Holt takes over as Extension 4-H agent

The new Pierce County 4-H Program Educator and Youth Development Agent, Sky Holt, started on July 9. Following Frank Ginther’s retirement after 28 years, Holt began working immediately within her new role in Pierce County.

She previously held a similar position in Sawyer County as the 4-H and Positive Youth Development Coordinator. Originally from Elmwood, she is excited to be working again in a county she grew up in and get back to where her 4-H roots started.

“The 4-H program here in Pierce County is very large; we are top five in enrollment in the state, and we have some members who are second, third and even fourth generation members in the program,” she said.

Holt has been involved in this area of Wisconsin and Pierce County 4-H for many years. She graduated from Elmwood High School and was an active member of the Rock Elm Skyrockets 4-H club for many of those years. Holt then received her bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from UW-Stout.

She was a part of the 4-H softball team following in her sisters’ footsteps. She also participated in the Pierce County horse project with 4-H for many years.

“I begged my parents for a horse for years and they finally gave in, and I really jumped into 4-H even more after that,” she said.

After participating as a 4-H member for many years, she is switching roles and is now on the other side of the organization.

“After being a ‘4-H-er’ for many years I am now seeing it from a different perspective. It was always so much fun, which is why I’m in the career that I am in now,” she said.

Frank Ginther held this position for many years and Holt is still learning and taking one day at a time.

“Right now, I’m really getting to know Pierce County 4-H,” Holt said. “I’m meeting many new people and our partners and I’m still getting to know the ins and outs because it such a big program here in this county.”

Holt is passionate about being in this 4-H focused position in Pierce County.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to work in an area that instilled so many values in me. I’m so honored to be involved with such an amazing program and really get started,” she said.

The work of the 4-H program in the county is something Holt is really proud to be a part of. She said, “I’m still in awe of all the amazing things we do, and it is such a great program here and this is exactly how 4-H should be. We have nothing but amazing volunteers and there are really some deep roots with 4-H here. We are striving to make the best even better here.”

Photo courtesy of Sky Holt