4-H wired for success-County delegates attend state event

By Margaret Hobbs

Tennessee Performing Arts Troupe member Joshua Moore performs with fellow entertainer during the presentation of ‘Tennessee, My Country Home.’

The 61st annual State 4-H Congress took place March 30 – April 2 at the Downtown Sheraton in Nashville. Delegates from Warren County selected to attend the four day educational event were Bethany Webb, Shelby Cantrell, Lily Woodside, Scott Southard, Allen Betschart and McCain Smock.

Joshua Moore and Lauren Lytle 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 accompanied by volunteer leaders Tressa Moore and Tish Watson.

The opening assembly featured the 4-H Congress Governor addressing the Congress theme of “4-H: Wired for Success.’ The Tennessee 4-H performing Arts Troupe presented ‘Tennessee, My Country Home’ with troupe member Joshua Moore performing solos and group numbers. Congress citizenship and leadership finalists also took an active role in the performance by reliving famous moments in Tennessee history.

Since 1948, 4-H Congress has given 28,400 4-H members and volunteer leader’s 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.

The top ten state finalists in citizenship and leadership competed in an interview session while at Congress. This score was combined with a portfolio score to select the state winners. Lindsey Clayton was named the State Level I winner in the citizenship project, receiving a $500 college scholarship and an engraved silver tray. Lindsey is the daughter of Tish Watson and Kenny Clayton.

Joshua Moore was named the state alternate in the leadership project and will receive a trip to the National Institute of Cooperative Education Conference (NICE). His parents are J.B. and Tressa Moore.

Delegates at Congress had the opportunity to visit with State Representatives Charles Curtiss 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 Ken Givens, Commissioner of the TN Department of Agriculture and Bill Carey, executive director, TN History for Kids.

Fun highlights of the event included a concert by Nashville recording artist Sarah Valley Rose and a trip aboard the General Jackson. Sponsors for 4-H Congress are Warren County Farm Bureau, and the Southern Standard.