Article

Balancing a checkbook, changing a flat tire, or whipping up a simple meal aren’t skills everyone learns in a classroom.

But for juniors and seniors in Holmes County, those real-world lessons—and many more—took center stage at All In For Life Skills.

Held at the Holmes County Fairgrounds, the daylong program brought together students, educators, employers and community members with one shared goal: helping young people feel more prepared for adulthood. The annual event is a collaboration between Holmes County Farm Bureau, the West Holmes High School FFA Chapter, Ohio State University Extension in Holmes County and community partners from across the county and beyond.

The program grew out of conversations about practical life skills that don’t always fit into a traditional school day.

“Teens don’t always know how to change their oil or what insurance they need—the things that come with being an adult,” said Kayla Jones, senior organization director, Coshocton, Holmes, Knox and Licking County Farm Bureaus. “There just isn’t time to teach everything in the public schools, so this fills an important gap.”

West Holmes High School has had a small program emphasizing personal growth and development for students since 2018, and FFA Advisor Jaime Chenevey was looking to expand it. Chenevey and others transformed it into a 2023 summer program for West Holmes and Hiland High School, and that was reworked in 2024 into the current program, held during the school day at the Holmes County Fairgrounds.

Behind the scenes, West Holmes FFA members contact more than 100 potential presenters, survey students about their interests and build individualized schedules so each student gets the most out of the day.

During the November 2025 event, the day opened with an inspiring keynote from Alex Sheen, founder of the nonprofit because I said I would, who shared a message of commitment, responsibility and follow-through that resonated with students and adults alike.
Then, more than 100 people made presentations to small groups of the 400 students who attended. Sessions ranged from 30 to 45 minutes and students attended five throughout the day.

“They all learn something,” said Janessa Hill, OSU Extension agricultural and natural resources educator for Holmes County. “Whether it’s how to sew on a button or discovering a career they hadn’t considered before, they leave with a broader understanding of what’s possible.”

Sessions this year ranged from “Farming for the Future” to “Credit and How it Affects Your First Loan” to talks about a variety of careers, including firefighting, engineering, public service and journalism. Students have changed their future plans because of learning about a career they had not previously considered.

Career exploration is a key part of the program, including the Holmes County OhioMeansJobs and Job & Family Services Job Expo. This year, 45 local employers participated, giving students the chance to practice talking with employers and learn about opportunities close to home.

“We try to expose the students to employers so they can learn what’s available and what the opportunities are in various job fields,” said Lisa VanSickle, program manager over OhioMeansJobs for Holmes County.

“Some of the students may not have had to look for work yet, so this is an opportunity to learn how to talk to an employer,” she said.

Chenevey said the program is a great way for the community to interact with students.

“Often employers don’t know how to reach the students, so this benefits both groups,” she said. “Doors are opened for the students that they won’t need to open down the road.”

Putting on an event of this size takes significant community support. Jones estimates the annual cost at around $15,000, covering the fairgrounds rental, keynote speaker, meals, supplies and materials. By the end of the day, one thing was clear: All In For Life Skills was a success—because of the community that showed up.

“The passion and commitment and the desire to continue to build new things for our youth is something everyone in Holmes County stands behind,” Jones said. “It takes a unique team, and we’re grateful for the partnerships that make this possible.”

KEY POINTS

• All In For Life Skills was created to teach juniors and seniors essential adult skills—such as financial literacy, basic car maintenance and job readiness—that are often not covered in traditional high school curricula.
• The program is a joint effort involving Holmes County Farm Bureau, OSU Extension, West Holmes FFA, schools and more than 100 local presenters and employers, giving students hands-on learning and direct exposure to career paths.
• Held annually at the Holmes County Fairgrounds and serving about 400 students, the program is sustained through grants and local sponsorships.

WHAT’S NEXT

• County Farm Bureaus host events for their rural communities and local school students throughout the year. Visit ofb.ag/counties for more information.