In 2005, Kara Gurley became a certified 4-H volunteer leader in the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program dedicated to educating 4-H Youth and their parents on the fundamentals of livestock and livestock ownership.  As a long-term member of the 4-H livestock program, Kara is sharing livestock projects with her nieces and the children of some of her former 4-H club members.  She is most proud of the many 4-H members who seek education beyond high school using funds from the livestock sale.  Kara is Nationally Board Certified in special education and helps the county program align lessons.  

Kara’s contribution impacts Kenton County 4-H where it is fundamentally the most important the 4-H member – exhibiting livestock projects and providing animal care education.   Kara embraced the formalized opportunity for educational resources provided by the certified volunteer program in order to help youth and their parents provide proper and sound care for their lambs, hogs, steers and goats.  State 4-H Champion livestock exhibitors, 4-H livestock club members, and parents give Kara credit for growing the livestock program and helping their families save for college because of the successful livestock sale.  Kara is extremely dedicated to Kenton County 4-H.  Kara served as the county council president and secretary for many years, she has worked with the recordbook committee, fundraising, fair entries, and the 4-H banquet and recognition committee.  Kara has presented several times to the Independence Business Association about her livestock experience and the importance of supporting 4-H youth.   

Kara has dedicated an indeterminable number of hours for 19 years to local 4-H shows and events, district shows, and prepared many youth for competition.  She can shear a lamb and teach you how, simultaneously.  Kara works diligently with her fellow certified livestock volunteers to present informative educational sessions regarding topics simple and complex.  We appreciate her dedication to helping our differently abled 4-H youth.

As a result of Kara Gurley’s leadership and an activity she is proud of is the implementation of practice-based lessons for livestock exhibitors.  Kara believes this is her significant contribution because when youth learn best practices, they and their families can make the best decisions.  Many families enrolling in 4-H have no prior experience with livestock animals or country hams.  Many youth have sensitivity issues or concerns about handling and touching their animals or the meat.  Kara always makes a concerted effort using her vast experience as a special needs teacher and her knowledge of livestock to help the 4-H member and his/her family feel comfortable and confident with the animal or ham.  The market animal project allows youth to make a relatively short term commitment with lambs or hogs.  4-H members are also introduced to a variety of potential careers and professionals supporting the livestock industry, whom they may associate with in the future.  Kara Gurley has been an integral member of the team sustaining and promoting 4-H livestock projects.  Kara has helped design coordinated, graduated curriculum and has prepared and presented numerous topics for junior and senior level participants.  Her degree in special education and extensive teaching experience makes her uniquely qualified to educate youth members.   Beginning in 2022, Kara’s daughter will be eligible to participate as a 4-H member in livestock projects and Country Ham.  Three generations of the Adkins- Gurley Family will be active participants in leadership roles and as 4-H members.