Smith County 4-H’s best-of-the-best gathered at the Smith County Ag Center on Thursday, November 2, 2023, for the 6th Annual Smith County 4-H Awards Banquet. Over 30 4-H’ers were recognized at this event for their outstanding club and project work, contest participation, and community involvement through 4-H over the past year.
4-H’ers and their families, community supporters, volunteers, and UT Extension staff enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Stroud’s BBQ out of Cookeville, Tennessee. The meal was generously sponsored by Smith County Farm Bureau.
The program for the evening was led by 4-H’ers David Ferrell, Turner Harville, Emmy Bibbings, Owen Meeks, Caleb Hensley, Kynlee Davis, and Tana Harville. The awards ceremony was conducted by 4-H Agent Rachel Petty with help from Administrative Assistant Nancy Malone. Chris Hicks served as the Guest Speaker for the evening.
Special awards for the night went to Jay Driver, Outstanding Junior 4-H Member; Emmy Bibbings, Outstanding Junior High 4-H Member; and Easton Bibbings, Outstanding Senior High 4-H Member. David Ferrell was also honored as a graduating senior. The Smith County “Friend of 4-H” Award went to Katie Martin to acknowledge her years of service and dedication to the 4-H program.
Other 4-H’ers recognized at the banquet were: Josie Harville, Scarlett Hicks, Haven Brown, Katie Belle Butler, Charlotte Driver, Aubrey Hicks, Oakley Lawrence, Erica Paige Stinnett, Marshall Taylor, Cole White, Colton Wright, Kolt Ortiz, Jordyn Swann, Mollie Hatter, Tana Harville, Owen Kilcher, Maddux Parker, Millie Stinnett, Cooper Wright, Gage Blair, Turner Harville, Levi Ferrell, Caleb Hensley, Owen Meeks, Kynlee Davis, Gabe Harville, and Erin Hensley. The future is so bright for these incredible young people!
Our 4-H program is successful thanks to all of the supportive families, dedicated volunteers, and generous community partners that continue to support Smith County 4-H year after year.
The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. For further information concerning the many opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in Smith County, call 615-735-2900.
Front Row (L to R): Cole White, Josie Harville, Jordyn Swann, Scarlett Hicks, Oakley Lawrence, Haven Brown, Katie Belle Butler, Isaac Ferrell, Colton Wright
Middle Row (L to R): Erin Hensley, Kynlee Davis, Aubrey Hicks, Millie Stinnett, Charlotte Driver, Tana Harville, Erica Paige Stinnett, Mollie Hatter, Kolt Ortiz, Jay Driver, Emmy Bibbings, Cooper Wright
Back Row (L to R): Levi Ferrell, Owen Kilcher, Caleb Hensley, Gage Blair, David Ferrell, Turner Harville, Maddux Parker, Easton Bibbings, Owen Meeks
Katie Martin, former 4-H Agent, received the 2023 “Friend of 4-H” Award. Standing beside her is new 4-H Agent, Rachel Petty.
Jay Driver, Outstanding Junior 4-H Member; Easton Bibbings, Outstanding Senior High 4-H Member; Emmy Bibbings, Outstanding Junior High 4-H Member
Several 4-H’ers had speaking parts in the program at the annual Awards Banquet.