Kisha King was first introduced to the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) Safety Day program in 2023 during a 4-H state staff meeting. Since then, the program has quickly become a meaningful and anticipated event in the Selma, Alabama community. “Protecting our youth and their families requires a collaborative effort,” Kisha notes. “Our community partners, parents, and schools now look forward to our annual Safety Day.”

For more than two decades, Jodi Richmond has been a passionate advocate for youth safety through her work with the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program. Since joining Extension in 2003, Jodi has coordinated Safety Days in two distinctly different communities—one with over 59,000 residents and 24 schools, and the other with fewer than 12,000 people and just four schools. Regardless of the setting, she brings the same energy, commitment, and creativity to each event.

At the heart of every Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®  (PAF Safety Day) is a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. One such individual is Stacey Potts, a committed advocate for youth safety who has played a pivotal role in bringing PAF Safety Days to Daviess County, Kentucky. As a 4-H Agent, she has dedicated herself to educating and empowering young people. Her journey with PAF spans nearly a decade, and her impact is immeasurable.

Some experiences leave a lasting impact, shaping our passions and future endeavors. For Molley Hasenour, Progressive Agriculture Safety Days® (PAF Safety Days) has been a guiding force from childhood to adulthood. From a young participant in Hart County, Kentucky, to a devoted coordinator in Leavenworth, Indiana, her journey is a testament to the program’s value and impact on rural communities.

For Olivia Brown, witnessing the excitement and impact of a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day was the spark that led her to get more involved. Olivia, who works in grants management for the Sentara RMH Foundation, saw firsthand the value of PAF Safety Days and wanted to contribute to the mission.

For more than two decades, Cherrie Curtis has been a driving force behind ensuring youth in her community in Bowie County, Texas gain critical safety knowledge. Since becoming a lead PAF Safety Day Coordinator in 2002, Cherrie has organized 23 PAF Safety Days, empowering thousands of students to make safer decisions as they step into adulthood. Her journey with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) however, began well before she took on the lead role.

At the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF), our mission to make rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities is made possible by dedicated volunteers like Talisha Valdez. Talisha’s journey with PAF began long before she hosted her first PAF Safety Day, which was rooted in her childhood as the daughter of Extension Agent Owida Franz, who started hosting PAF Safety Days in 2000. Growing up in 4-H, Talisha gained firsthand experience with the value of agricultural education and safety programs.

Sarah Richardson’s journey with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) began when she was asked to co-coordinate her county’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (PAF Safety Day). What started as a simple request quickly evolved into a personal mission to inspire students, teachers, and families to better understand and respect the agriculture around them. Now, as a tri-county Commercial Horticulture agent, Sarah has become a go-to presenter for PAF Safety Days in surrounding counties, sharing her passion for agricultural safety and rural education.

At the heart of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) are the dedicated volunteers who make a profound difference in their communities. Among these passionate individuals, Sara Clemens stands out through her commitment and resilience. Her journey with PAF is a powerful testament to how personal tragedy can fuel a mission to create safer, more informed communities.

Danger knows no borders, but safety doesn't either. Since 2006, Amio Mavaega-Luvu has brought youth safety training to communities across American Samoa by hosting Progressive Agriculture Safety Days (PAF Safety Days) 73 times.