Kentucky 4-H hosted the 95th Annual 4-H Teen Conference from June 10th -13th. This leadership opportunity offered senior level 4-H’ers the chance to continue to grow and better prepare themselves for college or the workforce.
Five Carter County 4-H members attended this year’s conference and were accompanied by two adults. The delegates included Riley Weaver, Ethan Pope, Brady Sammons, Aubri Perkins, and Kenzie Owens.
Much like an incoming college freshman, young people, who attended this year’s conference at the University of Kentucky, chose a major. Their major selection was in one of 4-H’s core content areas. Core content areas include communications/citizenship; natural resources; health; expressive arts; agriculture; science, engineering and technology; and family and consumer sciences. 4-H’ers received six hours of instruction from subject experts recruited from UK or surrounding agencies during the conference.
In addition to their major, 4-H members also participated in a minor focused on leadership development. Teens participated in two hours of activities designed to help strengthen their skills as leaders, focusing on communication, teamwork skills and appreciating diversity. Additionally, they participated in a community service project in the Lexington-Fayette County area.
As in years past, 4-H Teen Conference participants elected the Kentucky 4-H state officers for the upcoming year, along with the leadership tagline for the 2019 program year. During the conference, participants attended events in the UK Student Center and watched the Kentucky 4-H Fashion Revue and the Kentucky 4-H Performing Arts Troupe Showcase.
Teen Conference was also a time for celebrating 4-H’ers success by honoring those who participated in the 4-H Achievement Program. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation also awarded deserving 4-H’ers with various scholarships to apply to post-secondary education, and the 2019 state-level leadership boards were announced. Chandler Easterling, a recent West Carter High School graduate, was awarded the Kentucky 4-H Science, Engineering, & Technology $500 scholarship. Participants closed out the conference dressed in formal attire at the closing dance at Kroger Field’s Woodford Room.
More information on 4-H leadership opportunities is available at the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Office
4-H Teen Conference