Van Buren County’s Kaylee Garrell elected to serve as the Tennessee State 4-H All Star Deputy Chief.
Garrell said she was honored. She said she had always admired other Deputy Chiefs and she would use her position to set an example for future 4-H’ers.
“One of my biggest goals is just to encourage younger 4-H’ers to stay in 4-H and continue doing 4-H through High School and join the All Star Program,” Garrell said.
“Because the All Star Program has been such an inspiration to me and it’s really helped me a lot through my 4-H journey.”
Garrell said she was shy and afraid to talk when she was younger. She said that carried into her early 4-H conference experiences which were awkward for her.
Over time Garrell said she was encouraged by other participants and the friendships she formed. She said this led her to run for and win the office of Scribe. Garrell encourages others to experience the 4-H community and the support that led to her leadership growth.
“Because when I first started 4-H and went to my first All Star Conference I didn’t really talk to anybody,” Garrell said. “But throughout my time people have supported me and lifted me up. I ran for regional office and state office and it has been an honor to get those positions.”
Garrell said these days people would never guess that she had once been reluctant to speak in public or participate in conferences. She said she first got involved because high schoolers would come back raving about their experiences with 4-H conferences.
“I realized it was something I really wanted to do and I’ve gained a lot of friends and been surrounded by people who really want the best for you,” Garrell said.
Garrell said there is a spot in 4-H for everyone. She said there are as many project areas as there are hobbies and interests.
“I want to encourage everyone who is in 4th through 12th grade to get involved because it will really help you later on in life,” Garrell said.
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