Dressed in a peach costume, Macy Fawns, Mason County horticulture agent for University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, asked 150 third graders how their day was going at the Youth Field Day in Lewis County.  

“Just peachy!” the students yelled back.  

It was a favorite saying of Philip Konopka, who was an agriculture and natural resources agent at the Lewis County Extension Office from 2005 until his death in May 2023. The annual field day, hosted by agents in Lewis, Mason, Carter, Fleming, Bracken and Roberston counties, was started in 2024 in Philip’s honor.  

Third graders from all four Lewis County elementary schools attended the Youth Field Day, which included stations for honeybees, fruit smoothies, dairy cattle, sun safety, wildlife, farm equipment, petting zoo and handwashing.  

Rebecca Konopka, Carter County agriculture and natural resources agent and Philip’s wife of 16 years, said the event was full of joy, which was fitting to honor her husband’s legacy.  

“To see all the kids having fun, climbing on the tractors and petting the animals and wearing their cowboy hats—it’s great,” Rebecca said.  

Philip’s characteristics were everywhere in the field day’s details, Rebecca said. Philip loved “corny jokes,” some of which were on display for the kids to read. The Konopka family brought two of their tractors for the students to enjoy, and students decorated cowboy hats in honor of Philip, who was always wearing one.  

Partners for the event included Rip’s Farm Center, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Master Gardeners and Marc Harrison.  

Tony Johnson, a teacher from Laurel Elementary School, said UK Extension programs such as Youth Field Day allow students to see real-world examples of what they’ve learned in class.  

“The students got to do a lot of their science discovery while they were here,” Johnson said. “It was excellent.”  

April Wilhoit, Fleming County agriculture and natural resources agent, went to college with Philip and Rebecca Konopka. When Wilhoit began her role back in 2017, it made sense for Philip to become her mentor. 

“Philip touched so many lives,” Wilhoit said. “Everyone in Lewis County loved Philip. Soon as you met him, he was your best friend."  

Kennedy Cannon became the agriculture and natural resources agent for Lewis County in 2024. Although Cannon didn’t know Philip, she learned about him from people in the area. 

“It was big shoes to fill, but I’m glad I can be here and keep his legacy strong,” Cannon said.  

Rebecca said she hopes everyone remembers Philip’s smile and willingness to help others. 

“He always wanted to help somebody,” Rebecca said. “He worked all the time and was always trying to make things better for other people." 

To find your local county extension office, visit extension.ca.uky.edu/county.   

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Writers: Bailey Vandiver, bailey.vandiver@uky.edu; Lexi Fellows, alexis.fellows@uky.edu  

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