Hopkinsville - Christian County Youth Leadership

10/24/2026

Christian County Youth Leadership spent the day with coordinators James Darrin Hunt, Nick Rust, and Maggie Goode. (Sadie Edwards)

The day was time spent learning about where it all starts at Hunt Farms with Brandon Hunt, Mark Mills and Jason Mills, a motivational, real-life speech from Terry Martin to lunch with Brandon Garnett with Farm Credit Mid-America. (Camo Caravan 😋)

There was a great take on agriculture technology with a panel discussion with Maggie Goode, Michelle Campbell and Allen Martin.

The day finished with Kevin Maynard and his team from Krusteaz where the youth learned just why we are the “Batter Capital of the World” and all of the tasty treats made right here in Hopkinsville.

A huge thank you goes to our sponsor for the day H&R Agri-Power. The youth really enjoyed their day.

10/13/2026

We are really proud of our youth leadership group that is serving the Challenge House! Each month they have served their nonprofit agency without hesitation.

Putting service above self is a true indicator of a real leader.

Challenge House Group members:
Prisha Shah
Aryanna Brown-Sledge
Gloria Lopez
Jack Conrad
JB Payne
Sarah Kate Gilliam
Grace Embry (pictured)
Kyleigh Weber

09/22/2026

This month, our Challenge House group chose to dedicate their service time by helping with tutoring.

We are SO proud of the effort they are putting into serving their nonprofit agency and giving back to our community! Not only are they showing up and lending a helping hand, but they are also demonstrating what true leadership, compassion, and service look like.

These young leaders are learning that leadership isn’t just about having a title - it’s about showing up, serving others, and making a difference!

Keep up the great work, Challenge House Group! Mrs. Nikki and Mrs. Kim are proud of you! 💚🩵


09/12/2026

The Christian County Leadership Program (youth and adult) is sustained through sponsorships from various businesses and organizations.

The youth leadership program would like to spotlight our t-shirt sponsors: United Southern Bank and Riken Elastomers.

These shirts, worn at each session, are financed by the sponsors but designed by one of the youth leadership participants. All the students submit a design with one being chosen to be the class design.

This year’s shirt was designed by Nyah Merriweather. Her creation was chosen above all others.

09/12/2026

09/12/2026

Youth Leadership spent the day with the talented Paula Gieske (Our coordinator for Arts & Humanities Day). She arranged a day full of arts and history for our teens.

The day started at the Alhambra Theatre with Doris Ann, Bryce and Bri (missing Executive Director Margaret Prim) before moving on to a walking tour of downtown Hopkinsville guided by history guru Alissa Keller. She is the Executive Director of Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County. After some time at the museum, the students were introduced to the distinguished photography styles of Tony Kirves at Southern Exposure Photography.

The day ended with the teens painting a mural at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. (Thank you to Mr. Charles Turner for the refreshing watermelon on such a hot day.)

Special thanks to Eric White and Atmos Energy for providing our breakfast for the day.

09/09/2026

Our youth leadership groups have begun to meet with their nonprofit agencies.

Members of this group will volunteer at least 1 hour of their time each month with Challenge House over the next 7- 8 months.

We cannot wait to see what they learn and how they will grow over the course of their time volunteering.

08/29/2026

Real leaders lead by example or Mrs. Kim just wanted to join in on the fun of climbing the wall!

08/29/2026

More from opening retreat.

Thank you Jeremiah for introducing the students to a 200 foot long slip and slide!

08/29/2026

The 2026–2027 Christian County Youth Leadership class held its opening retreat at 4-H Camp on Friday! 🎉

Thank you to Jeremiah Johnson and West Kentucky 4-H Camp for giving the students an incredible experience.

The Opening Retreat gives participants an opportunity to get to know one another as they embark upon a nine-month journey of learning more about our community while developing and strengthening their leadership skills.

One of the highlights of Christian County Leadership—both the youth and adult programs—is the opportunity to work on group projects that support local nonprofit organizations.

The youth leadership class is divided into groups, with each group assigned a local nonprofit organization to learn more about throughout the year. Youth participants are required to spend a minimum of one hour each month volunteering with or learning from their assigned agency.

At the end of the Leadership year, each group will present its project to a panel of judges and compete for $1,000 to be donated to the winning agency.

Where does the money come from? Youth and Adult Leadership is fortunate to receive $1000 each year from an endowment set up in the memory of Al Wettstein by his family.

Al Wettstein graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 1946. He lost his life in the LaSalle Hotel fire in Chicago along with his best friend and the best friend’s uncle. The Chicago trip one week after their graduation was their graduation present.

Al Wettstein’s leadership potential was never fulfilled due to his untimely death. The Leadership students have opportunities that Al never got to have. The values and leadership exhibited by Christian County Leadership participants represent those of Al Wettstein.

We’re excited to see what this year’s class will accomplish and how they will make a difference in our community! 💙 NC

Youth Leadership Coordinators -
Nikki Chambers - 2026-2027 Leadership Chair
Kim Batts