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.

“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 Allen County 4-H Program is thrilled to announce that Senior 4-H’er Member, Ty Jones, is one of the newest 4-H Members to receive the coveted Kentucky 4-H Emerald Honor Awards.  Mr. Jones joins three other Allen County 4-H Alumni - Kristine Gillenwater (2015), Kierra Owens (2019) and Daphnica Wood (2023) 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.

Ty Jones is now the 4^th 4-H Emerald Recipient from Allen County since the inception of the special Emerald Awards established 12 years ago in 2012.   Allen County’s four 4-H Emerald Award Recipients comprise nearly 9% of the 46 awards given to date, making these accomplishments even more unique considering Kentucky has 120 County 4-H Programs.  

2024 4-H Emerald Recipient, Ty Jones has said:

“4-H has illuminated my life by providing a vast array of experiences during my most formidable years.  The skills attained through my 4-H involvement are vital both personally and for me future profession.  Achieving the Emerald 4-H Award has been a capstone of my remarkable 4-H career.”   

-  Ty Jones, 2024 Emerald 4-H Honors Award Recipient