Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

By Amy Branstetter

Metcalfe County 4-H Agent

Photos by Amy Branstetter

 

The Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum was held February 21, 2024, in Lexington at the Central Bank Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency. Metcalfe County 4-H had thirty five attendees and award winners. The KVF gives the opportunity for volunteers to take educational classes, collaborate with volunteers from across the state, and showcase outstanding Kentucky Volunteers.

Metcalfe County 4-H Council is excited to announce Metcalfe County 4-H has one national Hall of Fame winner, five state adult Hall of Fame winners, three teen winners (with one winning 2 awards), and fourteen 10 year members.

We are very happy to celebrate all of the wonderful things our 4-H Volunteers do for our youth. We would not be able to reach as many youth without the teens and adults giving their time.

The Kentucky 4-H Hall of Fame Awards Banquet winners:

• Achievement Award for Certified Shooting Sports Volunteer Winner. Metcalfe County 4-H Certified Volunteer – Ken Childers.
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility (IDEA) Award winner.
• Metcalfe County 4-H Shooting Sports, KY Fish and Wildlife and Metcalfe County Public Schools (Community Education).
• Metcalfe 4-H teamed up with Metcalfe County Community Education and KY Fish & Wildlife to offer “KY Hunters Safety Orange Card” and range time. This has given the opportunity for people from across the state to get their “Orange Card”.

Ken started as a grandparent volunteer, but quickly became more involved in the 4-H Shooting Sport program. He has served on the State 4-H Shooting Sports committee for six years.

For twenty-two years Teresa has volunteered as an adult counselor at West KY 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs during the Metcalfe County camping week. Teresa LOVES camp! She is a positive role model and has a way of providing a fun atmosphere for campers, teens and adults at camp. She attends camp, because she has a passion for working with youth and her love for Metcalfe County 4-H.

Lesley is dedication, interest, and enthusiasm has brought many new families to 4-H. Her involvement began as a parent volunteer that has led to her becoming a Certified Livestock Volunteer and the Leader of the Metcalfe County Middle School club. Her enthusiasm is contagious and has inspired both youth and adults to become more active in Metcalfe County 4-H.

Don has been a Metcalfe County 4-H leader for thirty-one years. He is a dedicated volunteer, spending countless hours working with programs and transporting youth to forestry field days, Livestock Contest, and camp.

 

Conrad Feltner Award-Youth – Colton Huffman

Colton has been a 4-H member for over 10 years. He has had the opportunity to participate in county, area, state and national contest and events. Colton states “4-H has helped to change my life for the best. 4-H also has given me the opportunity to become s more confident and well-rounded individual.

 

Conrad Feltner Award-Youth – Charles Thomas Branstetter

Charles Thomas has been able to learn and understand the importance of diversity, motivation and dedication in his ten years of 4-H. This has helped him become a strong leader in his school and community.

Linda has served as a 4-H volunteer for fifty years. Her leadership and volunteer involvement has made an impact across the commonwealth. Linda created the 4-H project days to provide youth a way to learn new skills and encourage creativity. She has been on state 4-H committees for the Kentucky Volunteer forum and Dairy Cow Camp. Mrs. Linda is always looking for ways to help youth and adults.

 

Achievement Award for Teen Camp Volunteer – Evan Acree

For 10 years Evan has attended 4-H camp with Metcalfe County. He attends camp because of his passion working and being a mentor to the younger members. His work ethic and his dedication to making 4-H Camp a wonderful experience is second to none.

 

Community Service Award-Youth – Colton Huffman

Six years ago Colton started the 4-H Project Patriot Community Service project to show appreciation for our soldiers overseas during the holidays. Colton has send over 648 personal care packages valued at over $34,000.

 

10 year 4-H Member Award Winners – (Pictured: Evan Acree, Lawton Avery, Charles Thomas Branstetter, and Trey Branstetter) Mary Cate Bell, Randall Joe Neal Brown, Brianna Garmon, Aiden Grindle, Hayden Hawkins, Colton Huffman, Dixie Hurt, Emily Shaw, Jackson Simpson, and Ben Welsh.