Over 300 of Warren County’s most outstanding 4-H’ers, sponsors, and volunteer leaders were recently honored at the 2018 Warren County 4-H Awards Banquet held at McMinnville Civic Center.
Awards were presented to Junior, Junior High, and Senior High 4-H members who have demonstrated outstanding participation and involvement in the 4-H program in the last year. Awards ranged from 4-H Member of the Year for each age group, Club of the Year, and contest winners to livestock project groups, judging teams, baking contests, completed portfolios, and 4-H Round-Up winners.
Some of the 4-H members receiving special awards were: Barrett McGinness and John Porter Prater – Junior 4-H Members of the Year; Carl Parris and KeyLe Rhea– Junior High 4-H Members of the Year; Will Prater – Senior Level I 4-H Member of the Year; and Caroline Brooks – Senior Level II 4-H Member of the Year.
Other awards presented included the Top 3 outstanding 4-H members in each grade division. Junior awards were presented to, Will Mayes, Haley Smith and Connor Williams. The Junior High top four included Molly Dodd, Jake Mayes and Hannah Sanders. The Senior High top included Claire Brooks, Erica Cantrell, Ethan Hitchcock, Jacob Scott, Marynia Harris, Grant Hitchcock and Blake Waldron.
One of the many goals of Warren County 4-H members is to have their photo displayed on the Wall of Fame in the 4-H Office. In order to achieve this privilege, members must complete a portfolio, be accepted to Round Up, and be chosen as the state-winning portfolio in their project category. This year’s honorees include Grant Hitchcock, Blake Waldron and Landon Spivey. Along with their photos on the Wall of Fame, these three individuals received a trip to National 4-H Congress and a college scholarship. They also received the Vol State Award which is the highest honor a Tennessee 4-H member may receive.
4-H Honor Club provides recognition to 4-H members who have shown consistent growth within their club. It also encourages youth to continue their work in 4-H and their service to others and the community. During this year’s banquet, Warren County 4-H inducted 10 members into the Tennessee 4-H Honor Club. These individuals received a certificate and 4-H Honor Club pin. Inductees are Rayton Bell, Walt Jones, Alondra Lassiter, Kalan Lusk, Grace Sparkman and Emma Young.
Tennessee 4-H All-Stars is the second level in the Tennessee 4-H recognition program for outstanding members. Four 4-H members were inducted this year, including Claire Brooks, Erica Cantrell, Will Prater and Jacob Scott.
Throughout the year, about 70 clubs are met across the county. There were three classrooms that were chosen as Club of the Year, in grades 4-6. Fourth-grade Club of the Year was awarded to Kim Curtis’ class from Centertown Elementary. Fifth-grade Club of the Year was represented by Tina Lassiter’s class from Covenant Academy, and Tanya Pennington’s class from Covenant Academy received sixth-grade Club of the Year. Lassiter’s class also received Service Project of the Year award for its multiple acts of service in the community.
This year three individuals were chosen to receive the Outstanding Secretary Award. The fourth-grade winner was Kayln Lee from Mrs. Martin’s class at Hickory Creek Elementary, fifth grade was Emily Cantrell from Mrs. Womack’s class at Dibrell Elementary, and sixth-grade winner was Theresa Orr from Mr. Shehane’s class at Centertown Elementary.
Approximately 200 members were also presented with the Local 100% Award for participating in every local contest held during the school year. Receiving special recognition was Ava Clare Wrather from Covenant Academy for her winning 4-H poster. Her design was displayed on the front of the banquet programs and will be used throughout the year for promotional events.
4-H promotes programs in agriculture and natural resources, youth development, family and consumer sciences and resource development.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and county governments cooperate to provide 4-H opportunities for students.
