Eastern Kentucky continues to face economic struggles.  Many of the best and brightest students leave for college and never return to the communities.  Pike County and other 4-H programs have introduced youth to opportunities in leadership and advancement.  Those former 4-H members are now leaders in Pike County, working to improve the lives of all residents, encouraging today’s youth to take advantage of 4-H programs and projects.   

Mary grew up in Elliott County and was influenced by her county agent.  She moved to Pike County and had a daughter successfully involved in the 4-H program.  In her new position as instructional supervisor, she was able to secure leaders for two grades for a site that did not have 4-H three years ago.  This year, through her leadership, another grade level have been added to the program.  With the city school board of education, she is a proponent for the 4-H Program and shares the impact it has on our 4-H members.

Reed was the 4-H president several times in his 4-H club in elementary school.  He completed his 4-H projects for four years and attended the local 4-H Fairs.  As an adult, he became a principal of a local school and encouraged participation in 4-H. Now he is the superintendent of the county school system.  Each year, at the principal’s meeting, he encourages participation in 4-H Clubs.  At the 4-H Awards Banquet, Reed talked about the importance of 4-H and how it influenced his life.  Two schools became more active in 4-H as a result of his support of the 4-H Program.  Now all schools in the county system, have some type of 4-H program.

Chad was an officer of his local 4-H club for several years.  He received a championship in several 4-H projects and continued to become more involved in the 4-H Organization.  In his teen years, he participated in 4-H Teen Conference, the 4-H Issues Conference, the American Heritage Conference and 4-H Camp leadership.  Chad became a medical doctor and now has daughters of his own.  When the site base council was considering the 4-H program, there was a lady stating that 4-H is for country children.  He gave a testimonial on 4-H and said, “Our school needs 4-H.  I was a low income kid and had it not been for 4-H I could not have gone to Washington, D.C. or even the KY State Fair.  This gives our students opportunity.  I strongly support having 4-H for our school.”  The school now has twelve clubs at the school. 

Gerri stated “Before I got involved in 4-H, I was the kid sitting in the corner not saying anything.”  Gerri further talked about the influence of winning a county championship in wood working and the time spent with her dad making the project.  Gerri continued to complete projects and became involved in the 4-H Teen Leadership Program.  She and her mom were featured in a film about the influence of 4-H.  She was a delegate to 4-H Teen Conference, a member of the State 4-H Teen Council, attended 4-H Issues Conference and as a delegate to the State 4-H Teen Council.  Now she is an adult and has been elected to be the president of the Pike County 4-H Council.  She has recruited new members and has reinvigorated the county 4-H council. 

The 4-H Council provides the leadership for the 3,958 4-H members.   There are 105 leaders providing the structure for this large program.   Of this number, 3,353 are white and 135 are minorities.  There are twenty schools with a 4-H program.  These leaders are helping to “make the best better.”