By: Melissa G. Miller
From left to right: Keith Rogers – Executive Director, 4-H Foundation; Pam Rowsey Larson, Chairperson, 4-H Foundation; Kiernan Comer, State 4-H Treasurer; Amelia Iliohan, State 4-H Secretary; The Governor; MacKenzie Jones, State 4-H Vice-President; Calvin Andries, State 4-H President; and Kim Leger, 4-H State Specialist.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation, along with 6 million 4-Her’s from across the Commonwealth and the country will be celebrating National 4-H Week October 4-10. This year’s theme for National 4-H Week is 4-H Grows Here, the new National 4-H Campaign. 4-H grows confident, capable, and caring kids with the life skills to thrive in today’s world and succeed in their boldest dreams for tomorrow. Working in partnership with 110 universities, 4-H programs are research-backed and offer life-changing experiences to youth around the world.
Kentucky 4-H will be celebrating throughout the week its growth and accomplishments across the Commonwealth. 256,245 youth, grades K-12, participate in 4-H in one or more delivery modes. 4-Hers experience life-enriching opportunities in a learn-by-doing approach to help them grow into contributing, productive, self-directed members with marketable skills ready to compete in today’s global society. Today’s 4-Hers are participating and celebrating in the traditional programs like livestock judging and communications day; but also the successes of the new non-traditional programs like Robotics included in Science, Engineering and Technology.
The Kentucky 4-H Foundation continually works to expand and enhance its private support for Kentucky 4-H programs at all levels. Donations to the Foundation benefit 4-Hers from all 120 counties. The Foundation supports marquee programs such as State 4-H Officer Scholarships, State Fair activities, the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum, Regional Teen Leadership Conference, Teen Leadership Grants, Performing Arts Troupe, Issues Conference, Dog Program, General 4-H Marketing, 4-H Summit, and much more.
On Wednesday, September 30th, our State 4-H officers traveled to Frankfort to meet with Governor Beshear for the signing of the 4-H week proclamation. Kentucky ranks in the top 10 in several 4-H enrollment categories nationwide, with 32% of the K-12 grade population participating in 4-H in one or more delivery modes.
A fundamental purpose of 4-H week is to highlight our program’s success and especially the youth that are involved in 4-H. Each year, during National 4-H Week, the local and county 4-H clubs have the opportunity to showcase what they have gained from their membership in 4-H through activities and events at the local and county level. As an alumni of 4-H, why don’t you join in on the celebration! We challenge you during National 4-H week to show how 4-H grew in you and give back to 4-H! Call your local 4-H agent and volunteer. Through the Foundation you can give back by joining Kentucky 4-H Friends & Alumni online at www.kentucky4hfoundation.org for just $20/year; of which $10 goes back to the county council of your choice.
We here at the Foundation are excited to celebrate National 4-H week with the rest of the Kentucky 4-H family. We want to say thank you to all our alumni, volunteers, and supporters because without each of you none of this would be possible.
Celebrate National 4-H Week October 4-10! Get involved and help Kentucky 4-H Grow!
