Leslie County’s commitment to youth development was on full display at the 101st Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, held June 10–13 at the University of Kentucky. This year, six dedicated members of the Leslie County 4-H Teen Council took part in the statewide event, seizing the chance to grow as leaders, meet new friends, and represent our county with pride.

The four-day event brought together over 500 youth, agents, and volunteers from across Kentucky, all gathering with one common goal: to grow through leadership, education, and service. For our Leslie County teens, the experience was more than just a trip, it was a turning point.

Participants got to dive into workshops focused on leadership development, teamwork, communication, and civic engagement. Each youth selected an academic “major” that matched their interests, giving them the chance to explore real-life college and career pathways. From agriculture and health to technology and expressive arts, the sessions were packed with hands-on learning. All youth met with UK’s Office of Enrollment Management and explored academic opportunities with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment—77% of attendees said they’re now considering UK, and 89% learned something new in their major!

Our local youth not only showed up, but they stood out.

Local Achievements:

• Logan Sizemore, Isaiah Caldwell, and Emily Osborne received 4-H Achievement Awards, a recognition that speaks to their commitment and hard work.
• Mason Asher was awarded the $1,000 Be Kind Scholarship, presented by former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. This scholarship honors youth who embody kindness, compassion, and a spirit of community support. This marks two years in a row that a Leslie County teen has brought this honor home!
• Mason also interviewed earlier this year for the Gold Achievement level and plans to reapply this fall, a true example of perseverance and growth.

The group also participated in three hours of community service with nonprofits across Lexington, contributing to a total of 1,347 hours of service completed during the week. This work was valued at nearly $10,000, demonstrating the significant impact these youth can make.

Beyond the workshops and awards, our teens made new friends, connected with mentors, and walked away more confident in themselves and their futures. They got a real feel for college life, experienced dorm living, and even joined in on CLOVERFEST, a fun event that also helped generate over $15,000 for local businesses and $100,000 for UK services.

The 2025 Teen Conference proved that Leslie County youth are not just participating, they’re leading the way. They came back home energized, excited, and full of fresh ideas for how to give back to our community. This experience lit a fire in them to keep pushing for personal growth, to stay involved in 4-H, and to make a difference right here in Leslie County.

We’re beyond proud of the Leslie County 4-H Teen Council for representing us so well and can’t wait to see what they do next!

“Teen Conference was such an amazing experience! I got to connect with other teens from across the state and dive into a major that really interested me. I met so many great people, and I’m already looking forward to going back next year!” — Kasey Lewis