Success Story4-H Involvement Leads to Officer and State Teen Council Leadership Positions



4-H Involvement Leads to Officer and State Teen Council Leadership Positions

Author: Mike Meyer

Planning Unit: 4-H Central Operations

Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Community Engagement and Economic Development

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

4-H Teen Leadership programming is designed to help youth develop soft-skills and gain experience in mulitiple leadership roles.  Bailey Thompson, a 4-H member in Harrison County for the past 9 years, saw the culmination of skill development through her 4-H involvment this year.  After holding multiple county officer positions, Bailey wanted to continue working on her communication, organization, and innovative skills through county, district, and state level involvement.  This year, she has recieved her 4-H Gold Achievement Award, elected as Vice-President for the District 4 4-H Teen Council, appointed a position on the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, and will work to improve county programming as our local Teen Council President.  Though staying busy, Bailey continually recognizes the importance of punctuality, striving to stay organized and fulfill responsibilities within her 4-H involvement.  Bailey even stated that "4-H has given me a platform to gain confidence and challenge me as I have grown into my own personality."  Bailey has been a camp counselor for cloverbud and summer camp, regularly attends Teen Conference, Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference, and enjoys being a community leader through projects and our county fair programs.  Bailey Thompson is a clear example of how 4-H can support, encourage, and provide youth with the tools needed to become the next generation of leaders in our Kentucky communities.  Congratulations to Bailey Thompson on all of her many accomplishments!