Overton Using National 4-H Week To Show Programs Impact

Overton County is using National 4-H Week to spread community awareness and get more kids involved in the program.

Overton 4-H Agent Nicole Marrero said there will be a phone-a-thon this week, reaching out to the county’s new 4th graders about the program. Marrero said when kids give 4-H a chance, they can find a life long and sometimes life changing skill.

“It’s incredible to see the quiet kid in the class become the person that is a spokesperson for 4-H,” Marrero said. “And winning county contests and going onto state and going onto national competitions. You just see that spark of confidence.”

Marrero said that just last year, two 4-H members got full ride scholarships to the University of Tennessee. She said sometimes the biggest impact can come from those members who went off to college who come back to help the next generation of members achieve that same success.

“They are planning on phoning in for working on portfolios for the college scholarships of our older members,” Marrero said. “We have other ones that are volunteering locally in the program at the college they are going to. So even if they aren’t giving back to our program in particular, they’re giving back to 4-H as a whole.”

Marrero said that people still do not realize that 4-H can offer skills ranging from STEM to public speaking. She said 4-H tries to encourage members to make an impact their community.

“4-H is all about building those life skills,” Marrero said. “We encourage kids to be involved in other community groups. Even if they’re not involved in sports, 4-H has something to offer those kids. Whether that be a public speaking project, hands-on arts and crafts, those ways of getting them a scholarship in the future.”

Marrero said she was currently preparing thank you cards for past volunteers and sorting green t-shirts to show support around the county. She said if someone is interested in getting their child involved in 4-H, all they need to do is contact their local Agriculture Extension Office.