The Casey County 4-H Program in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Robert Wood Johnson Foundation created a Health Ambassador Program where high school students are trained on specific healthy habits and present to 3^rd grade students in the Casey County Public Schools. High school students apply to be a Casey Health Ambassador, go through a selection process, and meet with the 4-H agent to understand the trainings and presentations in which are required for the ambassadors. The ambassadors present once a month the 3^rd grade classrooms focusing on one subject per month: physical and mental health, eating a healthy diet, personal safety, oral health, and avoiding nicotine. 

A total of eight ambassadors were chosen for the 2023-2024 school year. The Casey Health Ambassadors were assigned a classroom at the three elementary schools in Casey County and received training prior to presenting to their assignment. Through the Health Ambassadors presentations, the high school students learned about healthy practices and educated youth on said healthy practices while developing public speaking skills and developing mentorship with their students. Over the duration of the five-month program, the eight ambassadors presented to nearly all 3^rd grade classrooms reaching nearly 170 3^rd grade students. The Health Ambassadors conducted a pre- and post-test to measure how much information (they presented) was retained by the students. Below are the results:

1. A person should participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. – 41.44% improvement.
2. Ways to reduce stress are relaxing, physical activity, and deep breathing. – 41.75% improvement.
3. How long should you wash your hands to properly clean them? Answer: 20 seconds – 35.98% improvement.
4. What can you do to keep your teeth and mouth healthy? Answer: brushing, flowing, and washing your mouth out after drinking sugary drinks. – 22.82% improvement
5. How many food groups should you eat from every day? 5 – 91.77% improvement
6. What is an example of a WANT? Answer: a video game – 9.18% improvement

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded the Casey Health Ambassador Program with $42,000 to provide two $1000 scholarships to graduating ambassadors who apply. In 2022-2023 two students were awarded a $1000 scholarship both to be applied to their secondary education at the University of Kentucky. One student is majoring in engineering has been elected as a part of the Engineering Student Council Freshmen Board serving as the Fundraising Chair. He also is a part of the UK Debate Public Debate Team. The other student is majoring is marketing and joined Kappa Kappa Gamma, Christian Student Fellowship, and hopes to get more involved in UK Dance Blue. This year (2023-2024) we awarded two more Health Ambassadors with $1000 scholarships. In the fall these students will be attending Lindsey Wilson College majoring in Businesses Administration – Marketing and Berea College majoring in Social Work.

These funds will provide scholarship funding for eligible graduating seniors in the Health Ambassador Program for at least 20 years.