local 4-h members selected for academic conference

Sevier County 4-H Member Jared Bruhin, participated in the 2008 State Junior High 4-H Academic Conference, at The University of Tennessee, June 10-13.

Jared was selected to attend based on his participation in the 4-H Sheep Project. Jared is a 7th grade 4-H member from Sevierville Middle School.

Jared was one of 150 4-H members from across the state who studied under the supervision of university scientist and specialists during the four day program.

The conference is conducted in classroom, outdoor and laboratory settings. "Participants get an in-depth look at college course work required in the areas of animal science, plant and soil science, and family and consumer science," said Steve Sutton, a 4-H youth development specialist with University of Tennessee Extension.

"The program also explores career opportunities in the fields related to the members' project interests," he said.

In addition to subject matter training, the conference features an African dance troupe, recreational activities on campus, service-learning activities in the Knoxville community and an afternoon at Dollywood.
The event is sponsored by the gifts from donors with an interest in agriculture, family and consumer sciences and other related areas.

The 4-H program is the youth development component of UT Extension and is also the state's largest youth organization. With more than 335,500 participants statewide, 4-H is available to young people in every Tennessee county.

If you need more information about 4-H opportunities, contact Glenn Turner at 453-3695.