Locals rack up awards at State 4-H Roundup

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Vol State honorees are, from left, Kristin Sharpe, April Kirby, Davey Britton, Emily Hobbs and Mary Beth Gribble. Vol State recognition is the highest level a 4-Her can receive. (Margaret Hobbs photo)

Warren County 4-H member Emily Hobbs was announced as a state level II winner in the photography project at the 2004 State 4-H Roundup held July 19 through 23 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Hobbs, daughter of Michael and Margaret Hobbs, received the Lee Medallion, an engraved silver tray, $1,000 college scholarship and a trip to National 4-H Congress.

National 4-H Congress is an educational, inspirational, fun-filled, comprehensive national leadership forum designed to expose youth to current leadership philosophy and research in critical areas such as agricultural, environment, community, families and communications. The conference will be held in November in Atlanta.

Garrett Martin, son of Fred and Rhonda Martin, was awarded the $1,000 Mary Neal Alexander college scholarship. The scholarship was awarded based on 4-H project work, along with citizenship and leadership involvement. Martin will be attending Carson-Newman College in the fall.

Davey Britton, son of David and Joyce Britton, was also acknowledged as state level II winner in citizenship, having been recognized earlier at 4-H Congress.

Five Warren County 4-H members receiving the prestigious Vol State Award were Hobbs, Britton, Mary Beth Gribble, April Kirby and Kristen Sharpe. The Vol State Award is the highest level of recognition a Tennessee 4-H member may receive.

Purpose of the Vol State Award is to give deserved recognition to 4-H members and others on a statewide basis who have particularly outstanding records in project achievement, leadership and service in 4-H. The 4-H members must have completed the 11th or 12th grade and be an Honor Club and All Star member.

Hobbs, Gribble and Ryan Bush also received recognition as State 4-H Photo Search winners. The photographs were selected based on quality and message. The winning photographs were on display at Roundup and will be on permanent display at the local Extension Office.

During Roundup, 4-H’ers competed in project areas through interviews with UT specialists, volunteer leaders and business professionals. Members had already submitted a record book consisting of project goals and accomplishments. Other events during the week consisted of a trip to Dollywood, breakout sessions, tour of UT Knoxville departments, All Star recognition banquet and Vol State ceremony.

Nine other 4-H members also competed with record books and interviews in their respective projects. Those attending were Martin, public speaking; Gribble, dairy foods; Kirby, health; Sharpe, foods and nutrition; Bethany Bouldin, public speaking; Bert Bouldin, poultry; and Brittany Basham, personal development. Margaret Hobbs served as a 4-H adult volunteer leader.

Some 450 4-H members across the state of Tennessee participated in the yearly event held on the UT, Knoxville campus.