The following 4-H Youth Development articles printed in the 2020 Summer edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter.

Ella Olds Receives Kentucky 4-H Gold Award

Ella Olds was recently honored with the Gold Achievement Award, Kentucky 4-H’s second highest state level award. The process requires an in-depth application detailing the recipient’s 4-H career as well as an interview.

An Oldham County 4-H member since age nine, Ella has a long list of accomplishments and experiences to her name, including numerous awards at state dog shows, horse shows, and the state fair. She created a professional-level 4-H promotional video by combining her videography and interviewing skills.

Ella has served as vice president of the Ballardsville High Riders 4-H Horse Club and Youth Representative for Oldham County on the District 3 Horse Committee. Her volunteering roles include counselor-in-training at Oldham County 4-H Camp, mentor to Oldham County’s Junior Horse Bowl Team, food distributor at HighPoint Pantry, and dog food packer at My Dog Eats First. She also helps with 4-H fundraisers such as Clover Sales at Tractor Supply Company.

When asked how 4-H has influenced her, Ella responded, “I have been in 4-H for 7 years now and I have learned so much. 4-H has taught me to learn from my mistakes and to not give up when things get difficult, but to also see challenges as opportunities. I have learned more about the world around me through community service and leadership. 4-H has taught me to try something new and take risks. My communication skills have improved dramatically through giving speeches and talking in front of my clubs. I have also made some amazing friendships.”

Outside of 4-H, Ella has earned her Scuba Diving Rescue Diver Certification, volunteers at her church, and plays violin.

OC 4-H’ers Receive State-Level Bronze and Silver Awards

The 4-H Achievement Program recognizes exceptional 4-H project work, leadership, communication, and community involvement. There are scholarships for state events available at each level achieved at Bronze Level and beyond. Congratulations to the following Oldham County 4-H members who received the State Bronze and Silver Awards.

Congratulations to each of you. We’re so proud of your accomplishments!

Written by Lauren Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Program Assistant, and Kelly Woods, Oldham County 4-H Agent.