Youth Connections

Ken Duft was the motivational speaker for Youth Camp 2005. He gave a poignant account of his difficult childhood and how he overcame many challenges to get to the successful and rewarding life he has today. Ken is a Washington State University professor and extension economist and also an accomplished rider and horse show judge. He and his horse “Bob” are well known to the Palouse show community, where Ken makes an effort to mentor youth riders whenever he has opportunity.

Following is a motivational letter written by camper K.T. McMurray (11), persuading her school principal to invite Ken to speak at Lincoln Middle School.

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Dear Mr. Motsenbocker,

As you already know, the sixth grade students are choosing a guest speaker for the upcoming assembly. I think that Mr. Ken Duft would be an ideal candidate. Ken Duft tells you his life story – in a way you won’t forget. I have heard Mr. Duft speak, and he is exceedingly good. I am sure that he will make a wonderful guest speaker.

Mr. Ken Duft has had a very exciting life. When he tells you his life story, I promise you won’t forget. Ken starts his story from when he was about five and ends at his age today. Mr. Duft’s story is very descriptive – how he was born into a family with an illiterate father and a brother with cancer. Ken’s story describes how he would skip school and play hooky almost every day. From hitchhiking almost across the United States to where he is today, Ken has come a long way.

Here is a brief description of the story – I won’t give it away. Ken was a farmboy – he would work all day to help with the medical costs of his brother who had cancer. Ken’s dad was illiterate, and the family was very poor. Ken would skip school because he found it too hard. Eventually, he left and hitchhiked to Florida. Working as a fisherman, Ken earned enough to keep him alive, and eventually he bought a pink Cadillac. Eventually, Ken was old enough to go to college, but because he had only been through ninth grade, he couldn’t get in one. Determined not to give up, he went to a prep school and worked his way to and through college. Earning a Master’s degree, Ken went back to his childhood house, where only his father still lived.

Ken now works at WSU and his wife, Sandy, is the secretary of Sunnyside Elementary School.

My riding group got a lot out of this experience, and we learned a valuable lesson. Ken is a very nice man and can help you see your goals. Hearing Ken’s story has really helped me understand some important things, and I hope you will consider him for the guest speaker.

From,

K.T. McMurray