NASHVILLE, Tenn. – High school students from across the state gathered at the Capitol this week for the 79th Tennessee 4-H Congress, a premiere citizenship event that gives them an opportunity to learn about state government and civic engagement.
The event allows students to take on the roles of senators and representatives, debate mock bills and elect officers in a setting designed to mirror the state’s legislative process at the capitol. The 4-H members gain knowledge about how laws are made while also developing leadership skills and building connections.
The students sat at the desk of their representatives and senators and debate bills that pertain to Tennessee 4-H. They elected next year’s Congress officers for the roles of Governor, Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House.
Former Congress Governor and University of Tennessee Knoxville student worker Cade Simmons said it is interesting to see the event from a different perspective.
“This event provides so many opportunities to high schoolers in Tennessee, but as well as college students like me who attended this event as a freshman in high school. It is awesome to see 4-Hrs have the same experiences as I did, but it is really cool to see that as a student worker,” Simmons said.
The event is for freshman and sophomores in high school, but older students can attend as competitive finalists rather than delegates.
Students compete in citizenship and leadership events that include a portfolio of their 4-H work and interview. Level II winners who are junior and senior high school students are selected to attend the national 4-H Congress in Atlanta later in the fall.
Carter West, a freshman from Macon County believes 4-H Congress was her favorite event this year.
“Coming to the Capitol has been nothing short of amazing and seeing all of the people here makes it on my favorite events that I have been to,” West said.
Students who attend Tennessee 4-H Congress are selected through their county 4-H program. 4-H is open to students in fourth to ninth grades and are nine to 19 years old. Tennessee’s 4-H mission is to provide research-based extension learning opportunities that teach life skills, responsibility, and help children form positive attitudes
This story is part of week long news coverage of the TN General Assembly by the UT-Chattanooga PULSE Project.
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