The following is a excerpt of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System 2024 Annual Report. To read the full report, visit www.aces.edu/go/ACESAnnualReport.

Finding Her Spark: A Journey of Leadership and Impact

Ana Kathrine Whisnant’s 4-H journey is a testament to the impact Alabama 4-H can have on youth. After joining Marion County 4-H as a fifth grader, she was quickly elected as 4-H class president. In the eight years since, she embraced every opportunity that came her way. From county roundups to National 4-H Conference, she developed a passion for public speaking and a deep commitment to service. Her election as Alabama 4-H state ambassador president reflects the leadership, confidence, and professionalism she cultivated through 4-H. With guidance from 4-H Extension Agent Rebecca Danley, Ana Kathrine found her spark and used her voice to uplift others. As the recipient of this year’s Barbara D. Thorne 4-H Endowment Scholarship, she represents the values Thorne cherished: compassion, leadership, and community. Ana Kathrine’s story highlights how Alabama 4-H empowers youth to find their spark and step into their future with purpose. Her journey is one of many that reflect 4-H’s lasting impact across the state.

118,778 Alabama 4-H’ers | 954 Alabama Schools | 1,314 4-H Summer Campers | 4,076 4-H Volunteers | $2.1 Million Volunteer Impact

Developing Skills That Benefit Youth

The impact of 4-H on youth is evident through the experiences and accomplishments of Elizabeth and Alaina Knight. Starting their journey with Lamar County 4-H in 2020 and 2022, respectively, they have excelled in rabbit and poultry showmanship classes due to their dedication, hard work, and continual practice. The girls regularly attend rabbit club meetings and practice showmanship techniques daily with their rabbits, Jasmine and Thumper. Building on their success in rabbit showmanship, they ventured into poultry showmanship in 2023, where Elizabeth placed first and Alaina second in their first competition.

The skills and talents the Knights are developing at home on their farm are further enhanced by their involvement with 4-H. They participate in multiple clubs, including the homeschool club, sewing club, and Pig Squeal, engaging in animal projects, summer camps, leadership roles, and volunteer activities. Introduced to agriculture at an early age by their grandfather, they have learned to care for livestock, bale hay, and manage their growing family farm, which now includes miniature horses, pigs, chickens, rabbits, honeybees, and a garden. Through 4-H programming, youth like Elizabeth and Alaina see themselves as resilient, lifelong learners, shaping their future by setting goals and demonstrating determination. Their involvement in 4-H showcases the organization’s mission to develop skills that benefit youth in various aspects of their lives.

New May 2025, Alabama Cooperative Extension System 2024 Annual Report, ACES-2838