Beech Tree News Network

            Morgantown, KY – Kara McFadyen, age 18, of Morgantown, and a Butler County 4-H youth, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

            The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.  Kara McFadyen was nominated for national honors this past fall in recognition of her volunteer service.

            Kara explains more about her involvement, “I set out to learn more about science, engineering, and technology through the Kentucky 4-H Programs and it fueled a new passion in me.  After being selected to the Kentucky 4-H State Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Board, I discovered a path to share what I learn with others. I have spoken on Beechtree News radio, participated in a locally televised game show in Elizabethtown, led hands-on demonstrations at two Louisville Mini-Maker Fairs, given multiple presentations and talked 1:1 with scores of people about the tremendous opportunities we have in Kentucky related to science, engineering, and technology careers.”

            “The opportunity to volunteer as a National Youth Science Day leader has given me several skills to accomplish my short-term life goals. I am becoming a caring, responsible and respectful adult. It has taught me to work hard to get what I want and learn how to see challenges as opportunities. From participating in local, state and national workshops, service-learning projects and fundraising, I am so grateful to be part of a program that positively impacts my life. As a Google Teen Ambassador, I’ve developed relationships with cool, smart and truly amazing people from across the United States. One of the most memorable moments was in Lost River Cave Elementary School when I heard the teacher laugh. I asked what was funny and she said, ‘I’m just so happy! I’ve never seen them so engaged!’ We were all learning --- and having fun. It is a true pleasure to bring joy through creativity and non-formal, hands-on learning. One of the most unexpected consequences was finding mentors in unlikely places. Now I have relationships with my County Judge Executive as well as other officials, educators and administrators and I’ve learned to ask for help more effectively. It might surprise people to know that I am a little shy. It was a big step to get on the radio but easier than I expected because no one is looking at what you are wearing or your facial expression. The talk show host really knew how to get where we wanted to go. My advice to others is this: take the leap! Get involved. The Kentucky 4-H Leadership Boards gives teens real-world experience, leadership, and provide youth a voice to the direction of the Kentucky 4-H program.”

            Butler County 4-H Agent, Lloyd Saylor, is equally excited about Kara’s volunteer efforts and growth.  “Kara is an amazing youth that has grown exponentially through 4-H.  She has developed excellent leadership abilities through her many roles taken on in 4-H. Her love of competition and dedication has even earned her Grand Champion status at the Kentucky State Fair with her Entomology entry. Her particular interest in SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) and its board has also helped Kara discover a passion in 4-H that she wants to share with fellow 4-Her’s and youth all around.  We are extremely proud of her efforts and continuing volunteerism through 4-H.”  

            In its 25^th year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service.

            “Across the United States, young volunteers are doing remarkable things to contribute to the well-being of the people and communities around them,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey.  “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these students, and we hope their stories inspire others to volunteer too.”

            “Demonstrating civic responsibility through volunteerism is an important part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti.  “These honorees practice a lesson we hope all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.”

            Prudential Spirit of Community Award application details were distributed nationwide last September through middle level and high schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and Points of Light Global Network members.  These schools and officially-designated local organizations nominated Local Honorees, whose applications were advanced for state-level judging.  In addition to granting President’s Volunteer Service Awards, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards selected State Honorees, Distinguished Finalists and Certificate of Excellence recipients.  Volunteer activities were judged on criteria including initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.    

For more information, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 102 Parkway Lane, Morgantown or call 526-3767.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.