Contests for the 2026-2027 year will include: Public Speaking, 4-H Posters, Essay/Design, and Photography/Videography. 4-H members are given information about contests during the club meetings, and the rules are also posted below for parents and members to view at any time. We also encourage the members to participate in community service learning activities each month. These vary by month, and details are given during club meetings each month.
Click Here to Go to the Golden Eagle Award Information Webpage
4-H Club Public Speaking Contest
Public speaking is one of the most important skills youth can develop through 4-H! Each year, Sevier County 4-H members have the opportunity to prepare and present a speech during their November 4-H Club meeting at school.
The 4-H Club Public Speaking Contest gives youth a chance to build confidence, practice communication skills, and share something they are interested in with their classmates.
Speeches are due and will be presented at your November 4-H Club meeting!
📝 Choosing Your Speech Topic
Not sure what to talk about? Start with something you know about, enjoy, or have experienced!
For 4th–8th grade, youth may choose their own speech topic as long as it is appropriate for their class. Your speech could teach your audience something new, tell them about an experience, or encourage them to take action on an issue you care about.
For 9th–12th grade, speeches must relate to 4-H. Youth may discuss their personal 4-H involvement or share information about 4-H at the county, state, or national level.
⏱️ Speech Length
- 4th–6th Grade: 2–3 minutes
- 7th–8th Grade: 3–5 minutes
- 9th–12th Grade: No more than 7 minutes
💡 Tips for a Successful Speech
Don’t panic! Even great speakers get nervous. The more you practice, the easier it becomes!
Organize your speech into three main parts:
- Introduction: Grab your audience’s attention and introduce your topic.
- Body: Share the main facts, information, stories, or ideas about your topic.
- Conclusion: Wrap everything up and remind your audience of the most important thing you want them to remember.
Once you have your speech written, practice it several times. Give it in front of a mirror, your family, friends, or even your pet! Be sure to time yourself to make sure your speech falls within the time requirements for your grade.
🗣️ When Giving Your Speech
Remember these tips when it’s your turn to present:
- Eye Contact: Look at your audience instead of only looking at your notes.
- Posture: Stand tall with your feet slightly apart. Avoid swaying, fidgeting, or leaning on the podium.
- Voice: Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear. Speak slowly and clearly, and emphasize important words.
- Notes: Note cards may be used, but try not to read your entire speech. Practice enough that you only need to glance at your notes.
- Visual Aids: Illustrations and posters are not recommended for a 4-H speech. The focus should be on you and your speaking skills!
🏆 What Happens After the Club Contest?
Each 4-H member who gives a speech during their November club meeting will receive recognition and may be eligible to participate in the Sevier County 4-H Public Speaking Contest.
The 2026 Sevier County 4-H Public Speaking Contest will be held Monday, December 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Sevier County Courthouse.
Additional information about qualifying and registering for the county contest will be provided following the November club contests.
⭐ Remember…
You don’t have to be a perfect speaker! Public speaking is about learning, practicing, and becoming more confident each time you get in front of an audience.
Start practicing now, and come prepared to give your speech at your November 4-H Club meeting!
Public Speaking Workshop Video (watching the video does not count as attending an Outside Event!)
🎨 Sevier County 4-H Poster Contest
Show your creativity and 4-H pride in the 2026 Sevier County 4-H Poster Contest!
🖍️ Theme
Create a poster that promotes 4-H, encourages others to join, or highlights the impact of 4-H.
📏 Poster Requirements
Physical Posters
– Size: 14″ x 22″ (half a standard poster board)
– Must be horizontal
– No glitter or 3-D objects extending more than 1/8 inch
– Include the official 4-H Clover Emblem
– Posters must be original work
Digital Posters
– Submit as a PDF
– Must be horizontal
– Posters must be original work
For All Posters
– Include the official 4-H Clover Emblem
– Do not place words or graphics on top of the clover
– The clover stem must point to the right
– Do not distort or alter the emblem
– No copyrighted characters or images (Disney, Marvel, etc.)
– AI-generated artwork, images, or text are not allowed
– Photos must be taken by the participant (no stock or internet images)
⚠️ Posters that do not follow these guidelines will not be judged.
📝 Identification Information
Physical Posters
– Include on the back:
– Student name
– School
– Grade
– Teacher’s name
– Home address
Digital Posters
Include with your submission:
– Student name
– School
– Grade
– Teacher’s name
Email digital entries to:
📧 samialbright@utk.edu
📧 danirinker@utk.edu
🏆 Awards
All participants receive a ribbon and club participation points
School winners advance to the county contest
Five county winners receive a $25 cash prize
Three county winners advance to the Tennessee State 4-H Poster Contest
📅 Deadline
Posters are due at your January 4-H Club Meeting.
For complete rules and the official scorecard, visit:
4h.tennessee.edu/state-4-h-congress-award-programs/4-h-poster-art-contest
🍀 We can’t wait to see your creativity and 4-H spirit!
4-H Poster Contest Rules and Regulations (State 4-H Website)
📸 4-H Photography Contest
Get out that camera, take your best shot, and enter the 4-H Photography Contest at your March 4-H Club Meeting!
The Sevier County 4-H Photography Contest is a great opportunity for 4-H members to show off their creativity and photography skills. Whether you enjoy taking pictures of animals, people, flowers, landscapes, or something completely unique, there is a category for you!
📷 Photography Contest Rules
Before submitting your photos, make sure they meet the following requirements:
- All photos must be taken by the 4-H member entering the contest.
- Photos may not be more than one year old.
- Photos may be color or black and white.
- Each member may enter up to two categories, with one photo per category.
- The same photo cannot be entered in two different categories.
- Each photo must be mounted separately on paper or poster board.
- The photo and its backing together should be no larger than 8″ × 10″.
- Include a caption or title underneath the photo.
- Frames will not be accepted.
✏️ What to Include on the Back
On the back of each mounted photo, please include:
- 4-H member’s name
- Address
- School
- Grade
- Phone number
- Email address
- Photography category
- 4-H Project Area, if entering the 4-H Project Area category
🏞️ Photography Categories
Choose from the following categories:
- 4-H Project Area – Be sure to identify the project area on the back of your photo.
- People – Individual or group
- Landscapes
- Floral
- Animals or Birds
- Miscellaneous
🏆 Judging & Awards
Bring your completed photography entries to your March 4-H Club Meeting.
Winning photos from each club will be collected during the March meetings and advance to the county-level judging.
1st and 2nd place winners will be selected in each photography category at the end of March.
A Best of Show photograph will also be selected from all entries at the county contest!
📅 Don’t Forget!
Photography entries are due at your March 4-H Club Meeting.
Start taking pictures now, get creative, and show us the world through your camera lens! 📸🍀
❓ Questions?
Contact one of our Sevier County 4-H Agents:
Sami Albright – samialbright@utk.edu
Danielle Rinker – danirinker@utk.edu
KJ Rule – krule2@utk.edu
2025-2026 Contest Winners!
For additional information, contact Sami Albright or Danielle Rinker at (865) 453-3695.
Please note that if Sevier County Schools are canceled due to inclement weather, any 4-H event, club meeting, or workshop scheduled for that day is also canceled.