By: Paige Hart
1996-1997 State Officer Team; Michael (front row on left) was the State President.
While Michael Walker once could be found at almost any 4-H event causing some sort of trouble, he is now helping others stay out of trouble and serving his country. Michael, currently a lieutenant and Judge Advocate in the United States Coast Guard, originally got his start in 4-H through the Lyon County school club, where he soon became involved with varying 4-H activities.
Michael’s first defining moment in 4-H was his time competing in the 4-H Speech and Demonstration Program from Third Grade to his Freshman Year in College. He often went to state competitions and won the contest one year. A farm boy by birth, Michael also regularly sent projects to the County and State Fairs.
Michael Walker campaigning at the 1995 Senior Conference.
Michael’s second defining moment was his freshman year in high school when he went on the American Heritage trip to Washington, D.C. While there, he connected with other 4-H’ers from across the state. This networking led to his getting more involved with his County and Area Teen Councils, ultimately leading to his serving on the State Teen Council and becoming a State Officer. He served as State Secretary from 1994-1995, State President from 1995-1996, and as a past officer. Back then, he wasn’t known as Michael, but went by his middle name “Odell,” and those who remember his state officer campaigns might remember slogans such as “Do Well with Odell.”
Michael really appreciated all of the opportunities to travel while in 4-H. He attended the 1995 National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C. and the National Congress in Memphis in 1995. He valued the opportunity to travel our Commonwealth during his years in office as well.
From left to right, Paige Hart, Michael Walker, and Sheena Thomas-Brown visiting at 4-H Homecoming.
“4-H helped develop my public speaking, confidence as a leader, the importance of contributing to an organization’s mission, working with external partners, and being a servant leader,” said Michael. These defining moments for Michael, as well as his involvement on the Lyon County Mock Trial Team, led him to pursue a career as an attorney and ultimately join the Coast Guard. “4-H and Mock Trial made me the person I am today,” stated Michael. “However, I never would have thought about being on the Mock Trial Team were it not for my 4-H Public Speaking experiences.” Michael’s advice for a parent thinking of getting their child involved with 4-H is, “Do it! The beauty of the 4-H program is that any youth can be involved. There are so many different programs, trades and activities. It is a great investment for life-long skills.”
Michael Walker speaking at 4-H Homecoming; he always makes a point to come home to attend.
As an alumnus, Michael is still very active in the 4-H program. He has served on the Friends of Kentucky 4-H Board of Directors, judged speeches and demonstrations, and reviewed scholarship applications. He always comes home to Kentucky to attend 4-H Homecoming and connect with old friends, but to also know what is happening now in 4-H and see the youth that are excelling in the program. He had great agents in the Pennyrile area that were always there to help with anything, particularly Janeen Tramble and Sheena Thomas-Brown. It instilled the importance of cultivating relationships that help youth develop their talents to become the best possible version of themselves. With alumni like Michael who are investing in 4-H in different ways, 4-H will continue to strive To Make the Best Better.
