Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Impacts

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Fiscal Year: 2025

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2025

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

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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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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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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Middle School Communication and Leadership skills developing

Author: Diane Kelley

Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts

Middle School Communication and Leadership skills developing

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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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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2025 Boone County Communications Day

Author: Laila El-Amin

Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts

2025 Boone County Communications Day

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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5th Grade Public Speaking - Needs UPdate

Author: Sue Ann Loyall

Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts

Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

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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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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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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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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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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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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment