09/10/2026
As we take this week, rightfully so, to remember and honor our country on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Kelly too is remembering and celebrating her 25th anniversary as a 4-H Agent/Educator.
I started my career 9/10/01 the day before our country faced attack. Day 1 was absolutely a premonition to the future of what my career would be- a 13 hour day. Started with the normal introductions, then a meeting with ladies from the couturier society for 4-H sewing, visited a 4-H family with animals, and helped host an Extension Board Meeting at Burnside plantation where we toured the gardens. Day 2 was short, as the government building I worked in closed. The secretary Sue and I spent time trying to use the “new technology” satellite and tv to catch the news. No cell phones to watch it on, we resorted to the radio only. She and I were alone for a while saddened with what we were hearing. However, I was so proud of how the nation responded and I’ll forever be grateful to have been impacted by the unity and strength in the weeks and months that followed.
Of course, one “normal” day 9/10 on the job would be the last. Funding shifted to recovery and positions got cut. And ever since I’ve wondered if I would have a job one more year.
Here I am, celebrating 25 years of a career that has become my life! I am so grateful for all of the colleagues, 4-H leaders, parents, 4-H members, and supported who I have worked with. They made this a very rewarding career and so many have become friends and some feel more like family. When my child and then later mom passed, I instantly had handfuls of inspiring women and men in my life who lifted me up. I have so many wonderful people in my life thanks to this career!
The countless memories and stories about how the 4-H program (and sometimes people personally credit me) has impacted the members and their lives is astounding. I have multiple 2nd generation children in my program (their parent was a member of mine), and many couples who married as a result of meeting in 4-H. Yes, these remind me that I’m no longer 22!
I am proud to be part of the lives of so many in Lehigh and Northampton Counties (but there are no borders- I get hugs from people all across the state!)
I started my professional career in Northampton County after 2 years as a 4-H summer intern in Berks County. Then in May of 2005 I swapped counties and have been in Lehigh ever since. Im grateful for my colleagues who have helped me survive and in some cases picked up the pieces along the way. Thanks to my husband who had endured my crazy schedule and given me the opportunity to do what I am passionate about, and use his truck, his tools, his strong arms, his kid watching/running, and sometimes his shoulder to cry on.
Here’s to more years inspiring young people through 4-H to be successful contributing members of their communities!
