Spotlight on: Ken Grimes
Extension Agent, 4-H - Denver County
Hi, my name is Ken
Grimes, 4-H Agent in Denver. One day in eighth grade math class, where I
wasn’t doing too well, I decided two things: I would write a story, poem,
play, or essay related to the sayings that were on posters all around the room
such as, “behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining;” “a
stitch in time saves nine,” and so on. I also decided that when I grew up,
I was going to be a teacher so that I could have summers off to write stories,
books and plays. I became a teacher and during summers off, I wrote, directed
and acted in plays. Unfortunately, deciding to write those things in math class
didn’t help my grade much!
I have been very fortunate to work with
all ages and types of youth.
My last year at CSU, I managed a “Science
Motivation” project for high school freshmen (10th grade at that time). I
set up science experiences, tours, had fun and chaperoned young
scientists-to-be. When I look back on it, the professor that sponsored the
program may have been with Extension. I participated in a project to encourage
teachers to work in rural areas, which for me meant Strasburg, CO where I
remember a fifteen foot snow drift shutting my host family and I up for nearly
a week. Thank goodness they were musicians and played cards!
Looking
back, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching troubled youth and the special team of
individuals I had the honor to work with. Each day was a cause, to keep our
youth from being incarcerated. We were a tight knit group that became so good
at what we did, our program was replicated in ten other cities.
From alternative school and troubled youth, I went to
public school and teaching the class president, valedictorian and putting
dozens of kids on stage for the winter comedy or drama and “the spring
musical.” “Hello Dolly” had 75 students, two of which were
blind. The cast that year took pride in working together so well, most people
didn’t know there were blind students on stage. Next stop was making
certain that students of color at the University of Northern Colorado had a
home away from home and that they were made aware of resources to help them
stay in school.
Oh, and I had another encounter with Extension and 4-H
right after graduating. I was told about a theatre group operating out of a
building where my wife would eventually work. The group,
“Kaleidoscope” was a non-traditional project sponsored by Extension.
I didn’t know what was traditional so non-traditional seemed normal to me.
A company of artists, which soon included me, brought performing arts to
communities that didn’t always have such experiences.
I next worked in the corporate arena as
Assistant Training Officer, conducting new employee and other trainings for a
fast growing company affiliated with the EPA. And then to CSU Extension in
Denver where I continue to work with youth, families, teachers, community
partners, and so many more. I remain proud and excited about being able to make
a difference. Except, too often now a days, a former student/4-H participant
will come up and ask: “You remember me?” After working with so many
wonderful people all these years, I think that question is so unfair. Then
again, I’m starting to feel more comfortable saying “I’m sure we
had some memorable experiences together, remind me what they were with
you.” Looking back is fun and so is looking forward!