November 4, 2025
Shout Out: Janet Harkness
This week the Shout Out is from Carol Ann Crouch, West Plains Extension District Director; and is sent for Janet Harkness, West Plains District 4-H and Youth Development Agent. Carol Ann writes:
"I would like to nominate Janet Harkness, 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the West Plains District for her implementation and support of a new West Plains 4-H Youth Leadership Academy. Janet started the Academy in February, 2025. Twelve youth where chosen to participate from across the district, where they initiated conversations with community stakeholders, wellness coalitions and county commissioners about community needs. Once those needs were established, the leadership team then worked on their Focused Community Challenge where they did research on those community needs and wrapping up their program with a presentations on what those were, what they thought could be done differently and how our communities could participate in making a difference. The Leadership team also participated in interviews, resume writing, presentation workshops, team building initiatives, community conversations with stakeholders, and a parliamentary procedures series. All 12 youth completed their tasks while learning about civic engagement, researching the issues, presenting solutions and getting know the leaders in their communities. The program wrapped up on October 7 with a graduation event where all 12 youth gave a presentation on their research.
Janet is always taking 4-H to the next level in our District. She is always looking for ways to increase their knowledge, teach them life skills and promote their civil engagement opportunities so that they become future leaders for our communities."
Janet -- thanks for all you do for the people of Kansas, our colleagues and K-State Extension.
If you know of a colleague or team of colleagues who deserve recognition for a job well done, why not nominate them for a Shout Out. Simply send their name(s) and the reason for the Shout Out to ksreshoutout@ksu.edu.
Shout Out submissions are published in the order they are received.