Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Community and national leaders should possess positive leadership skills to be effective leaders and contributing members of society. The 4-H organization has an important and significant role in developing our future leaders. Young people should master self-confidence, problem solving skills, empathy for others, and communication skills to effectively interact with others.   

For the past two years, Warren County has had one of the largest delegations to Teen Conference. In 2024, Warren County had 19 delegates (2^nd highest) teens participate, and in 2023, 18 teens participated (highest delegation), and in 2022 10 teens participated. This steady rise in numbers is a clear indication that teens value the “experience”, social connections and opportunities to grow their leadership skills. 

Because of their participation in the Teen Conference, many Warren County teens have recognized their own potential to do more in their communities. From the 2024 delegation, one delegate is aspiring to be on the state Fashion Leadership Board for next year, and 1 teen is aspiring to start a SET Club focusing on solving Rubik Cube puzzles. Three teens are on the Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board, 1 teen on SET Board, and one teen will be a past state officer. Another teen serves as co-club leader, along with his Dad, for our Small Engines Club (new club) and he also serves as a Culinary Challenge Assistant and Cooking Club Assistant. Of the 19 delegates who attended Teen Conference in 2024- 6 are shooting sports teen coaches, and five served as a primary contact for a community service project in the past year.

Avery Cole who just completed her term as State 4-H Vice-President, successfully ran for State FFA Officer and is now the incoming State FFA Vice-President for 2024-2025.

Long term impact: former Fashion Leadership Board member and sewing project member who aged out of the 4-H program last year, is now an adult sewing club leader for the Hardin County 4-H Program.

Other 4-H alumni who attended Teen Conference in the past and who are currently serving in 4-H leadership roles include: 4-H Camp Staff for West Kentucky 4-H Camp, Cooking Club Leader, Culinary Challenge Leader, 4-H Camp Adult Volunteers (2).