By: Paige Hart
Joey Whitfield, a now native of Texas, is the Foundation’s September Alumni Spotlight. Joey is currently the IT Program Manager at Texas Instruments, a company that he has been with for over 32 years. Although a Texan now, Joey was very involved with Kentucky 4-H and continues to support the organization that helped shape him into the person he is today.
Joey Whitfield working on his 4-H clothing project.
Joey was an active Hopkins County 4-H member that lived for State Teen Council meetings. Joey first got his start with the local variety show, which his mother was always eager to help with, ranging from assisting with costumes to being a practice audience. He enjoyed showing cattle, along with cattle judging. Joey also attended National 4-H Conference held in Washington D.C. and National 4-H Congress in Chicago, Illinois with his conservation project book.
4-H gave Joey life skills that furthered his home, business, and daily interactions. “Honestly, what I did and learned while I was a part of 4-H furthered my career and skills I use daily in my career, more than anything I learned in college, said Joey. He gained respect for others, collaboration skills and public speaking skills that have served him well; not to mention, the countless conservation skills that he gained and still uses today on his property and farm.
Joey says, “4-H is hard to accurately describe in words; just how much the friendships, experience and opportunities impact you. People don’t always understand the connection you hold as a 4-H alum. No matter where we are, we have the connection of 4-H.” 4-H truly has life-long impact on its members in more ways than originally expected. Perhaps, Joey said it best when he said, “4-H is something that gives more back to you than you can ever give to it.”
Joey Whitfield was a member of State 4-H Teen Council from 1977-81. Joey is on the back row, left center with glasses.
When asked what advise he would give a parent who is encouraging their child to get involved with 4-H, Joey says, “You wouldn’t make a better decision! 4-H isn’t as focused on awards, as it is about learning and training youth for the future. 4-H leaders instill values that help youth develop into people that contribute to our society.” Not only does 4-H provide values, principles and qualities needed to be a future leader, but it does so in creative and exciting ways. “4-H reaches many other areas today, than it did when I was involved with the more traditional agriculture and homemaking,” said Joey.
Joey Whitfield leading the closing song, “Linger” at this year’s 4-H Homecoming festivities.
“I have been disconnected with Kentucky 4-H for a while, but I recently got reconnected when I attended the annual 4-H Homecoming, ” says Joey. He looks forward to the annual alumni event to reconnect with old friends and reminisce on 4-H memories. Joey makes it a priority to come back to Kentucky each summer to attend this event. He says, “When thinking back, 4-H influenced my life more than anything else, which is a huge reason why I give back now.”
