Hatton named new Franklin 4-H agent
RUSSELLVILLE — Former educator and longtime 4-H participant Kristi Hatton has begun her new role as Franklin County’s 4-H agent, bringing 16 years of classroom experience and firsthand knowledge of the program.
Hatton, who started June 8, previously taught English and intervention with Florence City Schools.
She said the opportunity to work with students outside the traditional classroom attracted her to the position.
“Being able to encourage students with life skills and give them the opportunity to learn things they might not be getting at home or at school, that’s going to help them be successful,” Hatton said.
A graduate of Hatton School in Lawrence County, Hatton participated in 4-H as a student and competed in county and state competitions.
She said those experiences helped develop her cooking, sewing, creativity and leadership skills.
Hatton said being a 4-H agent allows her to combine her background in education with a program that played an important role in her youth.
Hatton said Franklin County 4-H serves more than 3,000 students in grades 4-6 through Franklin County and Russellville City schools. More than 550 youth also participate in specialized clubs.
“A lot of people hear 4-H, and they think it’s just cooking or sewing,” she said. “There’s so much more to 4-H than that.”
She said local opportunities include gardening, animal care, nutrition, financial literacy, leadership development, archery, shotgun sports, and horse activities.
Hatton said she believes 4-H remains important because it helps provide skills that many students may not have the opportunity to learn.
“I feel like it’s more relevant now because schools aren’t able to offer as much in the home economics and agricultural programs, and so many families have parents working one or two jobs,” she said.
Hatton said her first day on the job involved taking students to Alabama 4-H Camp in Columbiana.
Seven Franklin County students attended the camp June 8-11 with four attending for the first time.
“I felt like a kid again myself, and getting to see their excitement and have kids tell me that it was the best summer they’ve ever had was great,” she said.
Hatton noted said five interested students and an adult volunteer are needed to start a club, and she is seeking volunteers to help with the horse club.
