Public speaking is a life skill.   The mission of 4-H is to develop life skills among young people (Cox, 1996). In fact, life skills, the abilities that individuals learn that help them to be successful in living a productive and satisfying life, serve as the foundation for the 4-H program (Boyd, Herring, & Briers, 1992). A number of studies have tried to determine if participation in non-formal educational programs such as 4-H have an impact on youth (Astroth, 1996; Boyd, 1991; Hanna, 1988; Heinsohn & Cantrell, 1986; Ladewig & Thomas, 1987; Sarver, Johnson, & Verma, 2000; Sawer, 1987; Steele & Everson, 1978).

For example, Astroth (1996) found that 4-H effectively develops life skills in 4-H members. His research showed that 4-H Clubs were effective in helping youth develop critical life skills such as decision-making, responsibility, interpersonal skills, a service ethic, and social skills. In addition, 4-H Clubs emphasized developing practical, technical skills. Members often cited the hands-on learning opportunities available through the club experience as vital to their skill development.   Therefore, it is ironic that Laney began her participation in Boyd County 4-H as a fourth grade school club member doing public speaking and her latest volunteer event as an adult was public speaking.

Boyd County 4-H values communications curriculum.  Communications projects are traditionally one of the largest participation events in Boyd County history.

Throughout the Boyd County 4-H member’s career in 4-H, this young lady won several speech project competitions sending her to the state level.  She volunteered to help with other 4-H programs as she matured.  Laney served in officer roles, attended state conferences, and became a camp counselor in training, a camp counselor, and then an adult volunteer.  Laney’s recent volunteer role is to perform a food demonstration video for the federal Nutrition Education Program through the University of Kentucky.

University of Kentucky Extension Specialist for Nutrition Education Program offered the opportunity for Laney to demonstrate a Teen Cuisine recipe for state wide educational use after seeing her video in the Boyd County 4-H Online Cooking Camp in August 2020.  The long time 4-H member did an outstanding job and was happy to volunteer in another video cooking demonstration.  

Laney credits Boyd County 4-H for her ability to comfortably speak publicly, and demonstrate; as well as, her career choice of elementary education and landing her current job as a YMCA daycare employee.   Boyd County 4-H values the leaders that 4-H helps create.  We believe a star was born!