History

The 4-H All Stars program was started in West Virginia in 1920 by Mr. William "Teepi" Kendrick, the State 4-H Club Leader. The organization then spread to other states. According to "The Torch," a 1956 publication by the West Virginia 4-H All Stars, "During the summer of 1948, Tennessee 4-H Club members organized two All Star Chapters. The Western District consecrated 23 members and the Middle District 42. This came about through the interest and work of Paul Rose, Virginia All Star and Club Specialist of Tennessee. [Two] Virginia All Stars went to Tennessee to help with organizing the first chapter. Tennesse now has five districts set up with officers in each district."

Tennessee held its first State All Star Conference on August 20, 1949. Following this conference, the All Stars completed a formal constitution, which stated that the organization would be known as the District Chapter of the 4-H All Stars and would be associated with the 4-H development program of the Agricultural Extension Service. At this time, not every district had an All Stars chapter, so the group decided not to elect state officers. However, in the 1950s the district Big Chiefs formed a State All Star Council. In 1955, District Scribes were added to the State Council and the first state officers were elected. The state officers included Big Chief, Lesser Chief, Scribe, Newsletter Editor, Scout, and Medicine Person.

The organization has changed and adapted over the years to best represent the young people of Tennessee. However, the core values have remained the same. From the very beginning of the organization, 4-H All Stars have sought to be of service to their community. An early All Stars leader in Maryland said, "No greater attainment can be achieved by the 4-H Club member than to so conduct his life that he will enter into All Star activities. The desire to get ahead of the other fellow will get a candidate nowhere. Club members will not try to down others, but will try to raise themselves. Our great 4-H Club motto, 'To Make the Best Better,' is in its greatest degree exemplified by the 4-H development of one who has been selected for membership in the All Stars."

Click to download a few of the documents that illustrate the history of 4-H All Stars:

• Minutes from the 1941 National All Star Conference in Washington, D.C.
• Minutes from the first State All Star Conference in Tennessee (August 1949)
• A Summary of the 4-H All Star Program (1973 publication)

The 4-H All Star Emblem The emblem of the 4-H All Stars is a 4-H clover with a red, five-pointed star and a diamond chip. The red star stands for courage, which is needed to meet our daily problems. The five points of the star symbolize knowledge, strength, truth, beauty, and love. The diamond is made of our most precious stone and sheds its light in the dark.