Ashley Haymond, a 16-year-old junior at Shelby County High School in Shelbyville, KY, has had a long career in 4-H. Introduced to the 4-H Shooting Sports program by Wendy Thornberry, her school secretary whose children were already involved, Ashley began her journey at the age of nine when she attended her first shooting sports safety training.
Over the next seven years, Ashley’s involvement in 4-H grew deeper. The variety of programs and activities offered by 4-H, from sewing and quilting to cake decorating, kept her engaged and excited. However, it was the shooting sports program that truly sparked her interest.
Under the mentorship of her first coach, Mel Letteer, who made every child feel special and confident, Ashley found her passion for competing and shooting. The confidence she gained through 4-H propelled her to compete at a national level in both Air and .22 Rifle, earning her several state, regional and national medals, and recognitions.
The skills Ashley developed in 4-H, particularly in communication and leadership, have been invaluable. Serving as president of her shooting sports club and as a Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador, she learned the importance of stepping back, letting others make decisions, and finding common ground. These experiences have made her more confident in her abilities to communicate and work with others.
As Ashley looks to the future, she knows that the skills and experiences she gained through 4-H will continue to guide her both professionally and personally. As a junior she has begun looking at different colleges with aspirations of going into nursing. She aims to earn a spot on an NCAA shooting team, which would allow her to compete at a collegiate level. Additionally, she aspires to join the USA Shooting National team, representing her country in national and international competitions.