By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
The Autauga County branch of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System has hired Kacey Powell to be their new 4-H Foundation Regional Extension Agent, a position that will now focus solely on Autauga County.
The position previously encompassed both Elmore and Autauga Counties.
Powell has deep roots in Autauga County and grew up in the 4-H system. From age 9-18, she was heavily involved in activities that the extension office provides. From being a part of the drill team, to taking her horse “Okie” to the regional level in competition, Powell has always been one to be fully immersed in everything that ACES has to offer.
“4-H is something that has been near and dear to my heart for a long time now. Apart from the activities that I was involved in, I also moved up the ranks in officer positions. It was a special time,” Powell said.
Before her hiring on July 6, 2021, Powell worked with the Autauga County School System for the previous 12 years, serving as a 4th grade teacher for 11 years and as a 3rd grade teacher for one year.
“I absolutely loved teaching kids and working for the Autauga County Board of Education. It was a blessing,” Powell said.
Her time in the school system was not wasted.
Not only did she teach in the classroom, but went above and beyond as she was active in grant writing for the schools, and participated in cleanup days in and out of Prattville Primary.
“I’d like to think that I have a knack for serving the community. Community service is important, and I think it’s our duty as citizens to give back in any way that we can,” Powell explained.
That experience translates well to her new job as the Autauga County 4-H Agent, where she will be tasked with work on use-development. In essence, Powell will help to facilitate and spread the word about the clubs and programs within ACES to citizens of the county. Powell will be heavily involved helping to recruit area children to be a part of the clubs that they have for them, including animal projects and their golden egg contest.
Not only that, Powell will be returning to schools where she will provide instructions to teachers, all research based, that will supplement some of their lessons.
“We believe that children are valuable and have their own individual strengths. They have the ability to take on leadership roles, and should be outdoors and experiencing nature first-hand. These lessons will provide these students will an opportunity to learn something new – something that they wouldn’t have had the chance to learn otherwise.”
Some of those lessons would revolve around things like predator-prey relationships and other agricultural-based teachings.
Powell also explained that ACES has other exciting opportunities coming up for area children, such as the soon-to-be Youth Council.
“The council will be comprised of children in the area, and they will help to advise us on different types of programs and activities that they would like to see. They will help to guide what we do here,” Powell said.
Apart from the younger generation, ACES is always looking for older volunteers who would like to participate in their programs.
ACES is actively looking for volunteers for their dog, horse, outdoor adventure, and cooking club.
They will also be resuming their Archery Club the second weekend of September, the Live Stock Club at the end of September, and their new Home School Club in October.
“There’s so many opportunities here at the extension office. I absolutely love it, and there’s not a day that I don’t want to come into work. We have a team that’s welcoming who truly want the best for this county,” Powell said.
