4-H helps kids find their spark, build real world skills, and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners. Kentucky 4-H provides education and life skill development opportunities for young people to grow into confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities. 4-H meets young people where they are and gives them the opportunity to see a world beyond themselves so they can develop life-long skills to succeed in college and their career. 

 In 2018 Seth Otto said, “My biggest 4-H accomplishment was giving a 4-H demonstration last year.” After giving that demonstration his mom said, “And he only cried three times!” It was the least he had ever cried when giving it! Seth went on to say on his 4-H achievement application over the next several years, “4-H will help me in the future with public speaking & overcoming anxiety and building my confidence.” 

 In 2018 Seth received the “Out of Your Shell” award at the County 4-H Banquet. The award goes to one 4-H member that has “come out of their shell” through their participation in 4-H, and was created to recognize one member that has grown as a result of being in 4-H. His club leader said, “When this young man started 4-H he was so shy and didn’t want to talk in front of any group. This year he served as club secretary that included calling roll & reading minutes, while also leading the pledges for another club.” 

 In 2020 Seth gave a demonstration on “How to Make Crepes” to the 4-H Poultry club the week before the pandemic hit. He did great at presenting and teaching (and didn’t cry) to his peers. Seth wasn’t in the poultry club – he was in the 4-H Foods Club - but his club leaders knew he was ready. Over the next two years Seth participated in any 4-H foods/cooking program offered, including virtual ones. He also created a video on how to make crepes for 4-H.

 For the last two years Seth has been a teen leader for the Wildcat Chefs Junior Cooking Club and also a member of the Wildcat Chefs Senior Cooking Club. Seth has developed into a confident speaker, cook, and teen teacher.

 Spring 2024 Seth participated in 4-H Career Shadowing, spending a day with the culinary instructor at SKYCTC. This is the day Seth confirmed his plans to attend college to become a chef. The Senior Wildcat Chefs club did a fundraising night at a local restaurant Fall 2024. Members volunteered in the restaurant, earning a percentage of the sales as a fundraiser for their club. While at the restaurant Seth ended up getting a job, a year later he still works there. Seth just graduated high school and will be attending SKYCTC this Fall, enrolled in their culinary program. 

 Seth has also participated in the 4-H Exchange Club. He traveled to New York with 4-H in 2023 and most recently earned the KY 4-H Gold Award. He’s also given back, constructing a Food Box in an area of the community that families in need of food can walk to. He has kept a running food collection going for three years now to keep the box stocked year-round. Progressing through 4-H experiences over the last nine years Seth found his “Spark” and is Beyond Ready for college and a career!