WISE COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) | August 25, 2025 — A Wise County senior is making his mark through 4-H and even taking his impact abroad. News Five’s Natalea Hillen introduces us to this week’s 5 Star Student, Cole Morgan.
Cole Morgan, 17, has been in 4-H since seventh grade. Since then, he’s been growing his leadership skills, giving back to his community and now expanding his reach overseas.
4-H is an organization that empowers young leaders.
We are a positive youth development organization and we try best to encourage kids to step out of their comfort zone to become leaders now and in the future, said Wise County 4-H Program Assistant, LeAnn Hill.
Central High School student Cole Morgan first joined 4-H looking to try something new.
I started out by going to 4-H camp and then eventually I became a team counselor and now I'm in a whole bunch of different 4-H programs, said Central High Senior, Cole Morgan.
Throughout Cole's participation in 4-H, he has taken on many leadership roles.
I'm currently the Wise County team club president, but just recently I was the Southwest ambassador for the state cabinet for Virginia 4-h and I'm also in the 4-h leadership club for the Southwest, said Cole.
So Cole decided to take on a new challenge. With help from the community, he raised $2,800 to travel to the Dominican Republic with his 4-H club at the end of July.
It was the biggest dream for me. I thought this is way out of my reach, but then I got to do it, Cole said.
He spent his time serving in local communities, like doing crafts and STEM related activities with kids.
We had the day camp which lasted for 2 separate days. We also cleaned up trash. Another thing we did is before the trip, we collected school supplies to give to two schools in Punta Cana and we got to go to the library and give them the books we had, said Cole.
And learning the culture along the way. Cole said, "We went to a lot of different families' houses and we got to experience their culture and their family."
Wise County 4-H Program Assistant, LeAnn Hill said Cole's dedication sets him apart.
Cole is an awesome kid. He steps out of his comfort zone. He's always looking for extra things to do. He's a great leader at 4-H camp, said Hill.
And Cole's not slowing down anytime soon. Right nowhe’s applying to become a Virginia 4-H All Star.
Basically that’s the highest honor you can achieve in 4-H similar to an eagle scout in boy scouts, said Cole.
Cole told News Five's Natalea Hillen after graduation, he hopes to attend Virginia Tech, with plans to study public administration.
To watch the video, follow this link: https://wcyb.com/features/5-star-students/wise-county-teen-expands-4-h-impact-with-international-service-trip