Lucas Alexander: All Successes Can Begin with 4-H
By: Emma Alexander -
At just 7 years old, Lucas Alexander gave his first 4-H demonstration. Fast forward ten years, and he is slated to be a national speaker at the Ignite conference hosted by National 4-H in Washington D.C. Lucas’ commitment to each 4-H opportunity has earned him success far beyond his 4-H membership.
“4-H has taught me many things from business to leadership through projects and different roles,” Lucas says. “4-H projects teach valuable life skills and 4-H creates the best opportunities for youth to engage in serving their communities.”
At the Local Level
Lucas, a junior at Fordland High School, is the president of the Mighty Eagles 4-H Club in #Agri-Ready Designated Webster County. Lucas doesn’t just hold the gavel. He guides his youngest peers in parliamentary procedure, giving officer reports, and encouraging them to lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time. As the junior leader for the Ag Tractor project, he led younger members in replacing a factory transmission with a hydrostatic transmission in a lawn tractor. As a component of his high school education, Lucas is a Vo-Tech student studying Diesel Technology at Ozarks Technical Community College.
“4-H builds character, confidence, and community in members allowing them to lead today and succeed tomorrow all while giving back to their communities,” says Kyle Wake, Webster County 4-H Youth Specialist. “Lucas exemplifies these attributes. He eagerly leads his club and community by helping to grow the next generation of 4-H members.”
State Level Leadership
Lucas is a leader in Missouri 4-H’s annual #4-HFeedingMissouri campaign and a partner of Missouri Farmers Care’s (MFC) Drive to Feed Kids (Drive). Lucas’ commitment to the statewide Drive earned him an invitation as a 10-year-old 4-Her to address more than 500 FFA members at the Missouri FFA Day of Service at the Missouri State Fair. A speech on the same topic earned Lucas high honors during the Missouri 4-H State Public Speaking Contest. Today, Lucas serves Missouri 4-H as a Civic Engagement Ambassador.
A Dream to Farm
Lucas is an eighth-generation farmer on his family’s century farm. He is a primary tractor operator, and the family’s go-to guy for maintenance and repairs. He has built his own goat flock of 20 breeding does as a 4-H project. Lucas shows a hog each year, then donates the pork to MFC’s Hogs for Hunger initiative.
“As a farmer, raising one more animal to help feed neighbors in need is a simple way to invest in your community,” Lucas shares. “You never know when you’ll be the one needing help.”
An Elite Opportunity
“My favorite achievement so far has been my acceptance to the 2025-26 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA),” Lucas shares. “My academy class is a small group of youth that are focused on agriculture just as much as I am. I built deep relationships with these peers. I value those relationships because one great friend is better than 100 good acquaintances.” The MAbA honor is application and interview based.
What is Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA):
MAbA is a competitive leadership program for high school sophomores hosted by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Academy must be active members of 4-H or FFA. The program encourages youth to explore careers in production agriculture, agribusiness, and government. Only 30 classmates are chosen annually. Only five students from each of 6 Missouri regions are selected.
An FFA Leader, Too
Lucas is proof that young people don’t have to choose between 4-H and FFA. Lucas serves as president of the Fordland FFA Chapter. He earned Group 1 Career Development Event (CDE) honors in Agronomy and Floriculture. He is a graduate of Missouri FFA’s 2024 HYMAX Cohort. He has been named his chapter’s Top Fruit Salesman, Star Greenhand, and Star Chapter Farmer.
More About Lucas
Lucas is the older brother to Travis, another up-and-coming 4-Her. His 4-H Youth Program Assistant is Jeannie Moreno and his 4-H Youth Specialist is Kyle Wake. Clayton and Madison Tunnell are his FFA Advisors. Lucas’ family are active leaders of Missouri Farm Bureau and members of the Missouri Beef Industry Council, partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
