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.   






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