With the trends of rapid growth happening throughout Pulaski County, as well as the conservative economic times we are in; it is imperative that youth develop distinguished skills in leadership and communication to give them the greatest chance to continue their education in college and find fulfilling and well-paying jobs in the future. 

Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults. When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society. This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent, caring and contributing adults. (Jones, K.R. 2006)

During the months of January and February 2020, 4-HYD Agent, Jennifer Cole visited 7 different elementary schools in three of the county's school districts (Pulaski, Somerset and Science Hill).  There she presented a poetry lesson to nearly 600 4th and 5th grade students.  She also presented to 40 students at the Sunrise Childrens Services CAP campus in Bronston.  This poetry lesson focused on having youth identify "where" they are from.  Students were asked about life experiences, hobbies, food, anything that makes them who they are.  From inspiration from the KY poet, George Ella Lyon, students were then asked to create an "I am from..." poem.  They were to create 2 lines starting with "I am from..." and then submit their responses anonymously and then their classmates would try to guess who each was based on their lines.

A poetry contest was held in Pulaski County for all youth to submit an original poem.  There were 39 total entries at the county level. 36 received blue ribbons and 3 received red ribbons. 2 junior and 2 senior level entries were selected as champions and were sent to go on to the State Written Communications Contest.  All four of these youth received blue ribbons and one of our senior entries won Grand Champion for Sr. Poetry.

A separate contest was held at Sunrise Children's Services because their students could not submit their entries into the county competition due to confidentiality/privacy rules.  A total of 9 boys from both cabins submitted poems and were judged the same as the county contestants.  One winner from each cabin was chosen.  All 9 received blue ribbons.

As result, youth became more comfortable and confident with their writing skills.  They were able to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a written format.  For some, this was their first 4-H contest.  After their lesson with Jennifer Cole, students were asked if they learned something new about their classmates and most said yes.