According to data from the Corporation for National and Community Service, 763,706 Kentuckians volunteered their time, talent and effort to improve people’s lives in 2015. 84.34 million hours of service and $1.7 billion of service were contributed. Henderson County’s population is around 46,250 and the need for volunteers is getting ever more critical as programs expand. 

The Henderson County Extension office ended the year with a leadership appreciation dinner that was called “Henderson County Leadership Hall of Fame”. Leaders were invited to attend a night of appreciation and ending with an awards ceremony where outstanding leaders from each program area were recognized. 

It is vital that each Extension Agent has community members to assist in teaching or organizing programs, leading clubs and groups, assisting with events or activities, and providing input and guidance. Volunteer opportunities include: CHP45 Sale, Organizing field days, Volunteering to host events, Agriculture Advancement Council, and many others. 

The Agriculture Agent gave out 2 awards. The first award was an Emerging Leader award. This award was given to a very talented and dedicated individual who strongly supports Extension and the work that it does for the community. The winner attends most all events and is the first one to volunteer when extra help is needed. The second award was given for Long-term Extension Leadership. The award was given to a farmer that has supported Extension for many years and will be the first person to recommend that Extension can help in many different capacities. 

Other agents presented awards according to their programs but all agreed on overall extension award. Time is worth money. One hour of time volunteered is equal $24.14 per hour. For just the 2 awards that were given out by the Agriculture Agent, the hours would be worth over $5,793.60 value a year and $28,968 in a five year period.