Lancaster County 4-H presents a Heart of 4-H Award to a Lancaster County 4-H volunteer each month in recognition of outstanding volunteer serice. The purpose of this award is to recognize volunteers who are, indeed, the heart of 4-H.
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Kelsey has volunteered with 4-H in Lancaster County for four years and before then, in Buffalo County for eight years. In Lancaster County, she started the Tails N’ Trails 4-H horse club which gets together for riding meetings, horse shows, community service projects and fundraising. A certified 4-H Horse Judge, Kelsey conducts showmanship, reining and other clinics in Lancaster County and across the state.
“I like being a 4-H volunteer because it gives me a chance to share my passion of showing horses with youth,” Kelsey says. “I want to show the kids that the skills they learn in 4-H and showing go way beyond the show pen. I enjoy seeing the friendships gained and the growth that my 4-H’ers make each year. My favorite experience was coaching a youth to the state championship in 4-H horse judging. It has been so rewarding working with young students and watching them grow up into leaders.”use it is neat to see all the exhibits the kids have created,” she says. “Each year at the fair, I enjoy talking to the kids and learning how the exhibit was made. My favorite part about being a volunteer is helping out at the furniture painting workshop. It is amazing to see the kids work on a project from start to finish, and being able to teach them some techniques.”