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.

During 2017/2018 academic year, Pike County 4-H reached 3,754  of students in 20  schools with communication programs. Over 500 skits were presented during club meetings, and an additional 100 youth presented speeches during 4-H Fairs and county competition.  Of the these 4-H members in Pike County; 66 are clover buds,  1,330 of these member are in the 4^th and 5^th grades, 2, 183 are in middle school, 220 are members of high school clubs. 

The Cooperative Extension Service is preparing our youth for the workforce by teaching communication skills to our youth. An example of Pike County 4-H making the better best is Noora.  Noora attends the University of Kentucky. 

 She was recently elected to the position of student government association vice-president  at the University of Kentucky. Her mother said, “I give credit to 4-H because not only are females rarely elected to this role but this is the first time a Muslin has been elected to this position! I am grateful to 4-H and what you do for youth.” 

 This is noteworthy and important to the Cooperative Extension Service because her journey began as a 4-H member. Nora gave a speech annually during the 4-H Fairs and at the county competition and she usually won her category then participated at the district competition. After winning the district for two years, Nora won the state 4-H Speech Contest her senior year of high school. 

Noora’s mother is a 4-H volunteer serving as a district communication judge. She is supportive of her younger daughter and other Pike County youth who seek to improve their confidence and express their thoughts and feelings. Pike County 4-H creates a welcoming environment to all youth and adults who desire to contribute to our communities. 

Pike 4-H is making the best, better!