Success StoryFrom Youth Participant, to Youth Role Model...his Journey to Leadership



From Youth Participant, to Youth Role Model...his Journey to Leadership

Author: Mackenzie Pogue

Planning Unit: Muhlenberg County CES

Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Developing Life Skills

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

One's start in 4-H can begin as early as 9 years of age, or in the 4th grade.  For this young man, his 4-H journey began the same as every other Muhlenberg County 4th grader.  Mrs. McGehee traveled to Wes' 4th grade classroom and introduced him to all things 4-H from leadership, to special interest project clubs.  What sets this individual apart from so many others, is the fact that he did not remain in 4-H past 6th grade.  Wes took part in other after-school programs and sports, and 4-H drifted away from his priorities.  Fast-forward six years and you'll find a 17-year-old high school student that just completed his junior year.  When the county 4-H agent was seeking male teen leaders for 4-H camp, Wes was recommended by a 4-H Teen Club member.  That week at camp, his agent observed him taking special interest in the campers, ensuring no one was eating a meal alone, ensuring the homesick campers found a purpose, ensuing campers were having an exceptional week by speaking to all around him.  Wes was the ideal teen leader 4-H agents seek.  By the end of the week, it was apparent Wes had a purpose at 4-H Camp and that's what led his agent to speak to him about pursuing camp staff.  The following summer Wes was hired as a full-time summer camp staffer where he is working on his third summer being on camp staff.  As our week at camp ended, Wes informed his agent of his appreciation in her highlighting his strengths and encouraging him to purse the position.  Leaders are not created by a life-time in 4-H, but rather a life of 4-H touching a youth that can mold the leaders that shape our future.   






Stories by Mackenzie Pogue


Making History in Muhlenberg County

about 5 years ago by Mackenzie Pogue

Through various 4-H experiences, both young and older 4-Hers have many “firsts” as a direct result o... Read More


From Youth Participant, to Youth Role Model...his Journey to Leadership

about 5 years ago by Mackenzie Pogue

Ones start in 4-H can begin as early as 9 years of age, or in the 4th grade. For this young man, his... Read More


Stories by Muhlenberg County CES


Let's Bake Program

Let's Bake Program

about 5 years ago by Mary Beth Riley

It has been stated before that a child is more likely to have a healthier lifestyle the more that th... Read More


Muhlenberg County Sewing Program/ Master Clothing Volunteer Program

Muhlenberg County Sewing Program/ Master Clothing Volunteer Program

about 5 years ago by Mary Beth Riley

It has been stated before that the estimated value of a volunteers time is $24.14 per hour. If you c... Read More


Stories by Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum


Teen Conference 2018

Teen Conference 2018

about 5 years ago by Virginia Harper

Kentucky 4-H Teen ConferenceRachel E. Noble, Ed.D.June 11-14, 2018Through the 94th Annual Kentucky 4... Read More


 2018 Volunteer Forum

2018 Volunteer Forum

about 5 years ago by Virginia Harper

2018 Kentucky Volunteer ForumVolunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of... Read More