By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
DeKalb County 4-H WINS FIRST in State!
4-H

On Saturday, October 7, 2023 DeKalb County’s Senior Outdoor Meat Cookery team traveled to 4-H State Fall Judging Day in Knoxville, TN located on The University of Tennessee’s Campus. The team consisted of DeKalb County Seniors: Paul Oliver, Lilly Waggoner, Avalynn Smullen, and Riley Fuson. The team was coached by Johnny Barnes, DeKalb UT/TSU Extension County Director/Ag. Agent and UT Extension Agent Mykaela Young.

Each team member had the opportunity to grill different meats including beef, chicken/poultry, pork, and lamb. Avalynn Smullen placed 1st in the state in beef and Lilly Waggoner placed 1st in the state in chicken/poultry and will have the opportunity to compete at Nationals in Louisville, KY in November. Riley Fuson placed 5th in the state in pork and Paul Oliver placed 7th in the state in lamb. Overall, DeKalb beat out 8 teams from across Tennessee, to win First place in the state!

This is the 3rd time this group of students have competed together at the State competition, but the first time they have come out with a First-Place win!

“I felt accomplished winning first place this year, after failing to win the contest the past two years.” -Paul Oliver.

“At first when they were doing the announcements, I wasn’t sure how we were going to do, but when they called DeKalb County for First Place I was thrilled! It was such an excitement to win first place in my senior year.”- Lilly Waggoner.

“Winning was a great feeling of accomplishment. Knowing the team worked so hard for years makes the win even sweeter!” -Avalynn Smullen

“I felt accomplished winning first place in the state after spending many hours practicing for the competition.” -Riley Fuson

Our UT/TSU Extension office and all of DeKalb County is so proud of our DeKalb 4-H Grilling team! They have worked hard to come back from a disappointing placement at the regional competition to becoming Tennessee State Champions!

If your child is interested in joining our DeKalb County 4-H grilling team, we have a junior division made up of 6th-8th grade students (as of Jan. 1) and a senior division made up of 9th-12th grade students (as of Jan. 1). Students learn how to start their own charcoal grill, fire safety, food preparation and safety, and how to grill different meats. This is a wonderful skill that these students learn and will have the opportunity to use throughout their lives! If you would like more information about grilling or any of our DeKalb County 4-H programs, please contact our DeKalb UT/TSU Extension office at 615-597-4945.