Ruth Ann Hendrick has been a member of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation Board of Directors since 2014. She joined the Foundation to serve and give back to Kentucky 4-H. She wants to help 4-Her’s in Kentucky make their best, better. Ruth Ann says, “I really enjoy working with the youth and connecting with them.”
Ruth Ann believes the Foundation supports the youth of Kentucky through financial and leadership support. She says, “One of the best parts about being on the Foundation is meeting the youth and watching them grow through their years as a 4-Her and then into an adult that still gives back.”
Continue reading to learn more about Ruth Ann . . .
- How did you get your start in 4-H?
I joined 4-H in Kentucky in the 4th grade at my local elementary school and continued through high school.
I got involved because there was not anything else in my small rural community at the at the time for my age. I stayed involved because of the friendships formed and the fun I was having. I am still connected with 4-H friends from grade school and high school – 45 years later.
- What do you love about 4-H?
4-H is for everyone and the virtual programs that have sprung up this past year are allowing the youth to be involved in more things – especially projects their county could not support like learning to play the ukulele.
- What is/was your favorite 4-H program?
My favorite 4-H program was serving on the State Teen Council and being able to plan programs for the youth in the state like Teen Conference and different weekend leadership events. I met my spouse through the State Teen Council. I also did cooking, sewing and electricity projects.
- How did 4-H help you become the individual you are today?
People always comment on the public speaking skills they learned in 4-H that help them the most as an adult. I agree but I also want to add the planning and budgeting skills learned have helped me the most. When planning Teen Conference, the ability to see what would be popular sessions a year in advance took a lot of skill and imagination and forethought.
- What mentor impacted your life the most? Why?
I’ve had many mentors in my 4-H career. Two stand out the most. The first one was my 4-H leader in grade school – Jane Crawford. Before we could join 4-H, we had to agree to participate in at least two events a year and she pushed us to do more. She still is a very influential person in my life
Dennis Goodman was the State Office support person for State Teen Council. He expected us all to do our best and beyond and helped us become the best person we could be. His advice, counsel and support created many of us.
- Tell us about your family? Career path?
My husband and I have three children, six grandchildren and one on the way. All three of the kids were in 4-H. My youngest daughter and I still judge Gold Achievement Awards every year together. Only one grandchild is of 4-H age and she has already been to camp with her grandpa as an adult leader.
I am a computer programmer/analyst by trade and work for a stainless steel manufacturing company.
- What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family and the grandkids. I also lead our church youth group.
