By Hea A. and McKenzy P., 2025 TN 4-H Williamson County Reporters
From March 9th to 12th, we got the chance to attend the 2025 Tennessee 4-H Congress! It was an amazing experience that blended learning, leadership, and getting to know students from across the state. We got to meet a lot of new people from across the state and made friendships that will last a lifetime!
The first day started with icebreakers and trivia all about the History of Tennessee. Here, we got to meet all the other delegates and portfolio & speech state finalists for the first time. Then came the welcome dinner, where we met many of the people who made Congress possible and enjoyed a performance by the Red River Boys, a band whose members are 4-H alumni!
On the second day, we traveled to the Tennessee State University campus and the State Capitol! At the university’s Avon Williams Auditorium, we got to hear a great seminar from guest speaker Amy Gallimore.
We then visited the Tennessee State Capitol, where we got to debate bills in the House and Senate chambers. We loved getting to sit in the chambers and discuss different opinions and views on different bills!
Before we took our 2025 Congress picture, Governor Bill Lee gave us an inspiring speech about his time in 4-H. We also had the chance to meet our local Williamson County Senator, Jack Johnson.
Later, we toured downtown Nashville, and the day wrapped up with some impressive musical performances by Tage & Takota Moore and Noah Ham.
The final day began with election polls and the History Bowl, with our very own Ananya S. as one of the two Central Region competitors, followed by a trip on the General Jackson Showboat. We watched a historical musical performance and saw gorgeous scenic views of Nashville’s skyline as we sailed down the Cumberland River!
After returning to our hotel, we enjoyed a baton performance by 4-Her Cassidy R. before getting ready for the Citizenship Banquet and Inaugural Ball.
At the banquet, we celebrated the announcement of the 2026 Congress Officers: Governor Harrison C., Speaker of the Senate Kailyn O., and Speaker of the House Mehak P.! Paili D. won the Level One Citizenship State Portfolio contest, and Sowmil K. won the 11th-grade State Public Speaking contest! Sowmil will now represent Tennessee in the National 4-H Public Speaking contest! We also celebrated leaders within 4-H, like Phyllis Ferguson, who received the 2025 Tennessee Friend of 4-H Award.
The 2025 TN 4-H Congress wasn’t just about activities—it was about understanding leadership and the importance of civic engagement. From debating bills at the State Capitol to meeting leaders like Governor Bill Lee and Senator Jack Johnson, we got a firsthand look at how our government works.
We are so thankful to the 2025 Congress Officers Jaidan K., Summer-Grace K., and Calli A. for their hard work setting up and planning this conference! It was an incredible experience that I will always remember! If you’re a 9th or 10th grader considering attending a 4-H event in the future, we highly recommend Congress!
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization that empowers young people to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H helps youth develop skills in leadership, citizenship, and vital life skills. Through clubs, camps, and educational programs, 4-H encourages young people to explore their passions and make a positive impact in their communities. Supported by dedicated volunteers and leaders, 4-H is all about inspiring the next generation of thinkers and doers. 🌟