Face-to-face interpersonal communications skills have taken a backseat to electronic communications among young people, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, youth had to relearn in-person education and communication as they returned to school after the year-long hiatus.

Teachers and administration at the elementary schools recognized a need for developing communication skills among the students and reached out to the Magoffin County Cooperative Extension Service to gain a better understanding of the offerings surrounding 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts.

The agents at the Extension Office worked with all 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade teachers to teach the 4-H Demonstration curriculum. Courtney Jenkins, CEA for ANR, also demonstrated how to do a 4-H demonstration for nearly 500 students in the Magoffin County school system. As a result, 37 students presented an outstanding 4-H demonstration in front of their class and earned 4-H blue ribbons.

The Assistant Principal at one elementary school stated, “It has been years since we have had a 4-H Demonstration competition, so I’m glad we were able to revive this program. Even if every student didn’t participate, I am so proud of the ones who did. I love that we get to witness some students shine in an area where we never would have expected them to do well!”