The Kenton County 4-H recognition program mirrors the National 4-H and Kentucky 4-H models for recognition and provides a balanced approach that encourages a variety of recognition to meet the diverse needs and interests of our youth. “Recognition is a significant incentive to further learning. Recognition properly designed…can inspire youth to continue participating and learning. Recognition is a basic human need with security, new experiences and responses.” (1993). National 4-H Recognition Model

The 4-H Agent met with the leadership committee established by the 4-H Council to plan, organize, advise, and facilitate the 4-H youth and volunteer recognition program. The 4-H agent and the committee members contacted local donors, public officials and community businesses who contributed to the event by providing awards, funding for awards and sponsoring prizes. Seeking community support also raises awareness of 4-H projects, 4-H youth, and 4-H volunteers.  Members are recognized for succeeding on a local, district, state and national level.  Since 2016, 882 youth members have been recognized. The numerical significance accounts for the influence of the pandemic, a significant staff reduction, and illustrates the regrowth of programming during the 2022-2024 program years.  

The opportunity to recognize 10 year 4-H members during 2024 KVF also provided the opportunity for a significant amount of educational programming for our newest volunteers.  Five of the 6, 10 year 4-H members recognized in 2024 – are volunteering with our local 4-H program in some manner.  Five of the newest volunteers are “communicating – expressing thoughts or opinions; using information to share with others and demonstrating skills they have learned.”

4-H members receive detailed printed lists of their current year accomplishments prior to the recognition event. The documentation is being used by 4-H members to complete post-secondary scholarship applications, Governor’s Scholars applications, 4-H Achievement award applications as well as job applications. Providing the opportunity to receive recognition in a social setting allows youth to practice life skills such as waiting their turn, having their photo taken, and writing thank you notes. 

A 4-H volunteer, 2 parents, and 3 members asked for copies of previous awards to help complete achievement applications and one a Governor's Scholar application.  The awards lists were used by the 4-H agent to help write 16 different scholarship reference letters for 11 current and former 4-H members.  One parent was so excited to learn her 4-H member was being recognized by the 4-H coaches, she immediately called her family and her enthusiasm was followed up by offering to help with the event and other volunteer opportunities. 

Describe the Issue or Situation.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.