“One of the most pressing issues facing youth-serving organizations such as 4-H is how to best support youth in becoming productive, contributing individuals of society” (Fox, Lodl, Schroeder, 2023).  The mission of Kentucky 4-H is to provide “positive youth development experiences that provide opportunities for all youth to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity” (Kentucky 4-H, 2023).  It is our hope that our 4-H members are prepared for bright successful futures after engaging in programs designed to build leadership, skill development, career exploration and civic minded young leaders.

The Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program seeks to recognize 4-H youth for their county, area, state and national 4-H involvement through continued record-keeping that spans over the entire 4-H career of a member.  Members are encouraged to become well-rounded leaders in their communities through their participation in five key 4-H focus areas: leadership, civic engagement, communications, community action and participation.  Members are awarded during their senior membership years, with hopes to achieve the prized Gold and Emerald 4-H Honor Awards.

The Allen County 4-H Program is eager to share that Senior 4-H’er Member, Daphnica Woods, is one of the newest 4-H Members to receive the coveted Kentucky 4-H Emerald Honor Awards.  Ms. Woods joins two other Allen County 4-H Alumni - Kristina Gillenwater (2015) and Kierra Owens (2019) in this unique recognition from Kentucky 4-H Program.  The Emerald 4-H Award is the most prestigious award granted to a Kentucky 4-H Member.

Daphnica Wood is now the 3^rd 4-H Emerald Recipient from Allen County since the inception of the special Emerald Awards established 11 years ago in 2012.  Allen County’s three 4-H Emerald Award Recipients comprise nearly 7% of the 44 awards given to date, making these accomplishments even more unique considering Kentucky has 120 County 4-H Programs.  

“4-H has influenced my life in many ways.  4-H has helped me to become a better public speaker.  I have learned how to work with others as a team to accomplish goals.  I’ve been given the opportunity to practice my leadership experience and to exercise my love of doing community service projects.”   

-  Daphnica Wood, Emerald 4-H Honors Award Recipient  

References: 

Fox, J., Schroeder, D., & Lodl, K. (2003). Life Skill Development Through 4-H Clubs: The Perspective of 4-H Alumni. The Journal of Extension, 41(6), Article 10. Retrieved from: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol41/iss6/10

Kentucky 4-H (2023).  What is 4-H? Web Article.  Retrieved from: https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/what-is-4H