UT TSU Extension - Lauderdale County

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UT TSU Extension - Lauderdale County We are the outreach branch of both the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University. We focus on community education for adults and youth.

We are known for conducting local programs like master beef, master gardeners, FCE, and 4-H. All our information is research based and if we don't know the answer right away, it is our mission to find it for you as a servant to the community.

Talitha Alverson Named Lauderdale County 4-H Adult Volunteer of the YearLauderdale County 4-H is proud to recognize Tali...
10/10/2026

Talitha Alverson Named Lauderdale County 4-H Adult Volunteer of the Year

Lauderdale County 4-H is proud to recognize Talitha Alverson as the 2026 Lauderdale County 4-H Adult Volunteer of the Year. This honor recognizes Talitha’s exceptional willingness to serve, her encouragement of young people, and the countless ways she supports the 4-H program.

Talitha’s involvement in 4-H began through her own children, but her commitment has grown far beyond that. She is always ready to help and support the program in any way she can. Her warm, kind presence and genuine care for young people make her an outstanding volunteer and a wonderful example of the 4-H spirit.

For the past two years, Talitha has volunteered at Junior 4-H Camp. She has helped ensure that Lauderdale County campers are safe, supported, and having fun. At camp, she led the girls’ cabin, kept the 4-H agent informed as needed, and consistently looked out for the best interests of the youth in her care. Her steady leadership and caring nature helped make camp a positive experience for everyone involved.

Talitha also made a lasting impact during her time at Ripley Elementary School. She became one of 4-H’s strongest supporters at the school, encouraging students to try 4-H, participate in new activities, and attend 4-H Camp. Her enthusiasm for 4-H was contagious, and she always worked to help 4-H Days at RES run as smoothly as possible.

“Talitha has always been an asset to the 4-H program,” said Lauderdale County 4-H Agent Christian Hawbaker. “I can always count on her to help, encourage youth, and make sure our 4-H Days run smoothly. She has a true servant’s heart and is willing to step in wherever she is needed.”

Talitha’s helping hands never stop. Whether she stays after a community club meeting to straighten up, washes dishes after a Grill Masters practice, or helps with an event, she is always willing to lend a hand. In fact, she offered to help while this article was being written, which perfectly reflects her selfless and dependable nature.

Talitha Alverson’s commitment to service does not go unnoticed. Her positive attitude, willingness to help, and dedication to Lauderdale County youth make her a clear choice for this year’s Adult Volunteer of the Year. Lauderdale County 4-H proudly congratulates Talitha on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for all she does to make a difference in young people's lives.

Written by Karter Lyles, 12th Grade 4-H Member at RHSBeing a 4-H Camp Teen Leader is one of the most fun and rewarding e...
10/10/2026

Written by Karter Lyles, 12th Grade 4-H Member at RHS

Being a 4-H Camp Teen Leader is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences a person can have. Camp gives you the chance to meet new people, make new friends, and be part of something you will remember for a long time.

As a Teen Leader, you still get to enjoy camp and have fun, but you also have more responsibility. You help with activities, answer questions, keep campers involved, and make sure everyone feels welcome. Younger campers look up to Teen Leaders, so it is important to be a good example and have a positive attitude.

Being a Teen Leader also teaches you a lot about responsibility. You learn to work with others, communicate better, stay organized, and handle different situations. Sometimes things don't go as planned, so you also learn to be patient and solve problems.

One of the best parts of being a Teen Leader is meeting new people. You get to work with other Teen Leaders and campers you may not have known before. By the end of camp, you can leave with new friendships and many great memories.

Overall, being a 4-H Camp Teen Leader is about more than just having fun. It gives you the chance to grow as a leader, learn new skills, and help younger campers have a great camp experience. I would recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity.

Written by Caylee Henson, 11th Grade at RHS March 7 through 11 was a time filled with new experiences, meaningful memori...
10/09/2026

Written by Caylee Henson, 11th Grade at RHS

March 7 through 11 was a time filled with new experiences, meaningful memories, and opportunities to learn. You may be wondering what made these days so special. The answer is 4-H Congress.

My name is Caylee Henson, and I was fortunate to attend 4-H Congress, where I met new people, explored new places, and learned more about leadership and government.

One of the most memorable parts of Congress was meeting other 4-H members from different communities and backgrounds. I made new friendships and connected with people who share many of my interests and goals. Spending time with other 4-H members reminded me that 4-H is much more than completing projects. It gives young people opportunities to grow, build confidence, and become leaders.

Another highlight of the trip was touring Capitol Hill. Seeing the place where important decisions are made gave me a better understanding of how our government works. Learning about the Capitol's history and seeing firsthand where elected officials work was interesting. Being there made government and civic involvement feel much more real than simply learning about it in a classroom.

Throughout Congress, I also had the opportunity to participate in discussions and activities that challenged me to think about leadership and the importance of using my voice. I learned that being a good leader is not only about speaking in front of others. It is also about listening, understanding different perspectives, working with others, and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone.

Looking back on the trip, I am grateful for every opportunity that 4-H Congress gave me. I gained knowledge, made friendships, and created memories that I will carry with me for years to come. Most importantly, the experience reminded me why being involved in 4-H matters. It gives young people the chance to experience things they might never have otherwise.

Although March 7 through 11 were only a few days, they made a lasting impression on me. 4-H Congress was not just a trip; it was a chance to learn, grow, and see how young people can get involved in their communities and make a difference.

10/09/2026

For 4-H Flashback Friday, we asked County Director JC Dupree Jr., former Lauderdale County 4-H Agent for 16 years, to share a favorite 4-H memory and offer a few words of wisdom to 4-H agents.

His years of service made a lasting impact on the parents and generations of 4-H’ers who came before today’s youth. The memories, encouragement, and opportunities he helped create are still part of Lauderdale County 4-H today.

Thank you, JC, for your dedication to Lauderdale County 4-H and the many families you served.

It’s 4-H Flashback Friday! 💚Today, we're looking back at the history of 4-H and the memories made along the way. From ca...
10/09/2026

It’s 4-H Flashback Friday! 💚

Today, we're looking back at the history of 4-H and the memories made along the way. From camp days and project work to friendships and leadership opportunities, 4-H has made a difference for generations of young people.

Share your favorite 4-H memory in the comments. We would love to hear it!

Written by Sadie Alverson, 7th Grade 4-H Member at HJH4-H Culinary Club is a lot of fun, and I always look forward to go...
10/08/2026

Written by Sadie Alverson, 7th Grade 4-H Member at HJH

4-H Culinary Club is a lot of fun, and I always look forward to going. I think most people who attend Culinary Club meetings are excited to be there, and afterward, most kids want to come back the next time. It is fun cooking with friends, and we get to cook and bake many different kinds of food.

After working hard to make the food, we get to see how well we did and taste the finished product. Adults are also there to help if we don't understand something. They provide recipes that we can follow while cooking and take home to try on our own.

The adults help us by explaining how to do each step, watching us try it ourselves, and letting us know how we are doing. Some of the things we have made include apple pie, ice cream, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and decorated cookies.

I really love breakfast food, so one of my favorite things we made was pancakes and biscuits with gravy. My favorite part of Culinary Club is making things I have never made before, tasting what I created, and seeing my hard work pay off.

Written by John “J.B.” Cannon, 9th Grade 4-H Member at HHSMy name is J.B. Cannon, and I had the opportunity to attend Ac...
10/08/2026

Written by John “J.B.” Cannon, 9th Grade 4-H Member at HHS

My name is J.B. Cannon, and I had the opportunity to attend Academic Conference at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville as a delegate in the Beef Project. The experience let me learn from experts in the beef industry while exploring a subject that matters to me.

During the conference, I learned more about several areas of the beef industry, including nutrition and forages. Growing up on a cattle farm, I have always valued agriculture and enjoyed being around cattle. Academic Conference allowed me to build on what I have learned at home and gain a deeper understanding of the industry I love.

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was getting a glimpse of college life at UT Knoxville. I stayed in the same dorms as college students and used many of the same facilities, including the cafeteria, pool, and classrooms. It was interesting to experience campus life and imagine the opportunities college can offer.

The conference also included hands-on learning experiences. We attended sessions in laboratory classrooms and participated in real dissections. These activities made the lessons more meaningful and gave me the opportunity to learn by doing.

Although my time at Academic Conference was short, the knowledge and experiences I gained will stay with me for a lifetime. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Beef Project, learn from industry experts, and experience the University of Tennessee. If I am given the chance, I would gladly attend again.

To start off Thankful Thursday, we want to recognize our 2026 4-H Camp Sponsors! 💚This past year, more than $20,000 was ...
10/08/2026

To start off Thankful Thursday, we want to recognize our 2026 4-H Camp Sponsors! 💚

This past year, more than $20,000 was invested in Lauderdale County youth attending various 4-H summer camps. Thanks to our sponsors' generosity, we offered numerous scholarships and significantly lower camp costs for our 4-H families.

Thank you for believing in our youth and helping make camp experiences possible for so many young people!

10/08/2026

Happy National 4-H Week: Thankful Thursday

Sharing thoughts and updates and camp scholarship drawing.

10/08/2026

In honor of Thankful Thursday, take a few moments to listen to Christian Hawbaker and hear why he is thankful for 4-H!

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Ripley, TN
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