Hardin County’s Mariann Woodruff is among 15 Ohio 4-H teens who recently traveled to Greece for an immersive leadership and agricultural experience, marking a powerful moment of global connection for youth from the United States. From April 20–30, these teens took part in the Ohio 4-H Global Immersion Project, spending most of their time at the historic American Farm School in Thessaloniki, a renowned institution dedicated to agriculture, experiential learning, and leadership development.
This urgent international program combined hands-on education, cultural exchange, and community service, offering participants unique insights into Greece’s agriculture, food systems, and traditions while forging critical leadership skills. The group was accompanied by key Ohio 4-H leaders, including Steve Brady, assistant professor and Warren County 4-H Educator; Theresa Ferrari, professor and Extension specialist; and Margo Overholt Seckel, program manager for Ohio 4-H Workforce Development.
Youth Lead Global Service and Cross-Cultural Learning
While based at the American Farm School, youth engaged directly with Greek students and faculty through dynamic educational activities and cultural programs. The immersive schedule included visits to local agricultural operations and discussions focusing on sustainability, food systems, and daily life in Greece. Participants also dove into cultural traditions by experiencing Greek cooking, pottery, music, and dance.
A defining highlight was the field visits beyond Thessaloniki, including the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora perched atop towering rock formations and a stop at Xanthi during its regional youth music festival. This international setting fostered rich exchange, enabling teens to explore everyday life and history deeply rooted in Greek culture.
Building Leadership Through Community Connection
In a powerful demonstration of giving back, Ohio 4-H teens led leadership and team-building activities for over 100 Greek elementary school students. This initiative strengthened communication and collaboration skills for youth from both countries, creating meaningful and lasting cross-cultural connections.
Perhaps most impactful was a visit to the village of Pleteno, where teens met with a social cooperative of Pomak women, gaining first-hand knowledge of the traditions and crafts of this Muslim minority group living in northern Greece. This encounter underscored the program’s commitment to inclusive cultural understanding.
Ohio 4-H International Ambitions
The Global Immersion Project, funded by the Ohio 4-H Foundation and generous donors, highlights Ohio youth’s expanding reach in global education. For many participants like Mariann Woodruff, this experience represents an unprecedented opportunity to develop leadership skills while serving communities abroad.
Ohio 4-H encourages public support for these transformative international trips through donations to the Ohio 4-H International Travel Support Fund, ensuring more youth access this global learning platform in the future. To contribute, visit ohio4h.org/give-now.
Why This Matters Now
In an increasingly globalized world, programs like the Ohio 4-H Global Immersion Project prepare the next generation of leaders with critical skills in sustainability, cultural empathy, and collaborative problem-solving. For Kentucky and U.S. readers, Mariann Woodruff’s participation underscores the power of youth-driven international experiences to build bridges beyond borders.
As global challenges intensify, leadership cultivated through agricultural education, community service, and cultural exchange is essential—making this ongoing Ohio-Kentucky connection to global youth leadership urgent and profoundly relevant today.
