Kierra Star Owens, is a senior 4-H member from Allen County and a 2020 Emerald Award Recipient. “The moment I realized I wanted to achieve Emerald was when I saw my Agent’s (Anna Meador) Emerald Award,” said Kierra. “My heart skipped a beat, and I knew I had to earn one for myself, no matter how hard it was to do so.”
The Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program recognizes 4-H participants who have outstanding accomplishments and provides an incentive for youth to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities. Kierra has learned a lot through the Achievement Program but most importantly that she is capable of anything she can set her mind too.
During Kierra’s early 4-H years she focused on several program areas, but now spends her time focused on the horse program and community service. “Kierra is very passionate about the projects she gets engaged in,” said Anna Meador, Allen County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development. “Her favorite is the horse project with her horse that she has worked to 
train herself. The livestock and horse programs are so unique, because the kids develop such a deep relationship and bond with their animals which teaches them life skills – from responsibility to dedication and hard work, to communication, business skills, and financial education and so many other things.”
When ask why people should support Kentucky 4-H she said “4-H has inspired me to help others in need… [4-H] keeps youth well-grounded and well-rounded, and it teaches them that no matter where you come from or how old you are, you can always give a helping hand to others.”
Kierra would tell you that 4-H is assisting in educating today’s youth, but the program is also preparing them to be better citizens in the future. Living this out, Kierra, in partnership with Allen, Logan and Simpson County Community Early Childhood Councils, is working to create “Storybook Trail at Dugas Park”.
“4-H teaches youth how to give to others before taking it for themselves” said Kierra. “It is a wonderful program that provides many opportunities that wouldn’t be given without 4-H.” She adds that 4-H teaches kids both practical life skills as well as people and interaction skills, which may not seem obvious but are needed daily and will be valuable in future activities.
Kierra is an incoming senior at Allen County Scottsville High School. She is the youngest and 
only girl in her family with two older siblings. Kierra was given to her parents at only three weeks old, and officially adopted when she was one and a half. Kierra has a passion for 4-H, but she also loves musical theatre through her high schools’ drama program. She is the President of her high school’s Asian Culture Club and is currently teaching herself Japanese. After graduating from high school, Kierra plans to attend the University of Kentucky and major in psychology; then go into criminal law.
“You have to put forth the effort,” said Kierra when advising an up and coming 4-Her in the Achievement Program. “You have to persevere and pull through the ups and downs, and that will be worth it.” She adds if every young child can do 4-H, it will benefit them, and they should do it!
