Union County students put their knowledge and teamwork to the test during the 2026 4-H Clover Bowl Contest, a fast-paced academic competition that continues to be a highlight of the county’s youth development programs.
Hosted through the local 4-H program, the Clover Bowl brought together teams of students from Sharps Chapel, Luttrell, Big Ridge and Paulette elementary schools. Each school had a 4th grade team and a 5th grade team that competed in a quiz-bowl format covering a wide range of subjects, including 4-H, Agriculture, Government, Life Skills, Science, and Tennessee History.
These teams, made up of four students each, advanced to the county-level contest after competing in their individual schools. The event featured multiple rounds of head-to-head competition, with students demonstrating not only academic knowledge but also quick thinking and strong collaboration.
Clover Bowl is designed to help youth grow beyond the classroom. The program encourages participants to develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of each subject covered in the Clover Bowl contest.
The results of the 2026 Union County Clover Bowl are as follows:
4th Grade: First Place – Luttrell (Dawson Walker, Jaxon Berry, Emily Ward, Jedidiah Simmons, Logan Jessee), Second Place – Big Ridge (Izzabell Tahan, Dominic Delost, Nettie Mike), Third Place – Sharps Chapel (Caizlee Hall, Brynleigh Houston, Hadley Headrick, Harper Simpson), Fourth Place – Paulette (Briella Smith, Austyn Skidmore).
5th Grade: First Place – Paulette (Holton Epperson, Easton Havens, Mason Thompson, Jaxon Boucher, Mason McMillian), Second Place – Bid Ridge (Alijah Nicely, Daylen Kitts, Penelope Johnson, Zeke Gideon), Third Place – Luttrell (Logan Jessee, Ava Zielinski, Emma Hoskins, Isaac Williams), Fourth Place – Sharps Chapel (Payson Assad, Sullivan Queener, Saige Dykes, Alayne Curtis).
The first place teams will be advancing to compete in the Eastern Region Clover Bowl Contest being held in Knoxville on May 18. At this contest, Union County teams will compete against teams from all across East Tennessee!
The true value of participating in Clover Bowl extends beyond the competition itself; it lies in the skills and knowledge students gain and carry with them throughout their lives. It is reflected in the confidence they build and their ability to work effectively with others.
The UC Extension Team is proud of each participant and their dedication to their Clover Bowl teams, as well as to the UC 4-H program.