Local teen takes home 115 4-H blue ribbons
Published 4:59 pm Thursday, September 15, 2022
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Carabeth Chrisawn
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By Angela Cutrer
Elizabethton Star
Carabeth Chrisawn’s artistic talent brought her a first place in the July 4-H event at the Appalachian Fair as she amassed 115 blue ribbons for her work.
Chrisawn, 15, is a sophomore at Happy Valley High School and the school’s leader Todd Caldwell said she did a great job at the fair.
“I have always been interested in art, but over time I use it as a stress reliever,” Chrisawn said. “I create items depending on what the fair category is. I make sure that I’m not spending too much time on one piece and ration out my time to do more of them.
“I make pieces depending on what people find most commonly pleasing and sized. After the fair is over, my art is either sold or given away as presents, [but] the most special pieces are kept.”
Chrisawn said that winning at the fair left her satisfied. “It feels great, since I spend a lot of time, money and effort all year to make it happen,” she said. “Each year I set a new goal for myself and strive to meet that goal.”
The fair had almost 2,500 entries from more than 200 exhibitors, making the competition tough. The other winners included second place Rachel Niebruegge with 55 blue ribbons; third place Maggie Malone with 27 blue ribbons; fourth place Sarah Gilford with 21 blue ribbons; and fifth place Maggie Snapp with 20 blue ribbons. 2022 Miss Appalachian Fairest of the Fair and 4-H alumni Mattie Roark presented the awards.
Chrisawn plans to attend college for a career in agriculture or animal science, but which university she’ll attend is undetermined at this point. “I have a passion for animal care and currently have foster animals (two guinea pigs from Nashville and two cats from Chattanooga). I hope to grow up and help those [who] have assisted me in my life and continue my passion for animal care [and] rescue.”
The daughter of Patty and Paul Chrisawn, she is very involved in the 4-H, FLBA and FFA clubs. She recently received Level 1 Recognition in the Garden and Horticulture Project at the 99th TN 4-H Roundup in Martin and credits the teachings in 4-H with helping her develop her strengths and passions.
“I truly feel that 4-H is a worthwhile and life-changing program that any child should participate in — the experiences of project work, clubs and trips,” she said. “Attending Congress, All-Stars, Round Up, judging teams and service projects are priceless.
“Missing out on this club is like missing out on winning the lottery of life,” she added. “You gain so much from 4-H, and all you need to do is try, because there is something for everyone in 4-H. So I strive to make the best better!”
That seems so natural to her because it mimics the 4-H motto of “To make the best better:” “I pledge … My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service and My Health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
