Written by: Emerson Loudenback
Fifteen-year-old Leah Kennedy is a student at Fairview High School, but that’s not all she is. Since fourth grade, the young leader has been heavily involved in the county fair, specifically the Williamson County Fair, as well as local 4-H programs. Her personal experience is with raising and showing chickens, but Leah has grown and learned a lot by helping in other areas of the fair.
As a fair volunteer, Leah has watched and participated in the process of caring for and showing animals, both in and out of the barn. “Once I saw all the work that went into this event, I felt I needed to serve my community and give back to them,” says Leah. Areas of the fair, including the youth art section, the show ring and the Funnel Cake 5k, are other places Leah participates and volunteers in, setting up and managing different events and locations all over the fairground. Her passion for the animals and for the local community fuels Leah’s excitement for the fair each year and for any and all opportunities to serve. In addition to the barns, Leah also works with children, teaching them about the animals and agriculture. “I love working with little kids and seeing their faces light up. It is the most rewarding thing,” says Leah. It’s this same kind of excitement that has led Leah to consider a career in agriculture.
Leah’s passion for the animals and for volunteering has brought her to the Williamson County Junior Fair Board, where she has served as Secretary and as Vice Chairman. Both positions have fostered her leadership skills and informed her knowledge of the tremendous work that goes into the fair each year. Not surprisingly, Leah loves all of the chances she finds to “get out there and help” wherever she is needed, whether in big or small ways. Even now, amid global pandemic crises, Leah has found ways to help her community, making and delivering masks for local EMS workers and also family members. Leah is an inspiration to the youth in our community, and we are proud to name her Nashville’s Volunteer of the Month.
