By: Paige Hart
The Foundation is excited to announce our October Alumni Spotlight, Teresa Goggin, a 4-H member originally from Russell County. She is a graduate of the UK College of Agriculture with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics and a Master of Science in Family Studies.
Teresa Goggin as a young 4-Her working on her electricity skills.
Teresa first fell in love with 4-H at camp. Her father was the 4-H Agent in Russell County, and her mom was a volunteer leader, so becoming involved with 4-H was given. Teresa looked forward to 4-H Week, cooking competitions, along with rifle and shotgun competitions. Some of her best memories were from trips with 4-H. She attended National 4-H Congress in Chicago for her electricity project book, National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., Older Youth Conference at Camp Miniwanca in Michigan, along with an exchange program with Colorado 4-H.
Teresa has fond memories of her time on State Teen Council and her years as a State Officer. She was the 1981-1982 State 4-H Secretary and 1982-1983 State 4-H President, one of her most cherished memories. Teresa would encourage a current 4-H’er with the following wisdom, “Try something new. There are so many projects and activities, with more now than when I was involved. It will take you far- take you on trips, let you meet people and make memories.”
Teresa Goggin modeling the short outfit she made in the style review.
4-H was also a family affair at the fullest. While her father was the 4-H agent, her mother had also worked as the Home Demonstration Agent in Lee County. The entire family went on the Colorado 4-H exchange trip. 4-H Camp was also a family event throughout their childhood and teen years. Teresa and her brother, Jeff, also competed in meats judging, livestock judging and completed their projects books. “4-H involved my family thoroughly. It was a wonderful way to grow and mature,” said Teresa. “I was so busy because there were always projects, activities, and conferences- never a dull moment!”
When asked how 4-H has changed since her 4-H years Teresa said, “There aren’t as many pages for project books any more. 4-H clubs in school seem to be a greater challenge to conduct than when I was involved. There also seems to be an increase in state level programming and state competitions. While things are different, the 4-H program has also held strong to its roots. Every child is welcomed to be involved. 4-H offers varying projects to get youth truly immersed to compete at the area, state, and national levels or do a number of projects at the county level.”
Teresa Goggin cooking BBQ chicken for her area competition.
Teresa has been involved with 4-H for over 20 years. She is currently a 4-H volunteer in Boyle County where she has been a judge, leader at camp and loves to encourage youth to participate and take leadership in their own niche. The main reason Teresa loves to give back to 4-H is to keep her young. “Volunteering makes it still seem like you are participating and having a ball,” said Teresa. She presently is a donor to the Foundation and hasn’t missed a 4-H Homecoming yet. Homecoming is a great time to reconnect with 4-H friends and reminisce. Without alumni, volunteers, and supporters like Teresa, 4-H would not be the thriving program it is today. Thank you Teresa for all you have done to live out the motto, “To Make The Best Better” for Kentucky 4-H.
