In August, four Union County 4-H members participated in Tennessee 4-H Congress: Rheagan Collins, Kaleb Hanna, Jacie Hawkins, Jeremiah Tindell and Jonathan Tindell. They served as a delegates and competitors at the 2021 Tennessee 4-H Congress in Nashville.
This will be the 74th anniversary of this event. Since its beginning in 1948, 4-H Congress has given some 32,400 4-H-ers 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.
Union County 4-H thanks Union County Farm Bureau for their continued support that made the trip possible for these 4-H members.
Farm Bureau removed barriers and provided 4-H members the opportunity to see how government works in person.
While in the state capitol, delegates to Tennessee 4-H Congress have the opportunity to sit in the seat of their elected officials in the state legislature and actually vote on a bill.
Delegates studied the bills and resolution before their legislative session. Students will have the opportunity to state their views and try to influence their peers regarding the bills introduced during the "Know Your Government" sessions of Congress.
Each year one of the Congress highlights is the election of officers when delegates actually get to use voting machines to select their own State 4-H Congress Governor, Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House. A regional caucus is held on Sunday night to nominate candidates to run for office. Following nominations, the election goes into full swing.
Delegates attending Tennessee 4-H Congress must write an essay prepared on the Congressional theme, “Tennessee 4-H: The Great Comeback.”
The Union County Essay Contest winner was Rheagan Collins. Rheagan commented, “4-H Congress was a wonderful convention full of new experiences and memories that will be treasured forever. Thank you to all of the people that helped make it possible. I’m so thankful for everything we were able to learn on this trip.”
During Tennessee State 4-H Congress, the State Public Speaking Contests are held for 9-12th graders. Jonathan Tindell served as the 9th grade participant representing the Eastern TN Region.
Jonathan states, “This was my first trip to Congress in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a wonderful experience and the days were very long and tiring. Competition was stiff in the public speaking contest.
Although I didn't win at the state level I will value the experience, the memories, the friends I made from across the great state of Tennessee forever. The places we got to visit and things we learned were very valuable to my education. I will end saying that if you have the opportunity to join 4-H take advantage of that opportunity. You will enjoy it, learn many new things, meet many friends and make lots of memories.”
In the Monday afternoon assembly, Governor Bill Lee visited and reflected on his 4-H experiences. Shortly thereafter, students were scheduled to meet with Senator Frank Niceley and Representative Jerry Sexton at their offices in the War Memorial Building. Unfortunately, there was a water main break and the meeting had to be canceled.
Delegates also have a chance for fun. Delegates take a short cruise down the Cumberland River while election results and public speaking winners are announced.
Jeremiah Tindell reflects on his favorite part, “On Tuesday, we got to go on the General Jackson Showboat. The captain navigated us down the Cumberland River.
“We saw most of downtown Nashville. Some of the sights were the Bridgestone arena, Nissan Stadium, AT&T bank, Regions Bank and Memorial Bridge.
“We were served a delicious meal and enjoyed a country music show. I enjoyed my experience on the General Jackson and hope to be able to go back some day. State Congress was my favorite 4-H event to date.”