Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
RUSSELLVILLE Alicia Swann may be new to her role as Franklin County’s 4-H agent, but she’s no stranger to the community.
A Hodges native, Swann stepped into her new position two weeks ago. She has already begun coordinating programs, reaching out to local schools, and reconnecting with the traditions that made 4-H meaningful to her as a child.
“The good Lord brought me to this role,” she said with a smile, “and a love for teaching, encouraging youth and meeting new people.”
Swann didn’t grow up imagining she’d one day lead 4-H in her home county.
She came to the position following a background in insurance, but she felt drawn to a role that let her connect more deeply with her values of faith, service and community. She saw the opening as an opportunity to make a real difference.
“I want to be in the schools more, offer afterschool and weekend events, and maybe even expand summer activities,” Swann said. “There are so many ways we can be more present in kids’ lives.”
As a student, she remembers 4-H as something special.
“It was always an enjoyable thing we looked forward to in school,” she said. “Now that I’m on this side of it, I want to instill that same joy in today’s kids.”
One of her favorite memories is participating in the Farm-City poster contest with help from her father.
“That was so much fun,” she said. “We got to be creative and learn something at the same time.”
Swann is setting up summer programming through the 21st Century after-school program. She’s worked with Director Lisa Gann and site teachers to get activities lined up for July.
That kind of initiative hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“She came in and hit the ground running,” said Katernia Cole Coffey, director for the Franklin County Extension. “Most people in a new position would wait until next year to start implementing activities, but not Alicia. She’s already doing what she’s been asked to do, and more.”
Cole Coffey has seen her share of new hires. Swann is the eighth 4-H agent she’s worked with since joining the office in 2008.
“This time, I had a choice, and I was looking for someone who wanted to work and who wanted to be in Franklin County,” she said.
“Alicia’s resume stood out because of her servant leadership. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. She just said, ‘Here I am. I want to help. I want to make the kids’ lives better.’ That’s exactly what this role needs.”
With Swann at the helm, the county’s 4-H program is poised to expand. The county already has resources, partnerships and community support in place, Cole Coffey said.
“What’s needed now is follow-through and fresh energy,” she added. “Alicia’s going to help build on what we already have and make it stronger.”
This year’s planned offerings include a cooking club, gardening club, natural resources programming, a horse club and shooting sports.
Competitions will also play a key role. Swann hopes to promote additional contests to encourage learning through creativity.
“4-H builds future skills and future leaders,” she said. “A cooking club could spark a dream of becoming a chef or owning a restaurant. A gardening project could grow into a passion for agriculture. These programs help kids discover what’s possible.”
Swann wants families to know there’s something for everyone.
“Whether your child loves science, art, nature or public speaking, there’s a place for them in 4-H,” she said.
Cole Coffey and Swann cited success as being dependent upon strong relationships with local schools, volunteers and community groups. Superintendents, principals, teacherleaders, business sponsors, judges and guest speakers all help bring the programming to life.
“We’re a team,” Cole Coffey said. “No one can do it alone, and we don’t expect Alicia to. But she brings the heart and the drive to bring everyone together.”
Swann is looking forward to where the program can go from here.
“My goal is to grow participation, make meaningful connections, and give kids something they’ll look back on with pride,” she said.
