The Union County 4-H program recently hosted its annual County Photography Contest, providing a platform for young photographers across the county to exhibit their talents. Participants captured compelling images across various categories, demonstrating both technical skill and artistic creativity. After thorough evaluation, the judges have announced the winners.

The photography contest was displayed at the Union County Extension Office Open House on March 27th, where attendees had the opportunity to view the impressive entries and support the young photographers.

In the 4th-grade division, Luke Groce won first place in the Animals category, followed by Aaliyah Hill in second and Iris Jiang in third. Iris Jiang also secured first place in the Buildings category. In the Landscape category, Atlee Effler took first place, Korie Britt placed second, and Iris Jiang placed third. Faith Tindell won first place in 4-H Work, with Aaliyah Hill finishing second, while Iris Jiang claimed the top spot in the Historic Union County category.

The 5th-grade division saw Savannah Lee take first place in Animals, followed by Zyon Copeland in second and Reed Reno in third. Reed Reno also won the Buildings category, with Aspen Davis and Cameron Hayes placing second and third, respectively. Aspen Davis secured first in Portraits, with Zyon Copeland and Reed Reno following. In 4-H Work, Savannah Lee earned first place, Reed Reno second, and Zyon Copeland third. Reed Reno won Historic Union County, while Cameron Hayes won first place in Landscape, followed by Reed Reno in second and Aspen Davis in third.

Among 6th graders, Asher Effler won first place in Animals, with Bennet Smith and Harlynn Dodd taking second and third. Harlynn Dodd also secured first place in Buildings. In Portraits, Harlynn Dodd placed first, followed by Virginia Firkin in second. Virginia Firkin won 4-H Work, with Asher Effler placing second. Virginia Firkin also won Landscape, with Asher Effler securing second place.

In the 7th-grade division, Carson Hayes won first place in Animals, with Ariona Payne in second. Ariona Payne won the Buildings category, followed by Jude Firkin in second. Carson Hayes took first in Portraits, with Ariona Payne in second. Ariona Payne also secured first place in 4-H Work. In the Landscape category, Carson Hayes placed first, with Ariona Payne in second.

For 8th graders, Paycen Dodd won first place in Animals, with Jude Firkin in second. Paycen Dodd also won first place in both the Landscape and Portraits categories.

In the 9th-12th grade division, Gracie Tindell placed first in Animals, followed by Milah Hickle in second and Shaylee Dodd in third. Colt Davis won first place in Buildings, with Annabelle Groce and Shaylee Dodd following. Shaylee Dodd won first place in Portraits, with Madeline Groce in second and Gracie Tindell in third. Milah Hickle secured first in 4-H Work, followed by Annabelle Groce in second. In Landscape, Shaylee Dodd took first, Madeline Groce placed second, and Sam Davidson secured third. Additionally, Gracie Tindell earned another first-place finish in 4-H Work.

During the Open House, guests had the opportunity to vote on the People's Choice Award, which was awarded to Reed Reno for his outstanding photography.Each participant exhibited remarkable effort and vision, contributing to the success of this year's contest. The 4-H program extends heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their dedication and hard work. Special appreciation is also extended to the judges, Jocelyn Hyde and Misty Goin, whose efforts were instrumental in making this event possible.

The Union County 4-H program remains committed to offering youth opportunities to develop valuable life skills through engaging, hands-on experiences. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming events and competitions. For more information about Union County 4-H programs and events, please visit the Union County Extension Office or contact Sarah Stokely-Cook at 865-992-8038 or email madsstok@utk.edu.