Congress Officer position?

No one in my county had ever thought about running for an officer position at Congress, so I pushed myself to become the first one in my county and set an example for other 4-H members.

6. Which projects do you compete in and which is your primary focus?

My project in 4-H is Wildlife and Fisheries. My main focus in the project is Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), which are non-native species in Tennessee that harm our native species and habitats.

7. If you could give a piece of advice to a younger 4-Her, what would it be?

My advice to a younger 4-Her would be to never give up and no matter how small the idea is, it could make a huge change.

8. What is your favorite part about 4-H?

My favorite part about 4-H is getting to see so many kids, teens and adults work together and try to make a change in this world.