Williamson County 4-H is proud to celebrate an outstanding group of high school students who represented our county at the 103rd Tennessee 4-H Roundup this week at the University of Tennessee at Martin. These students have invested tremendous time and effort into their project areas, developing valuable life skills while serving and leading in their communities.
Their hard work and dedication in preparing project portfolios earned them the opportunity to attend and compete as State Project Finalists. In Tennessee 4-H, finalists compete in one of two divisions: Level I (9th–10th grade) or Level II (11th–12th grade) against other top 4-H members from across the state.
Williamson County 4-H State Project Finalists
Please join us in congratulating our finalists for their accomplishments in the following project areas:
Back Row, Left to Right
- Matthew Rochford – Entrepreneurship Project – Level II Winner
- Haley Poynor – Goat – Level II Winner
- Mary Elizabeth King – Horse Project – Level II Finalist
- Asa Israel – Citizenship – Level II Winner
- Ethan Wagener – Computers and Technology – Level I Finalist
- Weston Thames – Veterinary Science – Level I Finalist
- Trey Cullum – Communications – Level I Finalist
Front Row
- Shelby Thames – Senior All Star Member, past Level II Winner, Veterinary Science
- Rhea Kumble – Communications – Level I Finalist
- McKenzy Page – Beef Project – Level I Finalist
- Paili Doyle – Horse Project – Level II Winner
- Hea Ashar – Citizenship – Level I Winner; Communications – Level I Finalist
These accomplishments represent the highest levels of project achievement in Tennessee 4-H and reflect the commitment, perseverance, and leadership of these young people.
Students who earn top honors at Tennessee 4-H Roundup receive meaningful recognition for their achievements:
- Level I State Winners receive the Tennessee 4-H Foundation Horizon Award and the opportunity for a $500 college scholarship.
- Level II State Winners receive a trip to National 4-H Congress, an engraved silver bowl, the Leula Lee Medallion, and a college scholarship ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Williamson County 4-H Members Recognized as Vol State Members
Williamson County 4-H is also proud to recognize three outstanding Honor Club members who were named Vol State Members during a special ceremony among their peers.
These students have been 4-H All Stars throughout their entire high school careers and have contributed countless volunteer hours through project clubs, judging teams, and community service both locally and across Tennessee.
Those recognized as Vol State Members are:
- Matthew Rochford
- Asa Israel
- Paili Doyle
These deserving individuals have not only invested themselves in their 4-H project work, but they have also gone above and beyond in serving their communities and supporting other 4-H members. Their commitment reflects the very best of the 4-H motto: “Make the Best Better!”
Matthew Rochford Elected State 4-H All Star Chief
Williamson County 4-H extends a special congratulations to Matthew Rochford on being elected to serve as the State 4-H All Star Chief for 2026–27. In this role, Matthew will lead all State All Star events over the next year.
Matthew began his 4-H journey in the Chick-Chain Project and has since been actively involved in a wide variety of project groups, including Poultry Science and Communication and Marketing. His primary project area for state competition has been Entrepreneurship, where he has earned both State Level I and now State Level II Winner honors.
Beyond his project work, Matthew has been involved in:
- 4-H Poultry Judging
- Public speaking
- The Grill Master Challenge
- Academic and leadership activities in school and the community
Matthew also started his own agriculture-based business producing eggs, pumpkins, and mums. As a Williamson County Honor Club and All Star member, he has devoted countless hours to community service through both 4-H and his school.
Matthew’s servant leadership, character, and humility define not only his work ethic, but also the way he leads and serves others. We are incredibly proud of Matthew and look forward to seeing the impact he will make in the year ahead as State 4-H All Star Chief.
Celebrating the Impact of Williamson County 4-H
From state project competition to leadership recognition, these students have represented Williamson County with excellence. Their achievements at the 103rd Tennessee 4-H Roundup highlight the power of 4-H to build leadership, service, responsibility, and lifelong skills.
Please join us in congratulating all of these remarkable Williamson County 4-H members on their accomplishments and continued dedication to making their clubs, schools, and communities stronger.
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. 🌟