Rising Stars in Agriculture

4-H agricultural stars carry message of hope

Four 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors visited TSU as the world slowly re-opened to a post-pandemic “normal.” The young high school students talked of a future filled with positive hope. (From top to bottom) Justin Crowe, director of 4-H Programs for UT Extension, Dr. Latif Lighari, associate dean of the College of Agriculture’s Extension Program, Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, Dr. Tom Broyles, Extension associate professor and State Program Leader for 4-H/ Youth Development, Ryan Hensley, director of the 4-H Foundation at the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Rita Fleming, TSU College assistant professor, 4-H Ag Ambassadors Tim Held, Bonnie Chandler, and Hadley Brown, volunteer leader Amelia Sturgill of Fentress City, and 4-H Ag Ambassador Natalie Sturgill. Photo by Joan Kite

Four 4-H Agricultural Ambassadors Tim Held and Bonnie Chandler talk about their experiences in 4-H while the College’s Dean Dr. Chandra Reddy listens. Photo by Joan Kite

Rising Stars in Agriculture

All-Star 4-H Ag ambassadors share stories of success, gratitude

By JOAN KITE

One of the first meetings on campus post-pandemic was the visit by four 4-H Ag Ambassadors who are considered All Stars in the Cooperative Extension Tennessee 4-H program.

The students visited in late June.

The 4-H Program teaches thousands of young people in the United States to learn by doing and offers classes in health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement.

“You guys are so well trained,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “You are a blessing to us.”

The students were there to express their deep gratitude for the main opportunities granted by being involved in the 4-H program.

“My journey started in the fourth grade,” said 4-H Ag Ambassador Natalie Sturgill, of Fentress City. “I was involved in baking, poster contests, went to swimming classes. I can now sew and serve others.”

“Tennessee 4-H has given me so many opportunities. I would like to thank you all for that,” Sturgill said.

Because of the program, the 4-H Ag Ambassadors said they were “living happily ever better.”

Dr. Latif Lighari, associate dean of Cooperative Extension advised the young ambassadors to reach out to the disadvantaged.

“More than 50 percent of our resources go to 4-H programs,” Dr. Lighari said. “You must understand working together as human beings.”

When the students asked Dr. Reddy for advice, the Dean informed them there were many opportunities in the world now.

“Focus on something you like,” Dr. Reddy said. “These days you can make it cool.”