CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY – Christian County 4-H brings home accolades from the Kentucky Volunteer Forum. The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is a developmental and educational conference geared towards 4-H and Extension volunteers from all program areas. The forum offers 220 workshops in 25 content tracks, professional development sessions, seminars on wheels, networking opportunities, a trade show, and three recognition events.

Volunteers work to complete requirements necessary for accreditation in Agriculture, Camping, Cloverbuds, Communications & Expressive Arts, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health, Leadership, Natural Resources, and Science, Engineering, & Technology. Additionally, volunteers, community partners, and 10-year 4-H members are recognized for their contributions to the Kentucky 4-H Program, and their impact on the lives of Kentucky youth.

Christian County had 17 delegates attend the Kentucky Volunteer forum held in Lexington February 26-28, 2026. Attendees participated in meaningful learning opportunities, knowledge fairs, and recognition ceremonies, meant to support programming efforts in Christian County.

The following individuals and teams were recognized at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum.

  • Wayne Hunt and H&R AgriPower – Friend of Kentucky 4-H Award
  • Wayne Hunt and H&R AgriPower – Partners in Progress Award
  • Martha Colley and Anna Pollock – Community Service Award
  • Katie Jo Walker – Certified Livestock Leader Award
  • Cara Collins – Certified Horse Leader Award
  • Drennan Campbell – 10 Year 4-H Member Award
  • Raegan Harris – 10 Year 4-H Member Award
  • Isaiah Marshall – 10 Year 4-H Member Award
  • Caleb Moss – 10 Year 4-H Member Award
  • Cheyenne Peterson – 10 Year 4-H Member Award

| SUBMIT YOUR NEWS: Email news releases to news@christiancountynow.com

Award details

Friend of Kentucky 4-H – Wayne Hunt and H&R Agri-Power

The Friend of Kentucky 4-H Award recognizes those individuals or organizations whose volunteer service to and in support of Kentucky 4-H has made a significant, lasting impact on the organization across the entire commonwealth.

Wayne Hunt, H&R Agri-Power, has been an extraordinary partner to Kentucky 4-H, providing longstanding and innovative support at the county and state levels. His commitment ensures that youth across the Commonwealth have meaningful opportunities to grow, lead, and showcase their skills. At the state level, H&R Agri-Power became the Cloverville stage sponsor in 2023, pledging $10,000 annually for five years. This investment ensures that 4-H members will continue to have a professional and visible platform for demonstrations and contests in Cloverville. Wayne has also been a steadfast supporter of the 4-H Emerald Gala, contributing $10,000 in each of the event’s first two years and $5,000 last year. Additionally, Mr. Hunt has personally elevated the visibility of Kentucky 4-H by purchasing the country ham at the Kentucky State Fair Commodity Breakfast for the past two years.

Wayne’s generosity extends to the local level as well. In Christian County, he has contributed over $35,000 through the purchase of the 4-H Ham Basket at the Christian County Agriculture Appreciation breakfast. For the past three years, he has donated $15,000 annually to sponsor Christian County 4-H Camp, making camp more affordable and accessible for youth. Wayne has also supported the county’s 4-H food booth at the Western Kentucky State Fair by purchasing meat for resale, ensuring greater profits to benefit local programming.

Wayne strives to give back to youth. He has sponsored the Better Beef Show and Sheep Show in Clarksville, Tennessee, understanding that funds defray show expenses and support premiums for youth exhibitors. His leadership goes beyond financial contributions. He and his team actively provide manpower and expertise to educational events.

Each year, H&R Agri-Power employees volunteer at Christian County’s Ag Safety Day, teaching 4th graders critical tractor safety practices.

H&R Agri-Power has also partnered with Hopkins County to deliver tractor safety lessons during Ag Education Day. Wayne is known for his characteristic response when asked for help: “How can I help you and the youth?”, a reflection of his genuine commitment to serving young people. Wayne Hunt and H&R Agri-Power exemplify the spirit of partnership, philanthropy, and service. Their investments-both financial and personal-have made a lasting impact on Kentucky 4-H at every level, ensuring that youth have opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive. He has a giving heart.

Locally, H&R Agri-Power’s investment in Christian County 4-H livestock programs has made a lasting impact. These contributions expanded premium dollars for county fair livestock shows and supported the construction of an improved livestock barn-enhancements that have significantly elevated program quality. As a direct result, livestock show participation has doubled since 2018.

Their sponsorship of 4-H Camp has also been transformational: for the past three years, Christian County has experienced its highest attendance in over two decades. In addition, their support of the Western Kentucky State Fair 4-H Food Booth has increased profits that directly benefit local youth, funding scholarships for opportunities such as Teen Conference, Teen Summit, and the Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference. Through both statewide and local efforts, H&R Agri-Power has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to ensuring that youth have the resources, opportunities, and visibility needed to grow as leaders. Wayne’s investment continues to yield measurable, lasting benefits for young people and the communities they serve.

Wayne Hunt and H&R AgriPower – Partners in Progress Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals, businesses or organizations which provide in-kind contributions, financial support or other resources which make a difference in the 4-H program. Special consideration will be given to nominations which document an important, positive, measurable impact upon clubs, communities, the Kentucky 4-H Program and/or the lives of 4-H members and/or volunteers.

Martha Colley and Anna Pollock – Community Service Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize volunteers whose work has made a visible contribution to their community by facilitating the involvement of youth in community service. Special consideration will be given to nominations which document an important, positive, measurable impact upon clubs, communities, the Kentucky 4-H Program and/or the lives of 4-H members and/or volunteers

Martha Colley and Anna Pollock, leaders of the Christian County 4-H Sewing Project, exemplify the 4-H spirit of service through their dedication and compassion. After learning that The Center for Courageous Kids needed bedding, they inspired youth to create quilts to donate. Led by Martha, a Master Clothing Volunteer, and Anna’s servant leadership, members eagerly built sewing skills while giving back. Their guidance turned a simple idea into a meaningful service project that blended learning, teamwork, and community impact.

Katie Jo Walker – Certified Livestock Leader Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals who are currently involved in the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program as well as making an important, positive, measurable impact upon clubs, communities, the Kentucky 4-H Program and the lives of 4-H members and/or volunteers.

Katie Jo Walker has expanded youth opportunities in Christian County through her leadership in 4-H Livestock, Dog, and Small Animal Programs. Since 2021 she has grown the Livestock clubs from 6 to 16 members, launched a Dog Club, and Rabbit and Poultry programming. She reignited the Livestock Skillathon program with youth increasing participation annually. She partnered with 4-H, FFA, and Christian County Cattleman’s Association to provide Beef

Quality Care and Assurance Training for over 75 youth in Christian County, creating an opportunity for our high school youth to receive their industry certification. Katie Jo mentors volunteer leaders in neighboring counties, equipping them with leadership skills and confidence to support youth development.

Cara Collins – Certified Horse Leader Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals who are currently involved in the Kentucky 4-H Horse Program as well as making an important, positive, measurable impact upon clubs, communities, the Kentucky 4-H Program and the lives of 4-H members and/or volunteers.

Cara Collins has made a significant impact on Kentucky 4-H as a certified volunteer and leader of the Christian County 4-H Trailblazers Horse Club. For three years, she has led monthly meetings blending equine education and riding instruction, covering ownership, grooming, tack, and horsemanship. She enhances programming through guest speakers, facility visits, clinics, and event committees. Cara promotes goal setting, community involvement, and hands-on projects, while securing grants to reduce financial barriers, making her a knowledgeable, dedicated, and inspiring 4-H leader.

10 Year 4-H Member Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize those youth who have made the decision to commit to the 4-H program and be a member for the full 10 years possible between the ages of 9 through 18. This is for 4-H members in their 10th year in either 2024-25 or 2025-2026 project year. This does not include years spent as a Cloverbud (that starts before the age of nine). 4-H involvement in another state counts toward this recognition.

  • Drennan Campbell
  • Raegan Harris
  • Isaiah Marshall
  • Caleb Moss
  • Cheyenne Peterson
  • Sahara Peterson
  • Garrett Polete

| FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Christian County Now on Facebook