More than 500 youth of high school age from all across the state attended the 101st Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference at the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington last month.
Throughout the week, delegates had the chance to experience the life of a college student by signing up for classes and staying in the Pigman Hall dorms. Also during this time many 4-H spirit events took place, such as Cloverfest, achievement awards, Fashion Revue, scholarship recognition, numerous assemblies, a dance, and finally the installation of the 2025-26 officer team.
Katelynn Molesky from Adair County is a member of the State 4-H Teen Council and helped with the annual teen conference. Katelynn also received her silver honors at the Conference.
Available majors ranged from agriculture to engineering to communication, giving delegates a variety of choices to better pursue their interests as well as expand their horizons. Alongside their majors, youth also took part in a service minor to give back to the community within and surrounding the campus.
Behind the scenes of this event lay hours of hard work, planning, and dedication from extension specialists, Kentucky 4-H Foundation board members, university staff, State Teen Council representatives, and others with interest in the future of the organization, as well as that of the youth involved.
Throughout the duration of Teen Conference, many teens were able to step out of their comfort zones and make friends from other counties, as well as take part in decisions that would affect the direction taken by the 4-H program in the coming months - such as the year’s platform and tagline.
By the end of the week, most delegates had smiles on their faces and new friends by their sides, marking this year’s Teen Conference a success.
By Katelynn M Molesky
Adair County 4-H Member / E1-E2 Representative, Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council
