Extension Office Gives Students Taste of Real World Growth

While in-class learning gives students a broad base of knowledge, learning real-world truths outside the classroom can be equally as impactful. The LaRue County Extension Office goes above and beyond each year to teach students the good, the challenging and everything in between about life skills outside of the classroom.

Misty Wilmoth leads her Extension Office team in programming and partnerships for the school year. The star of the programming involves the 4-H and Extension Office partnerships with LaRue County Schools.

“4-H programs help youth develop life skills,” Wilmoth said. “Through 4-H, members learn leadership skills and improve their communication skills. They learn about careers and often develop passions. Various educational opportunities allow them to learn and grow in whatever area interests them.”

4-H starts for 4th through 6th graders. The students first learn parliamentary procedure as the students elect officers and conduct meetings.

They put that leadership into action, Wilmoth said.

“Each club selects a community service project each year that they complete with the help of their teachers,” she said. “Their projects have ranged from writing letters to soldiers to collecting hats and gloves for the Family Resource Center. Food drives and collecting items for the Hardin County Animal Shelter have also been popular choices.”

Kentucky’s 4-H is rooted in core curriculum areas. These focal points include leadership, communications and expressive arts, family and consumer sciences, agriculture and natural resources, science, engineering and technology and health.

4-H also gives students a taste of the real world in more direct ways. The Reality Store helps 8th graders learn the hard truths about budgeting, monthly expenses, and the benefits of education and career advancement. Ninth-grade students undergo the Truth and Consequences program. This gives students an understanding of the consequences of drug—or alcohol-related incidents. They go through the program with community volunteers who help show them the consequences of randomly picked scenarios drawn by the student.

Wilmoth mentioned that 4-H also benefits teachers.

“Headstart participated in chick incubation this year and 6th grade science teacher, Deana Paden utilized the National 4-H STEM Challenge,” Wilmoth said.

Beyond 4-H partnerships, the Extension Office provides services to a variety of school departments. Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Marla Stillwell offers a wide variety of programs for elementary students such as the LEAP Program which focuses on literacy and making healthy choices. Susan Riggs, the Nutrition Education Program Assistant, is involved in providing programming focused on healthy choices. Susan works with programming at the Life Connection. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Adam Thomas participates in career days and partners with the high school FFA program.

For Wilmoth and her team at the Extension Office, these activities do more than entertain and educate kids. They change lives. Wilmoth said kids find confidence through projects like public speaking or mentoring.

“Many 4-H alumni credit their time in 4-H with helping them to achieve their success,” she said. “4-H often helps young people determine the path they want to choose in life. It does not matter what the child’s interests are because 4-H truly has something for everyone.”