4-H Experience Equals Success

“Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you.” -ALDOUS HUXLEY

     The Pike County 4-H Program is large, with over 3,700 in membership.  We offer a variety of programs to fit the interest and the life skills for our youth to prepare for the work force.  From communications to cooking, youth can pursue projects of their choice.  The Pike County Extension District Board provides every child a 4-H project book to learn these skills.  Below are just a few examples of how Pike 4-H has helped these former 4-H members in their work and personal life.

     Rick is now a president of Pikeville Rotary Club, past president of the Chamber of Commerce and vice-president for the local market for a local bank.  At one time, he was a 4-H member and a public speaking participant.  He said at a local Rotary meeting, “I can personally testify how the 4-H Program served me well as a young person where I had my first public speaking experience in the 6th Grade!  I will never forget that experience by having learned how to write a speech and presenting to what seemed at the time like hundreds of people in our grade school dining room.  It was very intimidating and I remember my teacher saying I never took my hands out of my pockets!”  His public speaking skills has taken him far in his leadership in our community and in his profession of being a banker.  Through his influence, he secured $3,300.00 for the 4-H members in the American Private Enterprise Seminar and the 4-H Teen Summit.

     Bob was a 4-H member in an elementary school.   At the time, I taught all the clubs I worked with how to make omelets.  I ran into this teacher in the community and he stated, “I remember learning how to make omelets in a 4-H meeting.  After that, I made so many omelets at home that my mom was sick of them.  Thanks for teaching me these skills.”  Another 4-H alum, Andrea, a teacher stated, “I learned to make omelets in 4-H.  Now I make cheesy omelets for my family all the time.”

     Ms. Betty is the new manager at Rudy Ranch.  She said (to another Extension Agent, Mary) that “4-H and I were the best thing that ever happen to her daughter.  She said 4-H and I showed her what career she should take in life.  Her daughter works for the associated press in D.C.”   She is going to let the Menifee 4-H Horse group have open arena nights at the ranch.  So, Betty is giving back to 4-H in honor of her daughter’s good experience with the Pike County 4-H Program.

     Per University of Kentucky tradition, UK President Eli Capilouto selected student representatives to speak at each of the four UK Commencement Ceremonies.  Noor, a 4-H State Speech Champion was one of the four selected to speak at these four ceremonies.  Though getting home sick at 4-H Camp, she continued to present speeches during the Pike County 4-H Communications Contest.  She won the Kentucky 4-H Speech Contest during high school.   Attending the University of Kentucky, her mother told me that she was the first Muslin to win an office on the staff senate.  Her mother stated, “We feel that her success began with her experience with public speaking in 4-H.”  Her younger sister continues to participate in the Pike County 4-H Leadership Program and is serving as a counselor at 4-H Camp.

     So these 4-H alums have taken these experiences and made a success of their life and are giving back to this and other communities.  4-H, we are making the best better!