Clark County’s new 4-H extension agent Brandy Calvert is getting acclimated to living and working in Clark County after moving here a month ago.

Calvert, who grew up in Bell County in southeastern Kentucky, said she always wanted to be a newspaper editor.

For six years, she worked at the Middlesboro Daily News and rose to the editor’s office.

After becoming a mother, she said it became harder to balance the demands of a daily newspaper with her family.

She was also looking for a different perspective.

“In newspapers, I felt like I was on the outside looking in on events in the community,” she said. “This gives me a way to get involved and give to the community.”

Calvert worked as the 4-H agent in Bell County from 2012 until January, when she and her family moved to Clark County.

Calvert’s husband works for the forest service and was promoted and transferred to the Winchester office, she said.

When the position at the Clark County Extension Office opened, Calvert applied to be transferred.

She now works alongside Shannon Farrell, Clark County’s other 4-H agent.

“Everything we do is geared to positive youth development,” she said. “We prepare them with life skills, soft skills, communication skills and leadership skills.”

Calvert was not involved in 4-H when she was a child.

“I tell people I’m envious of those who grew up in it,” she said. “My kids are involved and I see the benefit.”

Calvert said the 4-H program touches about two-thirds of Clark County’s children from ages 9 to 18. Programs range from livestock, horses and sewing clubs to teen leadership, chess, outdoor adventure and robotics clubs, she said.

“When they get involved to the level its offered, they can really be successful,” she said. “There’s something for every kid.”