“My focus has been spent on making the most of my time [in 4-H],” said Breanna, 2020 Emerald Award Recipient.
Breanna Burkhead is a nine year 4-Her from Garrard County. The majority of her adolescent years were spent in Corbin, Winchester and then Lancaster. She counts Lancaster as home because this is where she lived the longest and graduated from Garrard County High School.
“When I started in the 4-H program I knew I wanted to make it to the top,” said Breanna. She was introduced to the achievement program while she was a 4-Her in Clark County. To her, the program seemed like a great way to get involved.
Breanna added, “Going through the 4-H achievement program is like a plan you have to first find the end result, mine was Emerald.” The 4-H achievement program, in part, assist in teaching youth organizational skills, implementation of a plan and leadership. These are skills Breanna says she has most often used throughout her years in 4-H.
During Breanna’s tenure as a 4-Her she participated in the International Program. This program presented her with the opportunity to be Kentucky’s first ever exchange student to South Korea with a farm family on the island of Jeju; where she was able to see and learn about other cultures, but also about herself. “My favorite part of 4-H is being able to meet people from all across the word, and to grow personally,” said Breanna. She also added, it was apparent the 4-H life lessons she had learned would be essential in creating a positive experience.
To Breanna 4-H is not just an after school club. 4-H teaches young people skills such as public speaking, being involved in their communities, and to always keep working to make the best, better. 4-H is an organization that values not only agriculture but also other industries such as textiles, natural resources, healthy living, and leadership/communications.
4-H is family Breanna adds. “4-hers are ALL connected under the moto “to make the best better;” she says. “4-H teaches not only life skills but also builds friendships that last a lifetime.”
In Breanna’s free time, she is an avid reader, enjoying fiction, biographies and mystery books. When you cannot find her under a tree reading, you will find her on the farm with her family, playing with her dog, or taking care of her pigs and chickens.
Outside of 4-H Breanna enjoys spending time bettering her community. An example would be when her local art council lost their building; she used her 4-H skills to advocate for buying a building and worked to renovate it. As an Executive Board member, she helped to make center decisions. Breanna says, “I have built relationships and learned the importance of networking and how to be a responsible citizen.”
