CULLMAN, Ala. – What began as a shy, homeschooled boy with a stutter nervously giving his first 4-H speech has led to national recognition for one of Cullman County’s brightest young leaders. Seventeen-year-old Grayson Randall has been named a runner-up for the 2025 National 4-H Youth in Action Award, an honor recognizing members who use their 4-H experience to create lasting impact in their communities.
Randall’s 4-H journey began with public speaking — a task that once terrified him. As a 10-year-old, after Randall delivered a speech at a 4-H event, a stranger quietly leaned over and said how interesting his topic was. That moment would be the catalyst for Randall’s journey with 4-H.
That simple encouragement gave him the confidence to keep trying, and in time, 4-H became the place where he found his footing. Along the way, he overcame his stutter and grew through new opportunities, from entering projects at the fair to stepping into new leadership roles, including serving as a 4-H State Ambassador. He also competed in Alabama’s Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), where his team placed in the top 15 in the nation.
Among his other accomplishments, Randall was also selected as a ROTH Scholar in the 4-H Leadership Academy. That experience gave him the tools to develop health and nutrition programming for youth, including his most recent project, “Fit with Friends.” The initiative provides young people with opportunities, education and resources to live healthier lives, all while emphasizing teamwork.
“Grayson is the kind of 4-H member you want a whole classroom full of,” said Kerri Roberts, 4-H youth development coordinator. “He has an amazing presence with others. He always strives to assist in any way possible.”
Roberts said Randall has been deeply involved in every aspect of 4-H, serving as a Cullman Youth Council Member, Youth Leader for the Outdoor Adventure Club, State Ambassador and Alabama’s representative in the ROTH Scholars program. “This new achievement is one I didn’t even know was a possibility!” she added. “Grayson took the initiative to network with National 4-H staff and find out about and apply for the Youth in Action award. I am so incredibly proud of all his achievements in 4-H and in his academics.” Randall’s recognition as a national runner-up highlights the growing impact Cullman County 4-H youth are makin
g within the Cullman community and beyond. For those interested in learning more about similar opportunities or Cullman County 4-H in general, contact the Cullman County Extension Office at 256-737-9386 or visit www.aces.edu.
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