Leslie County's commitment to youth development through 4-H programming was recently showcased at the 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. This event served as a pivotal opportunity for members of the Leslie County 4-H Teen Council to grow personally and professionally.

Seven dedicated members of the Leslie County 4-H Teen Council seized the opportunity to attend the conference, held at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference's agenda was designed to achieve multiple goals essential for youth development:

Participants engaged in workshops and activities aimed at enhancing their leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively within teams. The workshops focused on improving communication abilities, a crucial skill for effective leadership and personal growth. Each teen picked majors that best fit their personal interest. The conference emphasized the importance of civic responsibility and encouraged participants to explore ways to make a positive impact in their communities.

 There were sessions covering 4-H core content areas that provided valuable insights and knowledge, enriching the participants' understanding of various subjects. Opportunities for networking allowed youth to connect with peers from across Kentucky, fostering new friendships and enhancing their social skills. Attending the conference at the University of Kentucky not only enriched the participants' educational experience but also aided in their college and career readiness. Exploring the campus and interacting with university faculty and staff provided valuable insights into higher education opportunities.

During the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, three outstanding members of the Leslie County 4-H Teen Council received special recognition for their accomplishments.

1. Achievement Awards: Brianna Gilbert and Mason Asher were honored with Achievement Awards; Bree received the prestigious Gold Achievement recognition and will be attending National 4-H Congress in the fall and Mason received his Silver achievement award.
2. Be Kind Scholarship: Logan Sizemore was awarded the $2,000.00 Be Kind Scholarship by former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. This scholarship celebrates Logan's commitment to kindness and being a supportive friend to others, exemplifying the values of compassion and community spirit.

 The experience at the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference left a lasting impact on the Leslie County 4-H Teen Council members. They returned with newfound knowledge, enhanced skills, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for community service and leadership roles within Leslie County.

The success of their participation in the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference motivates Leslie County's 4-H Teen Council to continue pursuing opportunities for growth, leadership, and community engagement. They are committed to making a positive difference in Leslie County and beyond.

The active involvement of Leslie County's 4-H Teen Council at the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference exemplifies the transformative impact of 4-H programming on youth development. It highlights their dedication to learning, leadership, and service, setting a strong example for future generations of 4-H members in Leslie County.

"My favorite part of the 4-H Teen Conference was exploring UK's campus and getting a feel for college. I also loved when my area/county would go out together." - Isaiah Caldwell, Leslie County 4-H Teen Council Member

 "My favorite part of the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was the opportunity to learn new skills in media and photography that was taught to us by media professionals." - Mason Asher, Leslie County 4-H Teen Council Member

 "My favorite part of the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was the opportunity to meet new people all across the state and to be able to network with them." - Emily Osborne, Leslie County 4-H Teen Council Member