Kentucky 4-H Youth Development, part of the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, honored more than 300 adult and teen volunteers during the 2026 Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF), Feb. 26-28 in Lexington.   

According to Rachel Guidugli, assistant Extension director for Kentucky 4-H Youth Development, young 4-H members don’t become healthy, productive and engaged adults by chance. 

“It happens through the intentional efforts of professionals, volunteers, parents, caregivers and community members who believe in their potential,” Guidugli said. “4-H creates an environment where youth can discover their spark, build lasting relationships, engage in meaningful experiences and truly belong.”

Several awards were presented to individuals and teams who have impacted Kentucky 4-H through their support and service.

“Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and staff, Kentucky 4‑H is shaping the next generation of innovators, leaders and changemakers,” Guidugli said. “Their impact is immeasurable, and I’m grateful we could recognize their contributions in such a meaningful way.”

Friend of Kentucky 4-H Award

Wayne Hunt, owner of H&R Agri-Power, received the Friend of Kentucky 4-H Award for providing longstanding and innovative support at the county and state level. His commitment and investments in Cloverville at the Kentucky State Fair, the 4-H Emerald Gala and the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project have ensured youth across the Commonwealth have meaningful opportunities to grow and showcase their skills. At home in Christian County, Hunt contributes to several local 4-H programs, including 4-H Camp, livestock programs and agriculture education events. 

After he accepted the award, Hunt shared that he couldn’t think of a better example than 4-H to start young people off right. 

“4-H is the greatest organization there is,” Hunt said through his tears. “It grows young people for life and for what they are going to face.” 

National 4-H Hall of Fame Laureate Award

The family of the late George Heersche, Jr., a UK Animal Science professor and dairy specialist, was invited to receive his National 4-H Hall of Fame Laureate award for his lifelong service to 4-H. Heersche passed in 2023 before receiving the 2024 honor.

Heersche retired in 2020 but continued to mentor and advise young people in the 4-H dairy program. He influenced nearly 20,000 Kentucky youth over 45 years. 

Heersche’s daughter, Kim, spoke on behalf of her family, thanking Kentucky 4-H for her father’s nomination and their support. 

“I was thinking about what my dad would say at this moment, and as a dairyman, he would be delighted to see real butter at the banquet this evening,” Kim said. 

She also talked about Heersche’s love for the people he served.

“If you knew my dad, you knew he was about relationships,” she said. “He would want you to know how much you meant to him.”

Bridge Builder and Innovative Impact Awards

The Bridge Builder and Innovative Impact Awards recognize individuals and groups who have expanded their reach to new audiences by developing or implementing innovative programs while strengthening the sense of belonging within their local 4-H program. These awards are sponsored by Martin-Gatton CAFE.

2026 Bridge Builder and Innovative Impact Award recipients:

• Edmonson County Fiscal Court and Edmonson County 4-H Council
• Officer Blake Quinn, McCracken County
• Metcalfe County 21^st Century, Lesley London and 4-H Sewing Program volunteers
• Kelvin Deberry, Todd County
• Seth and Neal Brown, Warren County

Achievement Awards for Certified Program Volunteers 

Achievement Awards for Certified Horse, Livestock and Shooting Sports Volunteers recognize individuals who are currently involved in those programs. Honorees make an important, positive and measurable impact on clubs, communities, the Kentucky 4-H Program and the lives of 4-H members and volunteers. These awards are sponsored by their corresponding volunteer certification programs.

2026 Certified Horse Volunteer Achievement Award recipients:

• Cara Collins, Christian County
• Alice Skaggs, Henderson County
• Tresa Skaggs, Henderson County
• Jennifer Dones, Nelson County
• Tracie Rotermann, Warren County

2026 Certified Livestock Volunteer Achievement Award recipients:

• Katie Jo Walker, Christian County
• Lindsey Dewig, Daviess County
• Kevin McCarty, Kenton County
• Alan Gilleo, Shelby County
• Erin Kathleen Stumph, Washington County

2026 Certified Shooting Sports Volunteer Achievement Award recipients:

• Mike Coyle, Kenton County
• Freddie Taylor, Laurel County
• Cash Fugate, Jr., Metcalfe County
• Chester Hockensmith, Oldham County
• Nathan York, Scott County 

Achievement Awards for Adult and Teen Camp Volunteers 

Achievement Awards for Adult and Teen Camp Volunteers recognize individuals who are making an important, positive and measurable impact on 4-H camp, the Kentucky 4-H Program and the lives of 4-H members and volunteers. These awards are sponsored by the Kentucky 4-H Camping Program.

2026 Adult Camp Volunteer Achievement Award recipients:

• Kim Erwin, Allen County
• Adam Teater, Jessamine County
• Hunter Pike, Kenton County
• Meghan Daugherty, Laurel County
• John Miller, Marshall County

2026 Teen Camp Volunteer Achievement Award recipients:

• Heath Ford, Henderson County
• Izzy Hunt, Henry County
• Layne Miller, Laurel County
• Aubrie Compton, Metcalfe County
• Neal Brown, Warren County

Community Service Awards

The Community Service Awards recognize adult and teen volunteers who have made a visible contribution to their community by facilitating youth involvement in community service. These awards are sponsored by Dr. George A. and the late Ruth H. Duncan.

2026 Adult Community Service Award recipients:

• Martha Colley and Anna Pollock, Christian County
• Barbara Johnson and Edmonson County Soil Conservation Board
• Edmonson County Homemakers
• Linda Branstetter, Metcalfe County
• Jere Ingram, Nelson County

2026 Teen Community Service Award recipients:

• Shelbi Goe and Analyse Day, Estill County
• Delaney Koch, Harrison County
• Cade Huffman, Metcalfe County
• Cameron and Cecilia Huggins, Simpson County
• Haylee Goodlett, Spencer County

Together Everyone Accomplishes More (TEAM) Awards 

The Together Everyone Accomplishes More (TEAM) Awards recognize a team of youth and adult volunteers who have exhibited a mutual partnership and have successfully conducted or addressed an issue that made a significant difference. These awards are sponsored by Dr. George A. and the late Ruth H. Duncan.

2026 TEAM Award recipients:

• Jean Mize, R.C. Durr Foundation, Kenton County
• Mariola Redner, Leslie Leasor, Stephanie Florence and Misty Wilmoth, LaRue County
• Metcalfe County Fair Board
• Hannah Meador, Kate Ford, Kaylee Wheeler, Owen England, Bella Robertson, Mady Meador, Natalie Simmons and Shelby Ford, Simpson County
• Warren County 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament Committee

Innovative, Creative, Enthusiastic Awards 

The Innovative, Creative, Enthusiastic Awards recognize individuals or groups who have recently created, re-created, revised or re-energized a 4-H program. These awards are sponsored by the Kentucky Volunteer Forum.

2026 Innovative, Creative, Enthusiastic Award recipients:

• Thomas Akridge, Warren County
• Alex Senig and John Maddox, McCracken County Rocket Club Coaches
• Tammy Allen and Autumn Shirley, Metcalfe County Gifted and Talented Education
• Chelsea Meredith, Oldham County
• Nancy Looney, Pike County

Leadership Development Awards 

The Leadership Development Awards recognize adult volunteers who develop leadership skills in others by serving as a role model, striving to improve and innovate, enabling others to succeed through education and development, celebrating successes and inspiring a shared vision. These awards are sponsored by the Harrison County 4-H Council.

2026 Leadership Development Award recipients:

• Patricia Parker, Campbell County
• Amelia “Katie” Garner, Clinton County
• Nichole Franklin, Metcalfe County
• Jennifer Lyvers, Spencer County
• Julie Sweets, Warren County

Conrad Feltner Awards 

The Conrad Feltner Awards recognize adult volunteers and teen leaders who have demonstrated exemplary leadership through 4-H. These awards are sponsored by the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and the Conrad Feltner Endowment.

2026 Adult Conrad Feltner Award recipients:

• Sarah Jones, Allen County
• Trisha Kremer, Campbell County
• Dennis Campbell, Henry County
• Teresa Vincent, McCracken County
• Tonya Caffee, Metcalfe County

2026 Teen Conrad Feltner Award recipients:

• Callie Derossett, Henry County
• Bethany Barber, Monroe County
• John Case Shirrell, Oldham County
• Loren “Kate” Ford, Simpson County
• Christopher Sweets, Warren County

Partners in Progress Awards 

The Partners in Progress Awards recognize individuals, businesses or organizations that provide in-kind contributions, financial support, or other resources that make a difference in the 4-H program. These awards are sponsored by the Martin-Gatton CAFE Alumni Association.

2026 Partners in Progress Award recipients:

• Campbell County Farm Bureau
• Wayne Hunt, H&R Agri-Power, Christian County
• Brennan and Serena Gilkison, Clark County
• Laurel County 4-H Council, North Laurel and South Laurel High School FFA Chapters
• Stevie Compton, Metcalfe County

Lifetime Achievement Awards 

The Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize individuals who are currently involved and have made significant contributions of leadership and service to the Kentucky 4-H Program. These awards are sponsored by Joyce Clifford.

2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients:

• Don Glass, Metcalfe County
• Jean Jenkins, Oldham County
• Michael Wiley, Sr., Scott County
• Carol Stein, Shelby County
• Connie Jeffiers, Spencer County

KVF Distinguished Service Awards 

Susan Campbell, a 24-year Extension agent serving in Fayette, Garrard and Anderson Counties, was presented a KVF Distinguished Service Award for her exemplary leadership to Kentucky 4-H and the KVF. In addition to leading KVF event communications, Campbell saves the forum thousands of dollars by managing shipping and transportation logistics.

“A proactive problem solver and true team player, Susan Campbell’s creativity, dedication and service have strengthened the Kentucky Volunteer Forum and exemplify the spirit of Extension excellence,” said Ken Culp, III, 4-H Youth Development Extension specialist and KVF coordinator.

Campbell said she was truly honored and humbled to receive the KVF Distinguished Service Award. 

“I have been fortunate and incredibly blessed to get to work with not only my volunteers but volunteers across the Commonwealth,” Campbell said. “The success of the KVF happens because of teamwork and a shared belief in the potential of our volunteers and the forum.” 

KVF Distinguished Service Awards were also presented to LaRue County Extension agent Marla Stillwell and Metcalfe County volunteer Linda Branstetter for their dedication and service in leading the Hall of Fame nomination, judging and awards program process. In 2026, this dynamic team received a record-breaking 200 nominations from 49 counties. 

In her acceptance speech, Stillwell thanked the many volunteers for their time and dedication to 4-H and Extension programs.  

“This award is special to me because I have devoted many years to seeing volunteers being recognized for their selfless efforts,” Stillwell said. 

Branstetter, a 2023 National 4-H Hall of Fame inductee, praised Stillwell and the entire KVF committee.

“We are very fortunate to have a large group of wonderful committee members who work with us,” Branstetter said. “Our goal is to make this evening a special recognition event for all the county winners.” 

KVF’s impact on 4-H

Culp said KVF was once again the largest volunteer event of its kind in the world, and the 2026 event, themed “Be the Difference: Motivate – Educate – Celebrate,” attracted a record-breaking 1,453 registrants from 17 states and 119 Kentucky counties.  Honoring the volunteers is the highlight of the forum.

“The impact that our adult and teen volunteers have made is immeasurable and invaluable and cannot be calculated on an economic basis,” Culp said. “We couldn’t afford to pay for their service, but we can recognize their accomplishments and the results of their impact. 4-H and Extension rely heavily on volunteer input and service. We are deeply indebted to the volunteers who have strengthened their communities, counties and the Commonwealth by sharing their time, talents, gifts and resources.”

In addition to the volunteer awards, 177 youth were recognized for completing 10 years of 4-H membership, and 107 volunteers were recognized for receiving their program master accreditation since the 2024 KVF. 

“The 2026 forum provided ‘something for everyone’ with more than 225 workshops across 25 contract tracks, so that attending volunteers could complete the necessary requirements in nine content areas,” Culp said. 

Culp explained that his doctoral research identified “lack of training” as the biggest reason adult volunteers discontinued serving as 4-H leaders, and “additional training” as the single biggest need among adult volunteers who planned to continue serving as 4-H leaders.

“The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is designed to meet the educational needs of all 4-H and Extension volunteers in the Commonwealth and beyond,” Culp said.

The next forum will be held Feb. 10-12, 2028.

Learn more about Kentucky 4-H and its programs.  

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Writer: Jennifer Elwell, jennifer.elwell@uky.edu 

Photographer: Steve Patton, spatton@uky.edu 

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