The Union County Jr. High 4-H team recently competed in the Eastern Region Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Skill-A-Thon, held in McMinn County. This hands-on contest gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as food and nutrition, child development, clothing and textiles, and housing and interior design. Participants rotate through a series of skill stations where they solve real-world problems and apply what they have learned.

Union County’s Jr. High team proudly earned 2nd place overall in the regional contest. Individual honors went to Scarlett Hughes, who placed 4th overall, and Tealynn Graves, who placed 9th overall in the Jr. High individual competition. Team members celebrated their success afterward with a well-deserved meal together.

4-H is the youth development program of UT/TSU Extension and provides youth with educational experiences that strengthen leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

Union County 4-H is looking forward to building on this year’s success and is inviting new members to join the FCS Skill-A-Thon team next year. The contest is open to students in grades 4–12.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Abigail Thomas at the Union County Extension Office at 865-992-8038 or email athom237@utk.edu.