We all know that sometimes kids like to say, “When am I ever going to use this?” to certain classes and assignments in school, but I can guarantee that question was never asked by any of the students on our 4-H Grill Master Challenge teams!
By participating in the 4-H Grill Master Challenge competition, Junior High and Senior High 4-H members hone their skills on the grill while learning about fire safety and food safety. Participants divide up into teams of four, with each team member grilling a different type of meat: poultry, beef, lamb, or pork. Participants cook with charcoal grills and are responsible for selecting their own cuts of meat and developing their own creative recipes to flavor whichever meat they choose.
During the contest, 4-H’ers have two hours to grill their meat and present it to a panel of judges. Contestants are judged on how safely and efficiently they start their fires, how creative their recipe is, and on the appearance and taste of their final product.
This year’s event was held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Over 170 4-H members from across Middle Tennessee competed. Smith County was represented by 11 talented 4-H’ers.
Our Senior High team was made up of Easton Bibbings, Kynlee Davis, Gabe Harville, and Erin Hensley. Our Junior High Team was made up of Tana Harville, Turner Harville, Owen Kilcher, and Owen Meeks. Also competing in the Junior High division were Emmy Bibbings, Bo Gillilan, and Caleb Hensley.
We are especially proud of Bo Gillilan, who received 2nd place for his Apple Cider Pork Chops in the Junior High Division!
If you would like more information about the 4-H Grill Master Challenge or any other 4-H opportunities, contact Rachel Petty in the Smith County UT Extension office at 615-735-2900.
Back Row (L to R): Easton Bibbings, Gabe Harville, Owen Meeks, Turner Harville, Caleb Hensley; Front Row (L to R): Owen Kilcher, Erin Hensley, Tana Harville, Emmy Bibbings, Kynlee Davis, and Bo Gillilan
4-H’er Bo Gillilan shows off his 2nd place ribbon.