Going To State – Moore presides at State 4-H Congress

Warren County?s own Joshua Moore is shown conducting one of the many meetings at State 4-H Congress. He was elected last spring as the 60th Governor and represented Tennessee 4-H at functions across the state.

The 60th annual State 4-H Congress took place March 25-28 at the downtown Sheraton in Nashville, Tennessee. Delegates from Warren County selected to attend the four-day educational event were Shelby Rehberger, Samantha Burchfield, Micah Collins and Kala Milanovich. Joshua Moore, Lauren Lytle and Erika Betschart were selected as state finalists and competed in the leadership project while at Congress.

Jesse Paz and Lindsey Clayton were also selected as state finalists and competed in the citizenship project. The group was accompianed by volunteer leaders Tressa Moore and Hilda Lytle.

The opening assembly featured 4-H Congress Governor Joshua Moore addressing the Congress theme of “4-H: A Timeless Tradition.? Moore stated in his opening address to the 500 delegates that he has a gmake the most of their experience at State 4-H Congress. He encouraged them to take the opportunity to learn more about our state government, the political process and how to be a better 4-H member and more productive Tennessean.

Governor Moore presided over all events at State 4-H Congress, as well as introducing special guests, including UT Vice-President Joe DiPietro, Nashville recording artist Trent Willmon, and the Honorable Phil Bredesen, Governor of Tennessee. Elected last spring as the 60th Governor of State 4-H Congress, Moore has represented Tennessee 4-H at events across the state and the southeast. Highlighted by appearances at the Tennessee Farm Bureau annual meeting, Tennessee Farmer?s CO-OP annual meeting and the Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference.

?We are all so very proud of Joshua,? said Extenstion agent Jamie Harris. He did a great job for Warren County, always on time, very effecient and cordial to all.?

Since 1948, 4-H Congress has given 28,400 4-H members and volunteer leaders firsthand experience in state government. At Congress, delegates become senators or representatives and form a junior state Congress. They devote their time to learning about government, citizenship, leadership and their state capital.

While at Congress, the delegates had the opportunity to visit with State Representatives Charles Curtis and Judd Matheny. They participated in campaign and election procedures to elect a State 4-H Governor, Speaker of the House and Speaker of the Senate. They also voted on mock legislation. Congress delegates were also inspired by speeches from Governor Phil Bredesen and Ken Givens, Commissioner of the TN Department of Agriculture.

Fun highlights of the event included a concert by Nashville recording artist Trent Willmon, a trip aboard the General Jackson and a special performance by the 4-H Performing Arts Troupe entitled ?Tennessee Song.?

Sponsors for 4-H Congress are Warren County Farm Bureau, First National Bank and the Southern Standard.