By Katelynn M. Molesky, KY 4-H State Teen Council Member
The year was 1976.
A group of 4-H teens and dedicated adults gathered, discussing bylaws and tossing ideas around. Between discussions, jokes bounced around the room and smiles spread like wildfire, a sure sign of the strong bonds that were already being formed.
At the very least, they figured, they would benefit from the experience and friendships gained during this time. But little did they know, these meetings would end up building a
long-lasting organization, sparking a legacy that would shape many generations of young leaders after them.
“All we knew was that it was a time to get organized,” recalls Janie Meng Sawatsky, who was one of those teens. “We wanted to create something bigger and better than just a bunch of kids coming together in a 4-H meeting. We were a group of 4-Hers who were anxious to make the world a better place and to help make Kentucky 4-H better…”
Fifty years later, that very organization, now known as the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council, still flourishes, serving as a foundational part of the lives of many teenagers across the commonwealth. What began as an experiment has grown into a powerful tradition, one that continues to inspire, challenge and unite young people season after season.
“I vividly remember having a voice that mattered on the State Teen Council,” says Assistant Extension Director for 4-H Youth Development Dr. Rachel Guidugli, who was a member of the council in the early 2000s. “That was one of the first times as a young person that I felt like I had the chance to speak up, make a decision and know that my voice was heard.”
“Being on STC was an opportunity where you were never judged like you are in high school,” recalls Shane Carlin, a former state officer. “You got to truly be who you are. Ultimately, it’s the foundation of why I’m who and where I am today.”
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, an event was held on May 30th at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field. Throughout the evening, the stadium took on an unusual atmosphere: carefully arranged tables, festive decorations, joyful reunions, heartfelt speeches, and displays of relics from decades past.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that the evening would be something special. People of various ages, professions, and backgrounds mingled easily, sharing conversations about their shared passion – 4-H and its lifelong impact. Across the room, eyes widened in recognition as old friends reunited, and excited voices echoed through the room.
For many former council members, the reunion felt seamless, as if no time had passed. Some were reconnecting after only months or years, while others found themselves face-to-face with friends they had not seen, or even heard from, in decades.
“Those you meet in 4-H are like your best friends,” noted council alumnus Tim Hendrick. “You disappear from each other’s lives then, you show back up! The conversation picks up like you’d never been apart!”
The night featured several guest speakers, all alumni or current members of the council, who provided the audience with a deeper understanding of what the organization has meant
and done for those who took part in it. They also learned about the people, such as the late Dennis Goodman, who put forth the time and effort required to help make the dream a reality.
Additionally, a fundraising campaign titled “$50K for 50 Years” was introduced to provide funding for future endeavors through the Dennis Goodman Endowment. To kick it off, a hand-painted banner featuring Clovercat, the Kentucky 4-H mascot, was auctioned off, bringing in a total of $25,000. Following the auction, attendees were encouraged to donate to the endowment, ultimately raising a total of $41,607 by the end of the night. It was also reminded that those who were interested in contributing could still donate to support the fund, therefore enabling it to continue to leave its lasting impact on future generations.
“Kentucky 4-H changed my life,” says Jason Headrick. “I talk about it all the time. I talk about the values of 4-H and volunteering with 4-H, and I will absolutely just tell anybody to be involved.”
“I don’t know where I’d be today if it had not been for 4-H,” adds former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “In fact, it helped encourage me to run for office later in life, to serve in the legislature and to be commissioner of agriculture. So for me, 4-H and STC was not only paramount but essential to who I became.”
For many, the evening was a callback to their days on the State Teen Council, a chance to reconnect with old friends, and an opportunity to share their stories. In fact, before long, these alumni found themselves experiencing the spirit of the State Teen Council once more.
Between the feeling of homecoming and the funds raised throughout the night, the reunion and anniversary celebration proved to be a great success. It also further stated that the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council is far more than a leadership group or a line on a résumé; it is a living, breathing community, one built on shared experiences, transformative opportunities and the kind of friendships that can outlast decades. The stories told, the laughter shared, and the memories rekindled all pointed to the same enduring legacy: this council has shaped lives, strengthened communities and inspired generations to lead with purpose.
As alumni looked around the room at all the people who had shown up for the same reason, it was evident that the spirit first ignited in 1976 continues to burn just as brightly today.
Clearly, a lot can change in 50 years, but the mission, legacy, and impact of the Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council remain and will continue for generations to come.