Nearly 300 teens attend annual 4-H congress
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Anderson County Farm Bureau and Anderson Family & Community Education Clubs sponsored local delegates to attend the 72nd Tennessee 4-H Congress. Pictured are delegates with Anderson County Farm Bureau President Randy Lowe.
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During the 72nd Tennessee 4-H Congress, Isaac Chandler was elected to serve as the incoming 4-H Speaker of the Senate. He is the fourth member from Anderson County elected to serve in this role since the event’s inception.
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Jordan Bowling was selected as the state citizenship winner in the Senior II division, earning a trip to National 4-H Congress and a $1,000 scholarship.
The 72nd Tennessee 4-H Congress brought nearly three hundred teens from all over the state to Nashville for a wonderful citizenship experience that offered the perfect amount of fun and learning.
The Anderson County delegates were Alexandra Stroud, Isaac Chandler and Lily Vandagriff. In addition, Bonnie Chandler and Jordan Bowling were selected to attend as portfolio finalists.
On the first evening, the Tennessee 4-H Performing Arts Troupe, which included Jordan Bowling, performed a pageant on Tennessee history, followed by the awards program.
Jordan Bowling was selected as a state portfolio winner in Citizenship, earning a trip to National 4-H Congress and a $1,000 scholarship. Isaac Chandler earned first place honors in state essay contest.
On Sunday night, each of the three 4-H regions held their caucus’s where they elected their regional nominee for the offices of 4-H Speaker of the House, 4-H Speaker of the Senate, and 4-H Governor.
Lily Vandagriff was elected as the Eastern region’s nominee for Speaker of the House and Isaac Chandler was elected as the Eastern region’s nominee for Speaker of the Senate.
On Monday delegates went to the Capitol building, where the representatives went to the House Chambers and the senators went to the Senate Chamber.
Delegates participated in mock legislation where they debated and voted on mock bills, then listened to the candidates give their campaign speeches.
Anderson County delegates then got to meet with Lt. Governor Randy McNally and Representative John Ragan.
Following the regional breakfasts, delegates participated in the democratic process as they elected youth leaders and voted using real voting machines.
While the votes were being counted, delegates were entertained by Anderson County’s Lily Vandagriff, who sang “God Bless the USA.”
Delegates then had the honor of hearing Governor Bill Lee give a speech encouraging students to get involved in their local church and help build a stronger community. Military personnel did an “Old Glory” flag presentation.
Then the election results were announced. Anderson County’s Isaac Chandler was elected to serve as the 2020 4-H Speaker of the Senate.
He in the fourth Anderson County 4-H’er to be elected in this role since the inception of the Tennessee 4-H Congress 72 years ago.
On the final day, delegates went on an afternoon cruise on the General Jackson.
During the formal banquet held later that night, members had an opportunity to see new officers installed and got to visit with 4-H alumni, including Bear Stephenson, who is a former State 4-H Council President and current board member of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation.
4-H’ers left the next morning with new skills, knowledge, and friends. The trip for our delegates was sponsored by Anderson County Farm Bureau and Anderson County Family and Community Education Clubs.
This fantastic experience brought youth from all over the state together to learn, grow, and have fun.
So if you are a 9th or 10th grader who is looking for an excellent experience, this is the trip for you.