The Floyd County 4-H Council and the Floyd County Extension Council supports our programming efforts in reaching youth from the ages of Preschool thru 12th grade. One of our most recent success stories is that of Zach Akers, who began his journey with 4-H in the 4^th grade.  He was a club member, attended camp as a camper, transitioned into a teen council member and camp counselor.  Along the way, he had 4-H projects go to the State Fair, attended Teen Conference and was a member of the State Teen Council. Because of all his successes in 4-H he was awarded the Jack Friar Memorial Scholarship his senior year of high school.  Zach just completed his bachelor’s degree from EKU and is currently working on his masters. When asked about his experience Zach had this to say. “Throughout my 10 + years of 4-H I have been greatly impacted by this program in many ways. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime with individuals from across the state.  I have not only gained friendships; I have also been able to grow as a person with some of the best leaders in this state and country.  4-H to me honestly means family.   I have grown to be a better person, a stronger leader and have greater people skills thanks to my time in the 4-H program.4-H has led me to so many opportunities as well.  From getting to see the many different cultures across the state, to getting to live on a college campus for weeks in the summer, to getting to see the scenic parts of this state with some the greatest individuals I have ever met. 4-H has helped to shape me as a person over the last 10 years in ways that someone outside of the organization would not be able to wrap their heads around.   I look forward to my future in the organization as well as how I can give back to it just as it has given to me over the years.  From the classroom, to the county, to the state, to the national level of 4-H I love this organization so very much.” Zach A.