Success StoryWearing the Ionic Green Jacket



Wearing the Ionic Green Jacket

Author: Paula Tarry

Planning Unit: Barren County CES

Major Program: Leadership

Plan of Work: 4-H and Youth Development

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Mollie Kate Webb was selected to serve as the 2023-2024 KY State 4-H President in her words "My most rewarding experience in the 4-H program was achieving the dream that I have had since I was a little girl of wearing the ionic green jacket as a State 4-H Officer. I feel that holding the position of State 4-H President is not only an honor but it provides me with the opportunity to become a voice for many local, area and state 4-H members and leaders.  I began my 4-H experience at the age of eight and am continuing to gain knowledge about every aspect of 4-H and the seven programs that the organization has to offer today. More than anything, the support networks have really helped me to get to this position. I am forever grateful for both the skills and people that I have gained through my 4-H experiences. The reward is knowing that I have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills to younger 4-H members as my predecessors did for me.  I realize that I am a role model for younger 4-H members and I take this responsibility very serious!  My, and our Officer team, goal is to ensure 4-H continues to be promoted in a positive light and that any young person from any walk of life has the opportunities to thrive within our organization no matter if they are compassionate about baking or agriculture, there is truly a space in 4-H for everyone to thrive."

How her 4-H leadership development experiences have contributed to her personal experiences, Mollie says "Being in 4-H has been a complete game-changer for me as a student, friend, and person. Through this program I have gained unique life skills that are rarely learned elsewhere, a network and support system that I can con?dently rely on, and the con?dence to apply the skills that I have learned though 4-H in a multitude of ways.  With each new experience whether upsetting or uplifting, there is always something you can utilize to make the best version of yourself even better.

The 4-H program has changed me into a better person and a better citizen. 4-H is an organization that teaches you skills that will be useful for the rest of your life. When I go to local elementary schools and encourage youth to join 4-H, I tell them that they not only get to make lifelong friendships, but also have fun and learn how to become a leader while doing it. 

 In 4-H you are not only a member but you are part of a family.  It is truly a life changing experience to be in 4-H whether it is meeting new people, community service or helping with youth development"

In Mollie's tenure as State President, she had many opportunities to serve as the KY 4-H Ambassador on local, county, area, regional, state and national level. She spoke at numerous events, presented workshops, appeared on podcast, TV and radio shows as well as personal appearances telling everyone about the virtues of the 4-H program.  She is continuing that campaign into her collegiate career as she plans to participate in Collegiate 4-H. All of the networking opportunities have helped to shape her future career path of becoming an advocate for agriculture on the national stage. 






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