The 90th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held in Lexington on the campus of the University of Kentucky on June 8-11, 2015. Many 4-H alumni may know this annual event as Senior Conference, 4-H Week or before 1942, Junior Week. Over 540 4-H’ers from across the Commonwealth gathered on the campus for four days filled with exciting events such as the election of the state 4-H Officers, recognition of achievement award winners and scholarship winners along with workshops, guest speakers, and general sessions.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation is key to assisting in making the Teen Conference a success each year by playing an essential role in several portions of the four day conference. One of the ways the Foundation supports 4-H is through securing sponsors for events throughout the year. The 2015 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference would not be possible without the support of the presenting sponsor Farm Credit Mid-America.
For the fourth year the Foundation is privileged to recognize four Emerald Award Winners during this year’s Teen Conference. The Emerald Award is the highest achievement award a 4-H’er can receive. The Foundation has committed $80,000 per year to the new achievement program in order to recognize outstanding 4-H’ers for their achievements. This year 22 youth applied for the Emerald Award by submitting an application, resume, cover letter, presenting a PowerPoint presentation and completing an interview process. From 22 applicants they were narrowed down to 9 for the second interview and ultimately 4 were awarded the Emerald Award. During Tuesday night’s awards program all Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners were also recognized.
During Teen Conference, the Foundation also announced the Kentucky 4-H Scholarship recipients. The scholarships that were presented were the Michael Bandy/Ale-8-One $1,000 scholarship, The James W. Kidwell Memorial Scholarship for $1,500, and four Farm Credit Mid-America Scholarships for $500 each. On behalf of the Foundation, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to the late Ms. Brenda Bandy, the Ale-8-One Bottling Company, Courtney and Matthew Barancin the grandchildren of James W. Kidwell and their cousin Dorie Smith, and Farm Credit Mid-America for the outstanding support they have provided for these scholarships.
The Foundation was also privileged to host the 2nd Annual Linger Luncheon on Wednesday of Teen Conference. The Linger Luncheon is focused on 4-H members close to ageing out of 4-H to celebrate their 4-H career and share opportunities to remain connected to 4-H through college and after.
The Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference is a state level leadership conference for senior 4-H members to develop leadership and citizenship skills, inspire teens to continue their 4-H involvement and experience life on a college campus. During the four day conference, teens develop valuable life skills, leadership competencies and communication abilities by taking part in over 75 two-day and one-day educational, hands-on and fun classes. Delegates have an opportunity to stay on the University of Kentucky campus living in dorms and visiting facilities that allow them to see how a real college student lives. Delegates are encouraged to explore their future education and degree plans by exploring what the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment can offer.
President Calvin Andries; Vice President MacKenzie Jones; Secretary Amelia Iliohan; Treasurer Kiernan Comer
2015 / 2016 State 4-H Officers
President – Calvin Andries, Franklin County
Vice President – MacKenzie Jones, Franklin County
Secretary – Amelia Iliohan, Hopkins County
Treasurer – Kiernan Comer, Montgomery County
L-R: Morgan Askins, Warren County; Lexi Bergman, Oldham County; Kristine Gillenwater, Allen County; Kaylie Padgett, Lincoln County and Dr. Charlene Jacobs, Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development
Emerald Award Winners
Kaylie Padgett, Lincoln County
Kristine Gillenwater, Allen County
Morgan Askins, Warren County
Lexi Bergman, Oldham County
Farm Credit Mid America Scholarships
Kaylie Padgett, Lincoln County
Lexi Bergman, Oldham County
Amelia Jordan Tarrence, Hardin County
Caitlin Travis, Lyon County
The Michael Bandy/Ale-8-One Scholarship
Dakota Saylor, Harlan County
The James W. Kidwell Memorial Scholarship
Rachel Hart, Fayette County
Once again, we want to thank our sponsor Farm Credit Mid-America along with all the volunteers, 4-H agents, and state 4-H staff that made the conference possible.
Mark your calendar for the 2016 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference on June 13-16!
