Anna Sink has joined the Buncombe County Extension Staff as part of the 2026 North Carolina State University Summer Internship Program. Anna will be working at the Buncombe County Extension Office from May - July. Anna is a senior at Murray State University in Kentucky, majoring in Agriscience Technology with an emphasis in Extension and Leadership.
Anna grew up on a small family farm in Cadiz, Kentucky, but has roots to Western North Carolina through family in Jackson County. Anna is excited to serve as a summer intern with North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Buncombe County. Anna grew up being involved in FFA, 4-H, agricultural education, and youth leadership programs. She has developed a passion for community outreach, agricultural literacy, and positive youth development and hopes to pursue a future career in Cooperative Extension focused on agricultural education and community engagement after she graduates in the fall of 2026.
Below is an interview of Anna about how 4-H has shaped and guided her path:
"I began my 4-H journey as a Cloverbud in 2011 and quickly developed a passion for the organization and the countless opportunities it provides for youth. Over the years, I became actively involved in a variety of 4-H clubs and leadership activities that helped shape my confidence, communication skills, leadership abilities, and love for community involvement. Some of my favorite experiences included participating in club activities, attending summer 4-H overnight camp as a camper, and later returning as a Junior Counselor to mentor younger members and help create meaningful experiences for others. Throughout high school, I served as a Trigg County High School 4-H Officer for four years, ultimately earning the role of County President. I also volunteered as a teen leader in local agriculture-focused clubs including Livestock, Horsemanship, and Horticulture, where I enjoyed mentoring younger members and assisting with hands-on educational activities. During high school, I founded a local 4-H Healthy Living Club focused on encouraging youth to stay active, build healthy habits, and learn about wellness in a fun and engaging environment. One of my earliest major accomplishments in 4-H was winning the Kentucky State Grand Champion Smoked Country Ham Contest in 2020. From 2021–2024, I served as a Kentucky 4-H State Teen Ambassador, representing both the Healthy Living Leadership Board and the Science, Technology, and Engineering Leadership Board. I was also selected as a Kentucky delegate for the Ignite by 4-H National Conference in Washington, D.C. in both 2023 and 2024. In 2023, I earned the title of National 4-H Egg Chef Champion, an experience that strengthened my passion for agricultural education, nutrition, leadership, and public speaking. In 2024, I was honored as a Ten-Year 4-H Member and recognized as a Kentucky 4-H Gold Achievement Winner, one of the organization’s highest honors for leadership, service, and involvement. Even after graduating high school in 2024, I continued giving back as an adult volunteer because of the lasting impact 4-H has had on my life. These experiences helped me realize that my passion for 4-H could grow into a future career in Cooperative Extension, where I hope to inspire, mentor, and encourage young people as they discover their own interests, leadership abilities, and future career paths."
