Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Communications
The 4-H communication program has been a benchmark of the Russell County 4-H program for over thirty years. The Russell County 4-H communications program consists of youth participating in both written and oral communication. Strong writing, reading, and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults. When young people are confident and capable in presenting their th
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Communications
The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project allows young people to learn about a value-added project focusing on food preservation process and the history of country hams. In addition, youth develop their public speaking skills by presenting a speech about hams. We saw growth in the state-wide program this last year, with 971 participants from 80 counties participating. The Country Ham Project concluded at the Kentucky State Fair, where 4-Hers gave speeches in front of judges and hams were judged.
Author: Anna Denny
Major Program: Communications
The 15th Annual Holt Home Community Day took place on Saturday, September 25th, 2023. This event was free and open to the public. Community members enjoyed a fun-filled day with family and friends! There were guided tours of the Holt Home, interactive reenactments with guests dressed for the era, Civil War era baseball game, presidential wreath-laying ceremony, and music.The Breckinridge County 4-H Treble Chorus happily accepted the invitation to perform at the Holt Home Community Day. They gath
Author: Stefaine Back
Major Program: Communications
Last Friday morning, September 1, 2023, the town of Salyersville once again came alive with the cheerful laughter and excited chatter of children and their beloved pets. It was the much-anticipated Magoffin County 4-H Pet Show, and this year was truly a memorable event.The stage was set at the historic Pioneer Village main stage, a picturesque venue with a rustic charm that perfectly complemented the occasion. With a backdrop of the village's well-preserved old cabins, it was as if time had
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Communications
Over the past year, the Woodford County 4-H Council has recognized that the current system for project work recognition needed to be reworked. In addition, the council members felt that 4-H needed to continue exploring new ways to market itself and to promote all that it offered to the community. In response, the committee responsible for planning the 4-H Youth Expo proposed the “4-H Day at the Farmer’s Market” with the goals to 1. Showcase 2022-2023 4-H project work and 2. Pro
Author: Kimberly Ragland
Major Program: Communications
Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)This year 181 youth participated in State Communications Day including one speech competitor from Boyle County. These youth have gained k
Author: Lucas Powell
Major Program: Communications
Due to covid, 4-H programs across the state saw a drop in school partnerships. With Fayette County gaining all new agents post covid many of the personal relationship built by past agents no longer exist. One of my goals this year has been to expand my list of school partners to additional schools. During the last program year, I partnered with 12 different schools to offer programing. I have expanded my list of school partners to 18 schools. While I am working with schools both old and new, I a
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Communications
Art and music is all around us. It can be as grand as a painting in the Lourve or as subtle as a sparkling drop of dew on a blade of grass. Art encompasses so much emotion and feeling, and we look at a piece of art every once in a while and feel that special connection that we haven’t felt with anything else. Gallatin County 4-H offers an art cub for several different groups including the middle school, the upper elementary school, and homeschool children for about 60 children.. &nbs
Author: Lori Clark
Major Program: Communications
Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)This year 181 youth participated in State Communications Day. These youth have gained knowledge in public speaking through county and area grou
Author: Presley Grubb
Major Program: Communications
A holiday craft workshop was held at the Greenup County Extension Office to encourage youth to expressive their creative skills in painting, sewing and giving them the opportunity to create a gift for a family member or loved one during the holiday season. 7 youth participants attended the workshop channeling their own art vision to create a one of a kind gift. For several youth at the workshop, the stuffed tree ornament was the first sewing project they had created. For one participate, this wo
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Communications
Harrison County Elementary Digital Learning Coach partnered with Harrison County 4-H to provide a learning opportunity for elementary students to participate in the submission contest for the Creative Digital Arts Projects. This statewide school initiative allows each elementary school to submit 2 entries: Digital Photography and Digital Narrative. Photos entered in either category must be original photos that utilize composition, framing, and feel without over dependence upon software enhanceme
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Communications
Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communication skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member, and a leader. Using age-appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading, and personal communication capacities. This
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Communications
4-H Member, Dax Harper, combines his love for music with public speaking, as he demonstrates "The Basics of How to Play a Mandolin" in front of an audience.“Public speaking is a valuable skill that everyone needs and can last a lifetime.” - Senior 4-H Member, Ty JonesKentucky 4-H has built its foundation on teaching youth leadership, civic engagement and communications skills through 4-H. Through the 4-H Public Speaking project, youth practice the fo
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Communications
Middle school is a crucial period for youth development, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Fostering leadership skills in middle school students is essential for preparing them for future challenges and responsibilities. Engaging them through interactive and enjoyable activities not only makes learning fun but also instills vital qualities such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.At this age, youth encounter numerous physical, cognitive, langua
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Communications
4-H Expressive Arts allows youth to be resourceful, imaginative, and learn an array of transferable skills. Having an outlet for expression also has amazing mental health benefits and encourages an atmosphere of mutual respect for other creative areas.Creating art lowers stress.Creating art helps youth focus on a task.Youth Discover a sense of Happiness.Nurtures Emotional Growth by enhancing social developmentEnhance Social and Emotional Benefits for youth. by providing a unique platform for you
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Communications
Public speaking is an important skill that is losing to a very digital age of pre-recorded video for entertainment and knowledge. This year we had 7 school host contests during, which is the largest number of schools participating. The school level contest allowed student to compete against their classmates and winner qualified for the county contest. This spring 80 students from the 7 local schools held a communications contest for grades 4th-12th. Two winners from each division moved on to the
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Communications
The Hart County 4-H Agent, in partnership with the KSU Area Extension Agent for Community Arts, offered monthly art classes for 4-H members from September to May. Additionally, Cloverbud Art Classes were offered bimonthly during the same period. These classes provided an invaluable opportunity for youth to explore and experiment with a vast array of materials, fostering a new generation of confident and creative artists.These art classes offered youth the chance to learn about various artistic m
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Communications
Spencer County Schools and Spencer County 4-H partner together to provide Elementary 4-H School Club Programs for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Communication is the key component to this program. At every meeting or enrichment, all students are required to communicate with their classmates by participating in the activity where they say their name and something about them self. Throughout the year, it is the goal of the 4-H Agent to make each student more comfortable with pub
Author: Lloyd Saylor
Major Program: Communications
Communications. All human interactions require communications. 4-H places a high priority on communications skills through speeches, demonstrations, performing arts, oral reasons etc. We see through participation, and awards the results of our efforts but outside of 4-H officers who are still in the program we don't often get to see the results of our efforts.oddly enough 4 individuals, this spring (May & June) made it a point to thank me because they were very well prepared,
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Communications
Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006)Positive youth development researchers theorize that youth who are confident and who have strong communication skills are more likely to make substa
