Clayton named Speaker of Senate
For the second time in two years a 4-H member from Warren County has been elected to serve as a State 4-H Congress officer. Warren County High School sophomore Lindsey Clayton was introduced as the new Congress Speaker of the Senate during a general assembly at the War Memorial Auditorium on April 1.
To earn this honor, Clayton had to first receive the nomination from the Central Region. Once a candidate has been nominated from the three regions, they must prepare campaign speeches, make banners, distribute campaign material, and actually run a campaign.
‘I just tried to be nice to everyone, and talk to them. I handed out candy and stickers like everyone else, but I really worked to meet everyone and shake their hand,’ said Clayton.
Just like in presidential elections, candidates come up with slogans, hers being: ‘Don’t be hatin,’ Vote for Clayton.’ Voting machines are brought in for delegates to place their votes for a State 4-H Congress Governor, Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House.
When asked about the honor, she said, ‘I feel amazing, I didn’t think I would make it this far. It is definitely a blessing, and has already opened doors and given me new opportunities.’
As the new 4-H Congress Speaker of the Senate, Clayton will represent Tennessee 4-H at all official events and serve as a liaison for Tennessee 4-H. She will serve on the Tennessee State 4-H Council, plan the 2009 4-H Congress and preside over the senate session.
While undergoing her citizenship interview, she was asked to tell about someone who had made a positive impression on her, and her reply was Warren County Executive John Pelham.
‘He is definitely a great leader to look up to, and a wonderful role model. He does so much for Warren County 4-H,’ said Clayton.
Warren County 4-H is definitely a big part of her life, being active in the Honor Club, All-Star reporter, 4-H camp counselor, Dairy Month Chairman and member of various teams. She was awarded the state 2007 Horizon Award, received a first place for her Dairy Month scrapbook, a first in photo search, and was the national fourth top scorer in the consumer decision-making team.
Just this last week, Clayton was instrumental in getting bread, muffins and cake donations for tornado victims, compliments of the 4-H Breadbaking competition.
‘Being in 4-H has helped me be a better leader and citizen, changed me and made me a better person. It is letting me help others both in my county and statewide,’ said Clayton.
Her proud parents are Kenny Clayton and Tish Watson, and she is the granddaughter of Morris and Angele Watson.
Other Congress officers from Warren County have included Sam Hale, 4-H Governor, 1955; Frank Stewart, Speaker of the Senate, 1950; Renee McGiboney, Speaker of the Senate, 1979; Sarah Lynn Hale Ramsey, Speaker of the House, 1961; and Joshua Moore, 4-H Governor in 2007.