FRANKLIN COUNTY’S 4-H youth program has long been a foundation for youth development, offering various opportunities for youth to grow, learn, and excel. This year, the program soared to new heights as a team clinched victory at the National Consumer Decision Making Contest in San Antonio, Texas. Led by dedicated coach Hunter Isbell and comprised of talented members Lily Boswell, Samantha Pfister, Madelyn Harrell, and Amelia Maxon-Hane, the team showed off their exceptional skills during the event and the past few years. Their journey encompasses rigorous competitions, thorough preparation, and the outstanding support of the local community.
Isbell describes the contest as an assessment of consumer decision-making abilities. The goal is to empower informed consumers and equip them with the skills they need to make educated consumer decisions as they transition into adulthood.
“The six categories in the national contest this year were bedding, carry-on luggage, event venues, fast food, lighting, and wearable technology,” Isbell said.
Participants gave two sets of oral reasons for the classes they competed in, justifying their choices to judges step by step. This rigorous process concluded in a team-based group-thinking activity, where members collaborated to place an invitation class, review options, and present their decisions orally to a panel of judges within 10 minutes.
“By participating, 4-H members better understand consumer behavior, marketing strategies, and product evaluation while promoting individual growth in goal setting, decision making, and critical thinking skills, which will benefit their personal and long-term professional lives,” Isbell said.
The road to the national contest is a thrilling combination of hard work, consistency, and teamwork. Starting with regional contests, teams must advance through multiple levels, including the Tennessee State Fair and the Tennessee 4-H State Fall Judging Day.
Isbell shared, “We started practice in July for the central region contest in August. The top three teams from each region advance to the state contest in October. The first-place team then represents Tennessee at the national contest.”
The preparation is intense, involving individual study, group practice, and improving public speaking skills. It requires a great deal of determination to understand consumer products and make informed decisions. The program focuses on building confidence and teamwork through one-on-one sessions and group activities.
The 4-H program plans to continue providing opportunities for youth in the future. They’re already preparing for next year’s team activities. The program’s success has also garnered financial support from local businesses, individuals, and the Franklin County school system, which is important for providing these opportunities.
“It takes around $10,000 to get a team from the state contest to the national level, and the generosity of our community made it possible,” Isbell said.
All four team members are veteran 4-H members. Boswell, Harrell, Maxon-Hane, and Pfister have been active in 4-H since the fourth grade, participating in various projects, in-school clubs, judging teams, summer camps, and competitions.
Reflecting on their trip to San Antonio, Boswell recalled her most memorable experiences. Experiencing her first plane ride made the trip even more special.
“It was really cool to be able to walk around San Antonio. It’s such a historical place. We walked down the Riverwalk, and stepping into the Alamo was such a remarkable experience,” she said.
“It was great to travel with my closest friends and our families,” Maxon-Hane added.
Boswell reflected on how 4-H has shaped her future.
“The skills I have gained by participating in the 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest and being a nine-year 4-H member have guided me to explore my interests and expand my skillset in floral design. I have been the 4-H Line and Design project group president for the last two years, leading younger 4-H members, organizing service projects, and widening my horizons with professional development. Through these experiences, I have identified my passion for being a florist and owning a floral shop.”
Each team member individually earned a $1,000 scholarship for their achievements. They also look forward to attending Tennessee 4-H Roundup, a project-based event hosted at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where they can win additional scholarship money and further develop their skills.
This year marks a historic moment for Franklin County’s 4-H program.
“This is the first time a Franklin County judging team has ever gone to nationals, and the first time a team has won nationals,” Isbell reflected.
Winning at the national level has revitalized the 4-H program in Franklin County. It has created a new wave of hope and goal-setting for younger members, inspiring them to strive for excellence.
As they wrap up their nine-year journey with 4-H, Boswell, Harrell, Maxon-Hane, and Pfister will continue to strive for greatness, cherish their time in 4-H, mentor new members, and give back to the community that supported them. Their dedication and success speak to the nature of 4-H, proving that anything is possible with hard work and community support. With continued support, the program will undoubtedly empower even more youth on their journeys to growth, learning, and excellence. GN
