Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Journey Around the World
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
For the past two years, over 200 children have “traveled around the world” . The Gallatin County Extension Service in collaboration with the Gallatin County Lower Elementary School, help second graders learn about the world around them which encourages a global mindset in children, helps develop empathy of other cultures and can build inquisitive minds.Last year we “visited” Germany, with the many holiday customs , Australia, &nbs
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2024 Pumpkin Art Contest Sparks Creativity
Author: Ashley Hunt
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
As a rural community, Lewis County lacks a variety of after-school and weekend programming for young people. In response to this, an annual Pumpkin Art Contest is hosted every year to give youth the opportunity to show off their artistic side by using a pumpkin as a canvas. This contest is held in conjunction with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent’s Harvest Fest and the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent’s Pie Baking Contest.On September, 28, 2024, the annual Harvest Fest w
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4-H Country Ham Project Success Story: Pendleton County
Author: Lydia Gosney
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Issue or Situation: The 4-H Country Ham Project in Pendleton County faced challenges in providing youth with the necessary guidance to fully develop their skills in speech writing and presentation. Though the program consistently met the 6-hour education requirement, there was a need to go beyond the basics to ensure participants were competitive at the state level. In particular, enhancing public speaking skills and integrating more engaging visual aids for senior members became a focus to elev
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4-H Project Work Enhances Skills
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The Kentucky State Fair is a culminating event of yearly 4-H project work. Each year, Clay County 4-H members are encouraged to participate in Special Interest Programs, 4-H Art Club, In-School Art Fairs and 4-H Project Showcase to enhance their skills in projects. Project work is defined by including the following: “(a) Planned work in an area of interest to the 4-H member, (b) Guided by a 4-H adult volunteer who is the project leader, (c) Aimed at planned objectives that can be attained
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2024 Kentucky State Fair Success
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Describe the Issue or SituationLeslie County faced a need for engaging youth during the summer months when they are out of school. Many young people in our community were at risk of losing connection to educational programming and opportunities to develop essential life skills. The pandemic in 2020 had also disrupted traditional participation in events like the Kentucky State Fair, leaving a gap in youth engagement and recognition.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partne
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Adapt, Overcome and Achieving in 4-H
Author: Cathy Fellows
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Historically the Boone County's 4-H Utopia Fair occurred annually in the first week in August.In January of 2024, the Boone County's Fair Board selected a new date, switching the annual Fair date to the last week in June. This date has created an upset in the community. The 4-H team had to brainstorm ways to help the 4-Hers have enough time to work on and complete projects in time to submit their finished projects into the Boone County Fair. Project work can be defined by plan
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4-H Youth Choruses Treble/Senior
Author: Rebecca Brown
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The Breckinridge County 4-H Choruses collaborated with the Louisville Youth Choir, thanks to a generous grant from the Kentucky Rural Urban Exchange. Over 120 youth from Breckinridge County and Louisville participated in this exchange of rural and urban students through two concerts: one held in Louisville at The Temple and the other hosted by Breckinridge County at St. Romuald Church. These concerts were performed for the local community and families. Both venues were filled to capacity, with S
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Communicating for the future
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The 2023 Community Needs Assessment conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service identified "strengthening youth workforce readiness" and "youth life skill training" as two of the top three priority issues in Christian County. Community stakeholders expressed a need for youth to be better prepared for leadership roles, professional communication, and responsible citizenship—skills essential for both personal success and community growth.In response, Christian County 4
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Improving Communication in the Grant County 4-H Program as a New 4-H Agent
Author: Mason Malin
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Improving communication with Grant County 4-H members and their families has been a top priority for the new Grant County 4-H Agent, Mason Malin. Good communication lays the foundation for growth and enhancement of the 4-H program in the county, thus better serving the county’s youth. In order to improve communication, efforts began with creating a survey for all Grant County families, including those families with no youth currently
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Extenion Art Gallery
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
As we continue to rise to the challenge of our new “normal” of life after a global pandemic, the role of art has become more central to our lives. In a time of continued uncertainty, people of all ages are struggling to find ways to be connected. This is a time to value the arts. High –tech communication has lost its luster even as the as the pandemic slows down. Art allows us to communicate from afar, generating positivity, appreciation and hope during
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4-H: Vision Boards
Author: Laila El-Amin
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Describe the Issue or Situation.The new year offers a blank slate for new beginnings. Along with setting goals to make positive changes in their lives, people set goals at the beginning of the year to give them direction. Setting goals of personal improvement can help people build communities and foster social connection. On January 3, 2025, I provided a vision board program for 4-H youth. This program gave children the opportunity to start thinking about what they wanted to accomplis
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Greysbranch Speech Contest
Author: Presley Grubb
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The Greenup County 4-H Youth Development Agent, Presley Grubb, has been working with school principal, Misty Tackett and teachers Brittany Hale and Katie Stephenson on a monthly school enrichment program with all 3rd grade students at Greysbranch Elementary School in the Greenup County School District. While planning the school enrichment programs, the school asked that students participate in the 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest as part of their month school enrichment program. In December
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4-H Communications Program A Success
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Many students experience nervousness when speaking in front of others. This apprehension can stem from a fear of being judged, making mistakes, or forgetting what to say. As a result, they may feel anxious and struggle to express their thoughts clearly. It is important to address this common issue to help students build confidence and improve their public speaking skills. With practice and support, they can learn to manage their nerves and communicate more effectively in front of an audience.At
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Letcher County Art Club
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Limited arts education in the school system. Partners for rural impact, FRYSC, and homeschool leaders’ area partnership for art club. The club members love the arts from drawing, sketching, clay arts, watercolor painting, oil pastels, pottery, anything that is offered to them really. In Rural Appalachia the Arts are a way for some to make extra money or an actual career. Giving these youth the opportunity to dabble in the arts may lead to a pathway that leads them into the work
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The Importance of Communications and Etiquette
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
It was determined in the 2023 Christian County Community Needs Assessment that strengthening youth workforce readiness and life skill trainings was a priority to help grow the youth in the county. In partnership with the Christian County Public Schools Gifted and Talented, the Family Consumer Science, and 4-H Youth Development, we were able to provide this learning opportunity for 31 youth in grades 5th through 8th. The program was a day long that consisted of communication skills, civil di
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4-H Youth Take Center Stage at the County Fair
Author: Lisa Dodson
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The McCracken County 4-H youth made an incredible impact during the 2024 4-H division of the county fair, showcasing their talents and dedication across a variety of project areas. From arts, foods, forestry, natural resources, needlework, and sewing the fair celebrated creativity, hard work, and the power of learning through 4-H.Record-Breaking Participation and Recognition This year saw 157 youth participating in the 4-H fair, a testament to the program's growing reach and appeal. Amo
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Art Project Camp
Author: Mary Harless
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Youth in our area often lack the skills and resources needed to express themselves in a meaningful and impactful way. We have observed that this challenge coincides with a lack of art programming available to local youth. As a result, we’ve seen a decline in art projects within our county in recent years. To address these issues, I organized a three-day art camp for local youth.The camp was open to ages 9-18 and focused on various techniques across multiple mediums. Each day, participants
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Public speaking through speech and demonstrations
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Participants in public speaking contests gain valuable skills such as enhanced confidence and improved communication abilities. They learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and engage their audience effectively. Additionally, these contests help individuals develop critical thinking and quick problem-solving skills as they respond to questions and feedback. These skills are highly beneficial in professional careers as they enhance one's ability to present ideas persuasively and negot
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BAFA and Cumberland County Extension Partnership Supports Positive Youth Development
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
In rural communities, access to arts education can be limited, yet research consistently highlights the importance of creative expression in youth development. In the summers of 2023 and 2024, the Burkesville Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) and the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service partnered to continue a multidisciplinary summer arts day camp for youth ages 4-18. Previously held in various community locations such as schools and churches, the program found a home at the Cumberland Cou
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5th Grade Public Speaking
Author: Sue Ann Loyall
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Communication skills are more important than ever as we live in such a fast-paced environment. Elementary educators in Green County reported that students have not yet focused on any public speaking efforts and also lack interpersonal communication skills and many need confidence building opportunities. To address this need, Green County 4-H incorporated a public speaking opportunity with a writing piece that had already been assigned to all 5th grade students as part of their testing effo
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Wildcat Leadership Council Explores Art with University of Kentucky
Author: Amber Dotson
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, Bath Countians see "Youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building opportunities)" as the third most important priority issue in their communities. This data is supported by Bath County Cooperative Extension Service Agents regularly observing community members of all ages claiming that there are limited resources for youth to engage in healthy, productiv
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Milton Elementary School Communications Contest
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
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. 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 capac
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2024 Kentucky 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The Kentucky 4-H Communication Program aims to empower youth to express their thoughts and opinions, use information they’ve learned to communicate with others, and be able to demonstrate a skill they have learned. In 2023, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's community needs assessment identified youth life skill training and workforce readiness as top priorities. A study by Torres, Sampaio, and Caracas (2023) highlighted that communication training enhances clari
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Foster Heights Elementary School Communications Contest
Author: Samantha Gabbard
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Communication is an essential skill for the youth of the next generation. How many times do we hear the older generation mention that they don’t know how the next generation is going to communicate with each other. There are several different forms of communication that the younger generation utilize: text message, email, social media, phone calls, and more. It is important for their success in a future career that youth feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience.Through collaborati
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Voices of Tomorrow: McCracken County's Rising Stars Shine in 2025 Communications Contest
Author: Heather Hunter
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The 2025 McCracken County Communications Contest was a resounding success this year, showcasing the remarkable talents and dedication of our community's youth towards mastering the art of public speaking. This year, we saw a significant increase in participation (nearly 50%), with 63 participants registered compared to 42 participants last year. Out of those registered, 50 participants competed, demonstrating their skills in various communication categories including both speeches and demons
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The Importance of Workshops in 4-H Communications
Author: Bryce Charles
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
When the weather gets warmer, and the birds start chirping in the springtime, you know it’s almost time for the 4-H Communications Contest. 4-H members are encouraged to participate by preparing either a speech or demonstration on a topic they love and presenting it to a panel of judges at the County Communications Contest. The winners of each category move on to the Area Communications contest, and the winners of each category at the area contest move on to the State Communications contes
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2025 Boone County Communications Day
Author: Laila El-Amin
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Describe the Issue or Situation.Each year, Boone County 4-H holds a Communications Day for the youth to present speeches or demonstrations. This program helps the youth in the community with their leadership skills and is a prime example of progressive youth development.On March 8, 2025, four 10-year olds and seven 11-year olds participated in Communications Day. Not only did this program give youth the opportunity to build confidence and challenge themselves, but it also allowed them to find an
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4-H Communications
Author: Sherri Farley
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky 4-H. 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 skills. This
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Middle School Communication and Leadership skills developing
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Youth leadership opportunities in 4-H clubs are a fundamental aspect of 4-H Youth programs. Partnering with Twenhofel Middle School, Kenton County 4-H provided facilitated research-based leadership learning opportunities for middle school students identified by their school for participation. The multiyear series is currently reaching 18 youth monthly, additionally lesson materials and instruction are provided for an afterschool small group led by the school FRYSC coordinator. Capital
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2025 Butler County 4-H Performing Arts Club
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The CEC continues to identify “keeping young people engaged” as an important issue for the Butler County Extension Service. Getting kids engaged is more important than ever. The Butler County Performing Arts Club responds to this need. This program gives tees interested in music, and its performance, an opportunity to learn to work together and get along as a band. This program provides Teens with an experiential learning opportunity like no other. Being part
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Empowering Youth Through Public Speaking: Clay County 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Public speaking was identified as a significant area of need by both the Clay County Extension Council and 4-H Council members. This concern was echoed by students across various classrooms, who expressed that public speaking felt intimidating and uncomfortable.As part of Clay County’s commitment to preparing youth with essential life skills, a collaborative program was launched to address this challenge. In partnership with local schools, teachers, and parents, Clay County 4-H created an
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4-H Communication Program Changes Lives
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
According to 4-H Youth Development research and educational materials:Communication is a primary life skill that supports youth in expressing themselves, building relationships, and succeeding academically and socially. The 4-H program uses an experiential learning model, allowing students to plan, practice, and present speeches or demonstrations in a supportive environment. This hands-on approach helps youth reflect on their experiences and apply their skills in real-life situations Through str
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Elementary Communications
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
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
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Magoffin County Country Hams
Author: Stefaine Back
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Communication skills are possibly more vital now than ever before. The Magoffin County 4-H program promotes the 4-H Country Ham Project where youth gain these life skills. The 4-H Country Ham Project also teaches 4-H members about food preservation and the Appalachian tradition and history of curing country hams.Each January, the country ham project begins with fresh ham. Youth members process two. They selected their hams, trimmed and weighed them, applied salt cure to
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Growing Through 4-H - A Journey of Life Skills in Action
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Growing Through 4-H – A Journey of Life Skills in ActionEssential life skills include communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are crucial for navigating daily life, achieving personal and professional goals, and maintaining personal wellbeing. Through the 4-H Communications Program, 942 youth practiced these very life skills through their preparation and delivery of their 4-H How to Demonstration. For a twelve-year-old student
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Fair Entry Workshop
Author: Rebecca Brown
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
We held a workshop for 4-H fair entries, adhering to state fair rules to ensure that our youth who won Grand Champion would have the opportunity to showcase their masterpieces at the state fair. The workshop featured stations for painting, sand art, leather stamping, basket weaving, pottery, woodworking, and geology. Our 4-H council contributed their efforts to make the day a success. We began advertising several weeks in advance by distributing flyers and brochures at all three local libra
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Campbell County Cloverbuds Create Collaborative Art
Author: Kellsey Agnew
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The 4-H Cloverbud program is an informal educational experience helping our young people develop confidence, social skills, decision-making abilities, subject matter knowledge, and physical skills. The program allows Cloverbud participants to be introduced to the seven core areas of 4-H: Agriculture, Communications and Expressive Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Wellbeing, Leadership, Natural Resources, and Science, Engineering and Technology.This year, Campbell County 4-H Cloverbu
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4-H Art Kit: Creativity, Healing, and Hope After the Storm
Author: Elizabeth Easley
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
On May 16, 2025, an EF4 tornado devastated Laurel County, including a direct hit to the southern side of London. More than 800 homes were damaged, 280 destroyed, and 17 lives lost. This disaster left countless families and children facing significant emotional distress, displacement, and uncertainty about their futures.In a crisis like this, emotional healing is just as important as food and shelter. A 2024 study from the National Institutes of Health reviewed 85 research studies and found that
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Madison County 4-H Communications Contest
Author: Julia Reid
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
We can all agree that public speaking is one of the most important skills a young person can have, right? It is also a widely known fact that public speaking is one of the most common fears across the nation. 4-H has county, area, and state level communications contests at which kids can participate and excel. Madison County 4-H had 2 participants in our county contest in 2020. In 2024, just 4 years later, we had so many youth participating, we had to split our communications contest into
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Demonstrating Success
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Boyd County 4-H offers the annual communications projects to all Boyd County school systems and all students classified as a 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or high school student.Speech-language specialists note that regular public speaking builds not only communication, but also emotional regulation, self-presentation, and social connection . These skills translate far beyond 4-H—helping in job interviews, college classes, future leadership opportunities, and in daily self-advocacy.1. Boosts Co
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4-H Speeches Have a Long Standing Tradition
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
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
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Fair Day Camp Sparks Creativity and Skill-Building in Jefferson County Youth
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Many youth today have limited opportunities to explore hands-on, creative learning experiences outside of traditional classroom settings. In Jefferson County, there is a growing interest in developing practical life skills and fostering creativity through experiential learning. Youth often lack access to structured environments where they can try new things, build confidence, and discover talents in areas like the arts, agriculture, and craftsmanship—skills that connect them to both their
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Summer Sensation is a Hit!
Author: Ashley Hunt
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
Lewis County citizens ranked strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships and strengthening youth peer-peer relationships as a top 12 issue based on the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment. The county 4-H Agent collaborated with the Lewis County Family Resource and Youth Service Center to provide summer programming for 5th-8th grade students in Lewis County.The Lewis County 4-H Program worked with the Family Resource Center coordinator from Lewis Coun
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4-H Communication and Expressive Arts: Program Year 2025
Author: Rachel Guidugli
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
The University of Kentucky 4-H Communication and Expressive Arts (CEA) Programs continue to make a powerful impact across the Commonwealth. Through hands-on learning and creative expression, youth and volunteers are developing essential life skills that prepare them for success in school, careers, and their communities.By the Numbers18,846 hours contributed by staff and volunteers.114,940 contacts made with local stakeholders, strengthening community partnerships.42 hours of multi
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