4-H Alumni Spotlight – Kelsey Knight

By:  Paige Hart

Kelsey Knight, a 4-H alumnus from Pendleton County, is our August Alumni Spotlight.  While, Kelsey could once be found at any livestock show, she is currently living in Ghana, Africa where she is working for a year with AgriCorps to share her passion for agriculture and 4-H to Ghanaian youth.

Kelsey, age 5, just won the first place novice showmanship at the Pendleton County Fair.

You could say she was born into 4-H, with her involvement starting at the age of 2 showing sheep and in Cloverbud activities.  Kelsey adored going to 4-H camp and livestock shows growing up in Pendleton County.   She also has fond memories of being on the State Teen Council for four years, along with attending National Congress in 2009. However, Kelsey’s greatest accomplishment came when she was elected as the 2011-2012 State 4-H Secretary.   She also values the semester she spent in Serbia learning about their extension service, making farm trips and teaching 4-H style Cloverbud classes.

In 2011, Kelsey won the Pendleton County Round Robin Supreme Champion Showmanship.

Kelsey’s most cherished memory would be at livestock shows in Pendleton County.  “It was truly a family affair with the preparation before the show, traditions practiced before and during the show and memories made in the ring with siblings and cousins,” said Kelsey.  Kelsey now loves watching her younger cousins show livestock and taking the opportunity to volunteer at the county fair.

4-H has driven Kelsey to her career goals of working with youth to teach them about agriculture.  4-H has helped to develop her organization, delegation skills, and most valued communication skills.  These skills are used daily in her job, as well with any interaction working with groups of people. In the future, she looks to become a 4-H agent somewhere in Kentucky  where she will enrich youth’s 4-H experience.

Even as a recent alum, Kelsey is excited to see 4-H continuing to grow and reach even more youth.  Kelsey says, “Since I aged out, 4-H has an amazing performing arts troupe and is creating a new trend of teaching arts to the youth. “   Kelsey comments on the expanding programs, “4-H is an organization that is diverse enough for everyone’s interests, but specific enough to where everyone has a place within the organization.”

Kelsey, State Secretary and Greg Wood, State President were photoed in support of the Ag Tag Promotion that supports Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA and Kentucky Proud.

Kelsey is passionate about giving back to 4-H in a variety of avenues.  Kelsey is a donor, livestock leader, counselor at camp and volunteer for many clubs within her county.  When asked why she gave back she explained, “4-H is like a plant; you start out as a seed, but once the seed is planted, watered and given nutrients, it grows and produces more seeds.  4-H is like this because we all start out as seeds and we can grow as we learn more about our respected program areas. Eventually we are able to teach others and give back to where we came from to ensure a better crop.”

Kelsey is a true example of pledging my health to the better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.  Kelsey will impact Ghana this next year and we can’t wait to see what she brings back to her hometown as she continues to Make the Best Better.