Staff report
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 in Lexington recently.
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.”
Among the recipients from across the state were these NKyians:
• Jean Mize, R.C Durr Foundation, Together Everyone Accomplishes More Award
• Kevin McCarty, Kenton County, 2026 Certified Livestock Volunteer Achievement
• Mike Coyle, Kenton County, 2026 Certified Shooting Sports Volunteer Achievement Award
• Hunter Pike, Kenton County, 2026 Adult Camp Volunteer Achievement Award
• Patricia Parker, Campbell County, Leadership Development Award
• Trisha Kremer, Campbell County, 2022 Adult Conrad Feltner (leadership) Award
• Campbell County Farm Bureau, Partners in Progress Award
Culp said KVF was 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 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.