Alumni Spotlight – Chandler Young

By:  Paige Hart

Chandler Young, age 13, is wearing the pair of pajama pants that he created in the 4-H sewing club.

Our June Alumni Spotlight is Chandler Young from Nelson County, who was an active 4-Her in his youth for seven years. He first became involved in 4-H through Nelson County’s January-to-June clubs, with the goal of having a completed project to be entered in the Nelson County Fair by the end of the club. Through the club, Chandler became involved in photography, sewing, electricity, consumer-financial education, and small engines clubs. Chandler described this as being very exciting for his younger self because he was able to get involved in multiple areas and love 4-H for all it has to offer.

As he grew older, his interests became more focused on the 4-H Shooting Sports Education Program.  After a little hesitation, he first joined the Nelson County 4-H Shooting Sports in 2008 and has loved it ever since.  While reminiscing on the program Chandler said, “I made life-long friends, and overcame my fear of public speaking. I would have never imagined that I would become a coach in the program, let alone a National Ambassador.”  While Chandler could never have imagined the impact Shooting Sports would have on his life, it would lead to his proudest moment in 4-H.

Chandler Young, and his sister, Rachel, showing their county fair winning tomatoes.

Chandler believes his greatest accomplishment in 4-H was to start the Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board. He got the inspiration for this after attending the National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Training in 2011 in San Antonio, Texas.  There he was trained as an ambassador to represent the National 4-H Shooting Sports program. During the training, he and another Kentucky 4-Her were challenged to start a state-level ambassador program mirroring the national one, and they did just that! The Board was started in 2013 and they have trained eleven youth to become Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors. Chandler was also on State Teen Council from 2011-2013 and a program assistant in 2014.  He was also a Kentucky representative to both National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference.

Chandler Young receiving a scholarship check with his 4-H mentors, Mr. and Mrs. Creech.

Chandler wanted to make sure that credit was given where credit was due, and for him that is to Mrs. Judy Creech.  Mrs. Creech was the former 4-H Program Assistant for Nelson County 4-H, and Chandler’s mentor.  Chandler credits Mrs. Creech for his success in 4-H.  He said, “She was always supportive and encouraged me to do my best in everything I do. She cared for the youth in the 4-H program and dedicated her life to making Nelson County 4-H a great organization.”

Chandler Young giving back as a volunteer and presenting how to shoot a Muzzle loading target to the Nelson County 4-H Shooting Sports club.

Not only did 4-H allow Chandler to make life-long friends, but he also said it helped to prepare him for his current career.  Chandler currently works as an IT System Administrator for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.  Through 4-H, he learned how to be successful in a job interview, how to manage money, leadership, how to conduct efficient meetings, Robert’s Rules of Order, and much more.  Chandler is excited to pass along the skills he learned in 4-H, as he continues to volunteer with the program that positively changed his life.