Success StoryBotvin Lifeskills



Botvin Lifeskills

Author: Tracie Goodman

Planning Unit: McCreary County CES

Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health – 4-H Youth Development

Plan of Work: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Beginning in early 2022, myself and Leah VanMeter started the Botvin Lifeskills program with two 6th grade classes (approximately 60 students) at the McCreary County Middle School. The goal of this program was to help prevent substance abuse through a series of lessons which focused on developing life skills to help deal with societal pressures, anxiety, anger, and media influence. During the course of this program, we helped students to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and anger, and presented healthy ways to deal with their emotions. We also provided education related to drug abuse and the affects short-term decisions can have on the rest of their lives. Through this program, we developed a relationship with the students that encouraged open and honest communication. Once the program was complete, Katherine Jury submitted us for the KEAFCS/NEAFCS Award for School Wellness and Innovative Youth Development Programming, which received first place in Kentucky and will advance to the National Association for judging. Leah plans to continue the program this year to further develop that relationship with our local middle school students. 







Stories by Tracie Goodman


Botvin Lifeskills

about 2 years ago by Tracie Goodman

Beginning in early 2022, myself and Leah VanMeter started the Botvin Lifeskills program with two 6th... Read More


Invasive Pest Awareness

about 2 years ago by Tracie Goodman

In early 2022, I was alerted by a local farmer that he had a suspicious ant mound in his raised bed-... Read More


Stories by McCreary County CES


Get Healthy McCreary Hiking

about 2 years ago by Leah VanMeter

According to the CDC, 32.5% of Kentucky adults in 2020 self-reported they had not participated in an... Read More


Herbs in the Kitchen

about 2 years ago by Leah VanMeter

Kitchen Herb GardensA program on how to start a kitchen herb garden. The lesson focused on which her... Read More


Stories by Substance Use and Mental Health – 4-H Youth Development


Strengthening Family Bonds & Reducing Risky Behaviors in Pre-Teens through the SFP 10-14 Program

Strengthening Family Bonds & Reducing Risky Behaviors in Pre-Teens through the SFP 10-14 Program

about 2 years ago by Anna Meador

According the Community Assessment conducted in 2019, Allen County community members identified thes... Read More


Community Collaborations Create Successful Programs

Community Collaborations Create Successful Programs

about 2 years ago by Mary Beth Riley

4-H Teen Club members place stickers on beer cases with informational messageFor years many in local... Read More