4-H Highlights: MaKenna Rogers

Achievement

MaKenna certainly accomplished many goals through 4-H, including sponsoring her own community service project called the Dance for Dyslexia. She calls numerous dancers from all over the United States to perform, with all pro-ceeds going to the free dyslexia clinic in McAlester, Okla. This State 4-H Ambassador, Southeast District Reporter, and Southeast District President Elect has completed proj-ects in performing arts, leadership, public speaking, and more. She believes the skills she has learned in 4-H have influenced her throughout her life. She plans to continue to use those skills while attending the University of Okla-homa and majoring in pre-law.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pittsburg County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Harold & Edith Shaw Memorial

4-H Highlights: Terra LaRue

Horse

Terra started expanding her reach of equine education to handicapped children. She began raising awareness about her local therapeutic riding stable and developed a com-munity-wide fundraising drive with help from K-Mart. Her involvement with the therapeutic riding stable led to her development of the “4-H For Challenged Riders” project. Terra says she speaks to other 4-H clubs and encourages them to get involved with therapeutic riding stables. She has also contacted the Tulsa Expo center to discuss build-ing a portable deck so more challenged riders can partici-pate in horse shows at the facility. Through her 4-H horse project, Terra has learned how to become a leader in her community, becoming a youth president of a national horse association and receiving President Obama’s Vol-unteer Service Award. Terra has truly turned her passion into making a positive impact on her community, and she plans on continuing that tradition as she goes to Oklahoma State University to major in chemical engineering.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Washington County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Shawnee Milling Company

4-H Highlights: Austin Kindschi

Oklahoma Youth Expo Scholarship

After five years of leading the St. Jude’s Bike-a-Thon Committee for his local club, Austin has surely pressed his 4-H leadership, public speaking and interpersonal skills into good service while raising more than $10,000 for a cause that helps thousands of children get specialty medi-cal care. A state safety project winner, National 4-H Con-gress pick and Logan County Hall of Fame inductee, Austin was the senior class valedictorian at his high school and an Oklahoma Boys State delegate. He plans to attend college, where he’s poised to study agricultural education and agricultural law. Austin aspires to a position in Oklahoma government, where he will be an advocate for public edu-cation, rural Oklahoma and the Oklahoma 4-H program.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Logan County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Youth Expo

4-H Highlights: Katelyn Wade

Health and Fitness

Through 4-H, Katelyn has organized events with Senator Susan Paddack and taught workshops about healthy eat-ing. But perhaps most importantly, Katelyn has learned how to live a healthy, well-balanced life through her 4-H project. This Byng Honor Choir and Byng Citizenship Award winner attributes 4-H for her leadership accom-plishments. Katelyn recommends new 4-H members en-sure they know how to keep good records and pictures and focus on the project that is of main interest to them. She certainly has taken advantage of that aspect, as she’s an accomplished reviewer, speech writer, and resume developer. She’ll continue to use those vital skills as she enters college in 2014.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pontotoc County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative Association

4-H Highlights: Blake Miller

Conservation of Natural Resources

Blake is prepared for life thanks to the skills he’s acquired through his 4-H project. This 7-year Muskogee County 4-H member has increased people’s knowledge about con-servation of natural resources by teaching 24 workshops and displays. He has also given back by raising funds for Heifer International. This Northeast District Secretary has attended Citizenship Washington Focus and Denver West-ern Roundup and has served as Muskogee County Vice President of Membership. He advises other 4-H members to participate in as many activities and projects as they can so they can find their passion.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Muskogee County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Assn of Conservation Districts and the Oklahoma Vegetation Management Assn

4-H Highlights: Barbara Bullard

Key Club Scholarship

After 10 years in 4-H, Barbara prides herself on serving as a good role model and likes to show others how educa-tional 4-H can be. The 2011 Indianola High School graduate will have an opportunity to do both as she pursues a col-lege degree beginning this fall.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pittsburg County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Inc.

4-H Highlights: Wooby Armstrong

AOP: Ag & Natural Resources

Through 4-H project work, Wooby has learned how to ap-ply the concept of gracious professionalism to everyday life. This 7-year 4-H member admits participating in 4-H has enhanced his life more than anything else he’s ever done. He learned that gracious professionalism is a way of life, and it is about gaining life skills and becoming a bet-ter person. This ideal transformed his attitude and how he approached life, and he saw the characteristic exhibited in 4-H members. As a result of his initiative to gain important life skills, he’s served as club president, club vice presi-dent, and County 4-H Ambassador.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Grady County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association and Gary and Becky Stone

4-H Highlights: Whitney Dockrey

4-H Hall of Fame

Whitney has come a long way in 4-H since that first sugar cookie demonstration at a project day. Now a seasoned presenter who has spoken about 4-H to state and national donors as well as on the floor of the Oklahoma state Sen-ate and House of Representatives, she admits the leader-ship and public speaking skills she has gained through 4-H will have an enduring influence on her life. The Advanced Leadership state project winner, Childcare state project honoree and Pottawatomie County 4-H Hall of Fame se-lection served as a youth chairman for the local March of Dimes drive. Whitney plans to earn a degree in agribusi-ness then attend law school.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pottawatomie County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Farm Credit Services of East Central Oklahoma

4-H Highlights: Jenna Murray

4-H Hall of Fame

Set goals, adjust when necessary and work hard to achieve them. These are some of the crucial life lessons Jenna has learned, and perhaps more importantly, applied, in eight years as a dedicated member of 4-H. The Coman-che County 4-H Hall of Famer poured most of her ener-gies into project areas related to leadership, achievement and food science and technology, earning recognition as a state Leadership project winner and serving as Southwest District president. Given that she’s motivated by compe-tition, it’s not surprising that she exhibited a champion Duroc Barrow at the Arizona National Livestock Show. Jenna, who also was secretary for the Southwest District of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FC-CLA), plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agricultural communications.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are an independent, active par-ticipant in their future and exhibit self-determina-tion and goal setting.

Comanche County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Farm Credit Services of East Central Oklahoma

4-H Highlights: Kendra Rash

Advanced Achievement

Kendra encourages young 4-H members to take advantage of every opportunity the organization offers, and to stay involved as long as possible because those opportunities get better and better with time. The nine-year member directly credited her superior public speaking, leadership and citizenship skills to her 4-H participation. Kendra, who spent three years as the Payne County 4-H president and four years as president of her local club, was chosen as a state 4-H ambassador and also participated in Family, Ca-reer and Community Leaders of America. She aspires to a career in medicine.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Payne County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Vernon and Ronda McKown Endowment

4-H Highlights: Erica Doggett

Advanced Agriculture

By her own admission, without the benefit of participat-ing in 4-H, Erica would have missed out on a multitude of life enhancing opportunities would not have received the outside encouragement to challenge herself beyond her comfort zone. As an active six-year member of the orga-nization, she participated in Citizenship Washington Focus, earned certification as a junior handler by Human Animal Link of Oklahoma (H.A.L.O.) and was named to the Canadi-an County Senior 4-H Hall of Fame. She also served as the county 4-H recreation leader and historian. Erica plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in art.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Canadian County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma LP Gas RM&S Commission

4-H Highlights: Taler Sawatzky

Advanced Citizenship

Focusing on citizenship through her 4-H experience taught Taler the true value of giving back and motivated her to travel across the world to put that life lesson in action. The Southwestern Oklahoma State University freshman is most proud of her work with Moi University in Kenya, where she helped with a Women’s Educational Center. She also traveled to Nicaragua with Feed the Children and Oklahoma 4-H to assist with food preservation needs. In addition to serving as state 4-H secretary and Leadership Council Representative, Taler was chosen as a National 4-H Congress delegate, selected to the Blue Award Hall of Fame and named as a state Citizenship project winner. Ta-ler is a special education major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Custer County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Mike Synar Memorial and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Inc.

4-H Highlights: Alicia Daniel

Advanced Family & Consumer Science

Public speaking, leadership and program development are just three of the lifelong skills and talents Alicia has polished over her six years in 4-H. The founder of Youth Educating Seniors, a program that trains youth to facilitate nutrition and exercise classes for seniors, she served as Southeast District vice president and as vice chairman for Pontotoc County. The Pontotoc County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee earned state Food Science project honors and participated as a delegate in Citizenship Washington Fo-cus. A National Merit Finalist, Alicia earned a full tuition scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University, where she will study biology. She aspires to become a doctor.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pontotoc County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the OK Extension Assn of Family & Consumer Sciences and the OK Assn of Extension 4-H Agents

4-H Highlights: Jenna Murray

Ira Hollar Advanced Leadership

Set goals, adjust when necessary and work hard to achieve them. These are some of the crucial life lessons Jenna has learned, and perhaps more importantly, applied, in eight years as a dedicated member of 4-H. The Coman-che County 4-H Hall of Famer poured most of her ener-gies into project areas related to leadership, achievement and food science and technology, earning recognition as a state Leadership project winner and serving as Southwest District president. Given that she’s motivated by compe-tition, it’s not surprising that she exhibited a champion Duroc Barrow at the Arizona National Livestock Show. Jenna, who also was secretary for the Southwest District of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FC-CLA), plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agricultural communications.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are an independent, active par-ticipant in their future and exhibit self-determina-tion and goal setting.

Comanche County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Bill Doenges

4-H Highlights: Gabe Lomon

Agriculture

Gabe has a passion for agriculture that he’s shared with youth across the nation through his participation in teach-ing at the National 4-H Conference. This 4-H club vice president, president, and Oklahoma 4-H Key Club member has learned vital public speaking and time management skills that he’ll take with him to East Central State College. The skills he’s learned in his 10 years of 4-H project work will benefit him as he majors in agricultural education and becomes an agriculture teacher. He advises newer 4-H members to try new projects and events, even if they are outside of their comfort zone.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pittsburg County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Kunc Family Farms

4-H Highlights: Meagan Rhodes

Larry D. Anderson Memorial

Jump in and participate in everything. That’s the advice Meagan gives to new 4-H’ers, and it’s clear that she has taken her own advice. The Major County 4-H Hall of Fame selection has served as a state 4-H Leadership Team member and president of the Major County 4-H club, in addition to participating in the Citizenship Washington Focus trip. She also was a state Breads project winner. In addition to exhibiting the 2008 Tulsa State Fair Reserve Grand Champion market goat, she was inducted into the Fairview High School National Honor Society, in which she also is a member of the 30+ ACT Club. Meagan plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agriculture economics and accounting.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Major County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Larry D. Anderson Memorial Endowment

4-H Highlights: Tori Burris

AOP: Family & Consumer Sciences

Tori embraced family and consumer sciences because the area was a great fit with her natural interests in sci-ence, math, and daily living. Experimenting with leavening agents proved to be a great experience for Tori, which led her to begin her experimentation in All Other Proj-ects: Family and Consumer Sciences. She’s expanded her family and consumer sciences knowledge to include re-source management, sewing, textiles, and developing her comparison skills. She finds that community service and citizenship projects are limitless when it comes to family and consumer sciences, and she practices her leadership skills as a Tulsa County Ambassador. Tori plans to contin-ue using the life skills she’s learned in 4-H throughout her college career. She’ll need them as she aspires to attend medical school and then volunteer in a French hospital.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Tulsa County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Inc.

4-H Highlights: Matthew Horinek

AOP: Science & Technology

Matthew shares his passions - science and technology and wildlife and fisheries - with other 4-H members through two groups he developed. This 8-year Kay County 4-H member has learned the importance of life skills through these two groups and his project work. His leadership in starting the Newkirk Go-Getters Robotics Team has pro-vided younger 4-H’ers with life skill development in the ar-eas of public speaking, planning, and communication skills. This teen leader president admits that the life skills that he’s learned through his projects - including cooking - are skills he uses now and will continue to use throughout his life. Matthew plans to attend college after he graduates high school.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Kay County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Charles and Betty Smith

4-H Highlights

Blue Award Group

The Oklahoma 4-H Blue Award Group recognizes the top 20 candi-dates who have applied for the State 4-H Hall of Fame.

Tanner Allread, Canadian County, AgricultureSarah Burrows, Pontotoc County, Performing Arts

Matthew Chuning, Osage County, Science & Technology Chelsea Connel, Marshall County, Agriculture/GoatsWilliam Derryberry, Stephens County, Food Science

Whitney Dockrey, Pottawatomie County, Public SpeakingRylee Ellyson, McClain County, Leadership, Science & Tech

Brian Highfill, Garfield County, CitizenshipAustin Kindschi, Logan County, Safety, Leadership, Citizenship

Jeromy Knapp, Stephens County, Shooting SportsMark Miller, Okmulgee County, Small Animals, Leadership

Emily Morrow, Cleveland County, Leadership, Science & TechJenna Murray, Comanche County, Leadership, Citizenship

Kendra Rash, Payne County, Leadership, CitizenshipMeagan Rhodes, Major County, Breads, FCS, Citizenship

Taler Sawatzky, Custer County, CitizenshipMandy Schroeder, Garfield County, Photography, Food Science

Maddi Shires, Bryan County, Safety, LeadershipRebekah Willis, Pittsburg County, Performing Arts

Ashlan Wilson, Hughes County, Citizenship

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement in learn-

ing; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and partici-

pate in demonstrating service to and for others; • Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult

partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment; • Acknowledge they are independent, active participants in

their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

4-H Highlights: Levi Shelby

Beef

Through Levi’s 4-H projects and involvement in agricul-ture, he’s been able to broaden his service to not only his 4-H club, but also through his opportunity to serve on the Marshall County Ag Advisory Board. Levi has successfully developed a herd of 25 commercial and registered cows that he plans on using to finance his college career, but that’s not the only purpose of his heifers. Through his beef project, he’s learned important lessons in money and time management. Those lessons will come in handy once he graduates from high school and begins his college career at Oklahoma State University. He plans on majoring in pre-vet.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement in

learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and par-

ticipate in demonstrating service to and for others; • Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-

adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environ-ment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Marshall County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Kunc Family Farms

4-H Highlights: Madison Rash

Breads

Through Madison’s breads project, she’s learned life skills that aren’t taught in public education. She admits 4-H has taught her leadership and how to work with all ages; citizenship and how to help her community; and public speaking, which has taught her to speak confidently in front of groups. Her bread making skills have gone to the district level, as she taught a workshop on making tortillas in a bag to Northeast District Youth in Action Conference delegates. This 7-year Payne County 4-H member serves as a State 4-H Ambassador and was elected the Northeast District president for the 2011-2012 year. Upon graduation, Madison plans to attend Oklahoma State University and aspires to major in education so she may share her love of learning with children as a teacher.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Payne County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Shawnee Milling Co.

4-H Highlights: Heather Crow

Child Care

Heather has learned the importance of networks and relationships through her 4-H project in Child Care. This 8-year Major County 4-H member has learned numerous skills that help her currently in her job at a day care, and she’s also had the opportunity to make children’s lives better through supply and toy drives for her local hospital. Heather admits the life skills, such as public speaking, time management, and communication are important - but what has benefitted her most are the relationships she’s formed with Extension educators, other 4-H members, and community leaders. She aspires to become a large animal veterinarian and plans to attend Oklahoma State University.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Major County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Kathy Rutledge Memorial

4-H Highlights: Alison Slagell

OK Home & Community Education

Alison gained a true appreciation for the importance of meeting people, listening carefully and responding thoughtfully through her nine years as an active 4-H’er. It’s clear, too, that critical lessons in leadership and citizenship made a deep impression on her as she challenged her own club as well as other student groups at her high school to become involved with Oklahoma Food Bank’s Food for Kids, which sends food-filled backpacks home with stu-dents in need. She also has led hundreds of individuals through workshops and field trips at her family’s farm during the harvesting of watermelons, spinach, cotton and peanuts. A delegate to the National 4-H Congress and state Advanced Agriculture project winner, Alison plans to attend college and pursue a degree in agricultural eco-nomics.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Custer County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Oklahoma Home and Community Education

4-H Highlights: Logan Shelton

Citizenship

Logan’s leadership and citizenship skills were put to the test when he co-developed a 4-H community service club called the Wister Students Helping Others. Soon after he had developed the club, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, and some of the displaced families had been placed in Wister. Logan and the club assisted in organizing food, clothing, prescriptions and animal supplies for the families in need. The experiences Logan has had in 4-H have been instrumental in making him the person he is today, and it has helped him to choose his career path of biomedical engineering. This LeFlore County 4-H President has been accepted into the Oklahoma School of Science and Math for the fall.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

LeFlore County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Gene and Judy McKown Endowment

4-H Highlights: Mark Miller

Tracey Cox Memorial

Extensive participation in 4-H activities taught Mark that he can make a positive difference in the lives of others, and it’s clear he’s taken that lesson to heart. In addition to being heavily involved with a therapy dog program that helps elementary children with reading difficulties and assists patients in hospitals and nursing homes, the Presi-dential National Volunteer Service Award recipient spear-headed a project that ensures every elementary child in one local school district is photographed and fingerprint-ed. He also launched a campaign to warn students across the state against the dangers of texting while driving, and actively participated in a county project designed to clean up dump sites in rural areas. A Blue Award Group honoree, state project winner and National 4-H Congress delegate, Mark served as the Okfuskee County 4-H president.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are an independent, active par-ticipant in their future and exhibit self-determina-tion and goal setting.

Okfuskee County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Friends of Oklahoma 4-H

4-H Highlights: Shannon Vanderlaan

Dairy

Dairy education leads to dairy promotion in Shannon’s eyes. This 7-year Tillman County 4-H member has teamed with Dairy Max to educate youth about dairy cattle and products through a dairy promotion booth at her county fair. She’s reached more than 10,000 youth and adults through her dairy promotion activities and showing Hol-stein cattle. Shannon has learned that showing cattle has a mutually beneficial educational factor in that she has developed a large network of cattle owners and those interested in dairy. She knows this network, as well as her animal husbandry skills, will help her with her future plans to become a veterinarian.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Tillman County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Southwest Dairy Center

4-H Highlights: Kendra Rash

Dana Smith Scholarship

Kendra, a Payne County 4-H’er, hails from a family that was honored as an Oklahoma 4-H Centennial Family and she’s adding to that strong tradition as a state 4-H Ambas-sador, National 4-H Congress selection and Payne County 4-H Tarpey Hall of Fame award recipient. Describing 4-H as an awesome organization through which members can discover their strengths, talents and interests and transform them into valuable life skills, Kendra credits 4-H public speaking opportunities with helping her develop self-confidence and overcome a fear of talking in front of groups. It’s also taught her how to work with young people, a talent she continues to develop as chairperson of the statewide Discovery Unlimited Conference for 11- and 12-year-old 4-H members. Kendra aspires to a career in the medical field.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Payne County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Friends of 4-H

4-H Highlights: MaKenna Rogers

4-H Entrepreneurship

4-H is what you make it, according to MaKenna, and throughout her nine years with the program, she has taken full advantage of opportunities to develop critical life skills like public speaking, leadership, responsibility and community service. A state 4-H Ambassador and the Southeast District president-elect, she was a facilitator at the National 4-H Conference and a delegate to the Denver National Western Roundup. MaKenna, a Star Power Dance Competitions national champion, sponsored a community service project called Dance for Dyslexia, which featured dancers from across the nation and benefitted the free dyslexia clinic in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pittsburg County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Charles & Betty Smith

4-H Highlights: Katy Layman

Fabrics & Fashion

Leadership - the idea of motivating and engaging oth-ers to accomplish an end goal - is a key characteristic of 4-H life skills, and Katy has learned just that through her project work in fabrics and fashions. The skills she has learned in 4-H, such as communication, planning, and time management, are all used in her daily school life. This Washington County 4-H member is actively involved in Project Linus, an initiative to provide children with blan-kets in time of need. She’s shared her passion for Project Linus with several 4-H clubs and has promoted it at local community events as well. Katy’s project worked helped her earn the Nadine Holden Memorial Home Economics Award, and she’s also served as county secretary and rec-reation leader.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Washington County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Wilma Wendt Patillo Endowment and The Bunny Franzmann Memorial

4-H Highlights: William Derryberry

Food Science

This 7-year Stephens County 4-H member enjoys shar-ing his food knowledge with younger members through workshops and demonstrations, and the skills he’s learned in his project allow him to feed others in need. William has taken the lead in his food science project by combining his love of food science with giving back to the community. He took great pride in organizing a non-perishable food drive with Stephens County 4-H and Platt College to col-lect over 3,300 items for the Ronald McDonald House. He admits that the unlimited opportunities to grow and find success in a project area of interest are what has had the biggest influence on his life. He plans to continue to use the skills he’s learned throughout his life, starting with the next step: Completing college at Oklahoma State Univer-sity.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Stephens County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Edwin and Winona Presley Memorial

4-H Highlights: Nicole Ashton

Geology

Motivation and initiative are two things Nicole has learned through her 4-H geology project. She admits she no longer needs an “assignment” to learn about things that interest her. Through her 4-H project, she has acquired skills she needs to be a leader, and she now has the courage to go beyond her comfort zone. Perhaps one of the most impor-tant things she’s learned, however, is that she can learn from her mistakes and failures and still be proud of them as long as she learned something. This Southwest District Secretary, Comanche County Secretary and Elgin 4-H Club President has enjoyed making a positive impact on other youth’s lives, and she will continue to do so through her community service and leadership activities. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University upon graduation.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Comanche County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board

4-H Highlights: Brian Highfill

Harold & Jeanne Gibson Memorial

Brian likes to advise youth to actively take advantage of all the opportunities 4-H offers to develop their leadership, citizenship, public speaking and performance abilities. That’s exactly what the 10-year veteran of the organiza-tion did, and now he’s confident he’s equipped for success through college and beyond. He served as the Northwest District vice president, was chosen as a National 4-H Congress delegate and captured 6th place overall for an individual in the National American Royal 4-H Meat Judg-ing Contest. A two-time recipient of the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, Brian plans to attend Oklahoma State University and study agribusiness.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are an independent, active par-ticipant in their future and exhibit self-determina-tion and goal setting.

Garfield County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Harold & Jeanne Gibson Memorial Endowment

4-H Highlights: Garrett Butler

Goats

Through 4-H, Garrett has served as a mentor to younger 4-H members involved in the goat project, and he’s proud of his goat education efforts. This 7-year McCurtain Coun-ty 4-H member has learned ways to be an effective lead-er, sharing his knowledge with others in his county and teaching county officers about goal setting and achieving a common goal. This County Recreation Leader has also served as Junior Vice President and is a Southeast District Action Team Member. His leadership knowledge and pub-lic speaking skills will help prepare him for the next step in his life: Pursuing a degree in either pre-vet medicine or secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

McCurtain County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Canadian County Goat Producer’s Association

4-H Highlights: Maddi Shires

Allan & Dorris Goodbary Scholarship

Maddi credits 4-H for instilling her with self-confidence; effective communication, time management and organi-zational skills; and the ability to set goals and accomplish them. While she has participated in numerous project areas, she has a special interest in safety and horticulture. In fact, planning and hosting Safety Day Camp workshops geared toward local youth was one of her proudest 4-H leadership accomplishments. A Bryan County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee and state 4-H Safety scholarship recipi-ent, Maddi was ranked first in her senior class and served as vice president of her junior class. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Bryan County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Goodbary Memorial

4-H Highlights: Robert Maples

Hugo Graumann Memorial

Although he is especially proud of his county community service projects of making and distributing wool Christ-mas stockings to foster children and collecting greeting cards for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Robert focused on a broad range of project areas including sheep, citizen-ship, leadership and veterinary sciences throughout his 12 years in 4-H. The Okfuskee County 4-H president was a state 4-H ambassador and served as both lead facilitator and assistant facilitator at the Kansas City Global Confer-ence. Currently a sophomore at Oklahoma State University majoring in agriculture education, he is an active member of the OSU President’s Leadership Council and OSU Stu-dent Alumni Board.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Okfuskee County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Pattillo/Graumann Endowment

4-H Highlights: Coy Pfeiffer

Floyd & Viola Hartman Memorial

In nine years with 4-H, Coy has taken advantage of plen-tiful opportunities to meet people and explore potential careers while developing important management, record keeping and public speaking skills that will serve him well throughout his personal and professional lives. However, Coy has given as much as he’s received. The Cleveland County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee and state 4-H Level I Agriculture record book winner worked with the Oklaho-ma Regional Food Bank to establish a feeding program in the local elementary school. A delegate to both Oklahoma Boys State and the Rural Electric Cooperative Washington, D.C. Youth Tour, he plans to pursue a college degree in animal science and ultimately join his family’s farm enter-prise.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Cleveland County 4-H Member

Sponsored by John and Julie Schurmann, Floyd & Viola Hartman Memorial

4-H Highlights: Leo Roberts

Horticulture & Plant Science

Leo has learned to be a concerned and involved citizen through his horticulture and plant science project in 4-H.Leo has successfully completed extensive renovation on gardens at community schools, post office, parks, homes, and in his personal gardens. This Waurika Kids 4 Com-munity 4-H Club president has reached more than 3,000 youth and adults through his community service activi-ties, and he plans to continue to serve Oklahomans as he continues his 4-H career. Leo aspires to learn more about horticulture and plant science upon graduation from high school and plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Jefferson County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Horticultural Society and the Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association

4-H Highlights: Karin Leimbach

Human Sciences Scholarship

As an aspiring family and consumer science educator, Karin knows the leadership and public speaking experi-ences she collected over nine years in 4-H will continue to play significant roles in helping her achieve that and other personal and professional goals. While a focus on the food and nutrition project areas equipped her with the know-how to skillfully whip up healthy meals, the oppor-tunity to donate baked goods to 4-H dinners, fund-raisers and Mobile Meals helped her perfect recipes and ideas. The Canadian County 4-H president earned membership into the county’s Senior Hall of Fame as well as claimed the county’s Senior Leadership award. Karin, an Oklahoma Merit Scholar, plans to attend Oklahoma State University.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Canadian County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma State University Department of Human Sciences

4-H Highlights: Andi Will

Leadership

The leadership and public speaking skills Andi Will has gained through her 4-H activities are skills that will stay with her for a lifetime. She has already put those skills to work while serving as a delegate to 4-H Day at the Capitol where she spoke to her local state representa-tive and senator about the impact 4-H has had on her life. The leadership skills she has developed also have come in handy as she has served as a vice president on the county level, Noble County Ambassador and a district representa-tive for the State 4-H Council. Not only has her 4-H work taught her valuable life skills, she also has participated in a number of community service activities during her seven years as a 4-H’er. Through her community service work she has learned to give back. In fact, one year when cel-ebrating her birthday, Andi did not ask for gifts. Instead, she asked for donations of toys she then gave to her local ministerial alliance to distribute to less fortunate families that Christmas. Andi is a junior at Morrison High School. She plans to attend college and earn a degree in the sci-ence field.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Noble County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Jerry & Julie Kiefer Endowment

4-H Highlights: Whitney Dockrey

Oklahoma Youth Expo Scholarship

Whitney has come a long way in 4-H since that first sugar cookie demonstration at a project day. Now a seasoned presenter who has spoken about 4-H to state and national donors as well as on the floor of the Oklahoma state Sen-ate and House of Representatives, she admits the leader-ship and public speaking skills she has gained through 4-H will have an enduring influence on her life. The Advanced Leadership state project winner, Childcare state project honoree and Pottawatomie County 4-H Hall of Fame se-lection served as a youth chairman for the local March of Dimes drive. Whitney plans to earn a degree in agribusi-ness then attend law school.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pottawatomie County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Youth Expo

4-H Highlights: Natalie Richardson

Modelle Pattillo Memorial

A longtime 4-H’er, Natalie is the force behind a spa day for residents of a women’s shelter. The effort was more than a worthy outreach. It was a reflection of important lessons she has learned through 4-H. By her own admis-sion, 4-H taught her to have a better perspective on life, encouraged her to do things for others and look for ways to help. In that spirit, she shared her interest in cooking, baking and food safety through a multitude of talks in which she taught audiences how to make healthier choices through games and hands-on activities she developed. A current Oklahoma State University student majoring in hu-man development and family sciences who also is an OSU Presidential Scholar, Natalie was a Custer County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee and National 4-H Congress delegate.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Stephens County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Pattillo/Graumann Memorial

4-H Highlights: Tarah Satterfield

Performing Arts

Tarah Satterfield enjoys performing so much that she started her own club called the Haskell County Perform-ing Arts Club (PAC). She has reached about 40 youth so far and she teaches PAC members how performing arts can help them in life through skills such as public speaking and confidence. She has used these very skills while she has served as county president for two years, county vice president and county reporter. Other 4-H activities include Key Club, Southeast District record book winner and a first place entry at the Tulsa State Fair with her Fossil to Fuel project. One thing she especially respects about the 4-H program is that it is community based. Not only is it the local educator or club leaders, 4-H also is your family, teachers, neighbors and friends. With their help a 4-H’er is encouraged to reach his or her potential because with the addition of 4-H, the potential is so much greater. Some-thing she wants all club members to realize is that you do not have to be a national, state, district, county or even a club level officer to make a difference, and this is some-thing 4-H teaches. Currently a senior at McCurtain Public Schools, Tarah plans to attend college and major in nurs-ing or optometry.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Haskell County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Sirloin Club

4-H Highlights: Whitney McCollum

Photography

When a person thinks about the photography project and the beef project in 4-H, most probably do not see a con-nection. Fortunately, Adair County 4-H’er Whitney McCol-lum has found a way to bridge the gap by incorporating photography into her daily activities. Responsibility is key in her beef project as she must take care of her beef herd. In addition to photography and beef, she also plays an active role as a member of the Heath Rocks! ® team. She says Health Rocks! ® has enabled her to step outside the box and experience life as a teacher in the 4-H program. Her leadership skills are evident in her roles as local club president and vice president, as well as county president. Some of her 4-H honors and activities include Adair Coun-ty Hall of Fame, the Danforth “I Dare You” Award and serv-ing as a delegate to Denver Western Roundup. Whitney is a firm believer in that all of her 4-H experiences have helped her overcome the uncertainty of trying new things. In addition, the skills she has learned will help her through-out the rest of her life and help her become a productive citizen in tomorrow’s society. She is a senior at Westville High School.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Adair County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Tracy Family Endowment

4-H Highlights: James Taylor

B.A. Pratt Memorial

James likes to encourage young 4-H members to meet as many people as possible and to be an active participant in a wide variety of projects and events. It’s a lot of work, the 13-year veteran of the program warned, but well worth the effort. Through 4-H he knows the value of respect and the importance of having a strong work ethic, and as an aspir-ing engineer, he’s convinced well over a decade of experi-ence in the organization will play a big part in accomplish-ing that and other personal and professional goals. The Lincoln County 4-H Hall of Famer has already parlayed his 4-H know-how into a successful lawn care business. In addition to serving as club president at both the local and county levels, James was a delegate to the Denver Re-gional Stock Show Conference.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Lincoln County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the B.A. Pratt Memorial Endowment

4-H Highlights: Brian Barton

Public Speaking

While some people shy away from public speaking, it is pretty much a way of life for Creek County 4-H’er Brian Barton. He said his involvement in 4-H has given him the confidence to go out and try new things, and that confi-dence will be with him throughout his life. Through his public speaking and leadership projects, Brian has had the opportunity to serve more than 70,000 youth and help them along the path of developing their own skills. He is a firm believer that if you achieve a goal, it gives you the confidence to go on. However, if you lose a contest, you can always look back and find a way to learn from it and continue on down the path because experience is gained from every attempt. A nine-year-veteran of the 4-H pro-gram, Brian has served as a State 4-H Ambassador, mem-ber of the State 4-H Council, Northeast District president, delegate to Citizenship Washington Focus and named Creek County Hall of Fame inductee. He also served as a student council officer and has been named a state FFA project winner. He is a senior at Cushing High Schools and plans to attend Oklahoma State University where he will major in political science.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Creek County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Quinn Family A-1 Moving & Storage

4-H Highlights: Kaylee Young

Recreation & Leisure Arts

Kaylee Young has a lot to show for her three years as a 4-H’er. She is active in both the recreation and leisure arts project and the performing arts project, both of which keep her busy. She has conducted numerous workshops, demonstrations, presentations and classes to spread the message about the HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves and socks) project. She enjoys teaching others how to make items to donate to the HUGS project. Kaylee spends about 350 hours per year training in piano, guitar, stick drama, puppetry and singing so that she can serve her church and the community by performing and entertaining dur-ing summer camps and holiday events. Currently a ho-meschool freshman, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University and study veterinary medicine.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Cleveland County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Vernor and Barbara Bockelman

4-H Highlights: Hayley Denker

Safety

As a nine-year veteran of the 4-H Program, Haley Denker said it is the community service projects that have had the biggest influence on her life. She attributes 4-H with the fact that she is so active in her community of Waukomis. She is able to combine her desire to serve her commu-nity with the work she does in the safety project area. She worked with the Skeleton Creek Volunteer Fire De-partment to come up with a floor plan of her school that can be used in the event of a fire. Following the develop-ment of the floor plan she organized a walkthrough of the school for the firemen so they could make any additional notes and see the layout of the school, including dead end hallways and basement classrooms. She used her leader-ship skills while she served as Northwest District song leader, county president and vice president. Some of her 4-H activities and honors include serving as a delegate to Denver Western Roundup, State 4-H Roundup and Kansas City Global Leadership Conference. She was active in the school band, listed on the superintendent’s honor roll and was a member of the 2008 Girls 2A Golf Team and Aca-demic State Championship. She is a 2011 graduate of Pio-neer High School.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Garfield County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau

4-H Highlights: Sarah Burrows

Southeast District Scholarship

Some of the most enjoyable moments of Sarah’s 10 years as an active and vital 4-H member came from sharing her story and giving back to the program that gave so much to her. Not only did the experience provide her with a mul-titude of friends and role models, but it also convinced her that she could accomplish anything she wanted. She put that and other crucial life lessons to work while men-toring younger 4-H members and conducting workshops and events that reached thousands of Oklahomans. The National 4-H Congress delegate and Pontotoc County 4-H Hall of Fame selection plans to pursue a college degree in graphic design with a minor in music.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Pontotoc County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Friends of the Southeast District 4-H Program

4-H Highlights: Melissa Combs

Sheep

In her eight years as an active 4-H’er, Melissa Combs has reached more than 7,000 youth and adults through her leadership and community service activities. She said be-ing a 4-H’er not only has helped her develop her leadership skills, it also has helped her make the most of herself and find a balance of work and service that has developed her into a well-rounded individual. Melissa believes that the leadership skills she is learning now will be used through-out her life. These skills have helped, and will continue to help, her set realistic goals and understand the work involved to reach her many goals. She has stepped up to the plate as a leader and served as county vice president, treasurer and secretary. She has been selected as an in-ductee into the Marshall County Hall of Fame and served as a delegate to Citizenship Washington Focus. She also is the recipient of the Southeast District Family and Consum-er Sciences Scholarship Award. At Madill High School she is listed on the National Honor Society and is a member of the Principal’s Leadership Council. She plans to attend col-lege following graduation in 2012.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Marshall County 4-H Member

Sponsored by Cabaniss Sheep Farm and The Oklahoma Sirloin Club

4-H Highlights: Chelsea Blevins

Shooting Sports

Through speeches, workshops, displays, camps, instruc-tional videos and classes, Chelsea Blevins has done her best to bring attention to the 4-H archery program. Over the past four years more than 3,000 people have been affected, informed and inspired by her efforts. She also uses her project work to help others. Hunters Against Hunger 4-H Style not only provides the Bristow Food Bank with nutritious meat, it also has empowered others with the knowledge and skills necessary to process and pre-serve their own meats. These are skills Chelsea will use throughout her life. She believes the core of success is self-confidence and every aspect of 4-H empowers youth with opportunities to succeed. As a member of the Kel-lyville 4-H Club she served as president, as well as serv-ing as Creek County president and Northeast District vice president. She has been inducted into the Creek County Hall of Fame and been a delegate to Citizenship Washing-ton Focus and State 4-H Roundup. She also took part in Creek Nation Youth Experiencing America’s History. She is a 2011 homeschool graduate and is attending Southwest-ern State University where she is majoring in health sci-ence.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Creek County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma City Gun Club

4-H Highlights: Mitch Miller

AOP: Small Animals

Mitch has truly shown the power of companion animals through his therapy dog work by making visits to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and shut ins, as well as helping to implement the “Read to the Dog” program in his school for youth with reading difficulties. He also has taught pet and internet safety courses to youth, as well as helping to implement “Operation Child ID” by fingerprinting and photographing all children in his school system. In addition he has implemented the “Clothing Those In Need” project, impacting 5,000 families. This accomplished 4-H member has served as Okfuskee County 4-H reporter, vice presi-dent, and president. He’s also involved in his high school marching band, FCCLA, and C-Club.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Okfuskee County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Jay and Janie Hesser and Jay and Beverly Hesser Memorials

4-H Highlights: Ross Taylor

Swine

Ross Taylor has been able to turn his swine 4-H project into his own business. R&R Show Pigs features purebred registered Chester, Duroc and Yorkshire sows and boars. He said his swine project has proven to be one of his greatest passions and he enjoys sharing his passion with others. He was instrumental in organizing and implement-ing Okemah’s Market Hog Shows this past year where more than 400 pigs representing 40 towns were shown. He said the skills he has learned in 4-H have inspired him to work hard toward a career in agriculture. He eventu-ally wants to own his own Boar Station and become a 4-H County Educator. The leadership skills he has shown in his roles as county vice president, reporter and recreation leader will help him achieve his goals. As a club member Ross has been a state project finalist, a member of Key Club and inducted into the Okfuskee County Senior Hall of Fame. He is active with the United Methodist Church Youth Group, and is a member of the National Honor Society and FCCLA. He is a junior at Okemah High School and plans to attend OSU.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Okfuskee County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Pork Council

4-H Highlights: Brandi Blasdel

Veterinary Science

Brandi’s veterinary science project has definitely taught her the skills she’s going to need to succeed in veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State University, and it has given her something else, too: An understanding of the impor-tance of community service. She also admits that 4-H has instilled within her a confidence that no other organization could give her. She’s learned how to be a good team mem-ber, leader, and public speaker through 4-H, and she’s not done learning yet. This accomplished Harper County 4-H member was first place individual in the 2011 Oklahoma State Meat Judging Contest and in 2010, she was a mem-ber of the 3rd place Oklahoma Team at the Denver Nation-al Western Meat Judging Contest.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Harper County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Edwin and Winona Presley Memorial

4-H Highlights: Ricki Schroeder

Wildlife & Fisheries

Serving others is just one of the things Ricki Schroeder enjoys about being a 4-H’er. Throughout his seven-year 4-H career, he said he is most proud of the “Covered With Love” project he chaired. This is just one of 192 citizenship and community service projects in which he has partici-pated. Through “Covered With Love,” the Kremlin-Hillsdale 4-H Club made 32 fleece blankets as Christmas gifts for residents of a local nursing home. Schroeder also partici-pates in leadership and entomology project work. He said he believes citizenship in 4-H has had a major impact on his life and he enjoys helping those who are less fortunate. In addition to citizenship, Schroeder says the public speak-ing opportunities he has been given in 4-H will help him in all areas of his life. He has proven himself as a leader through the State 4-H Ambassador Program and serving as Northwest District vice president and Garfield County secretary. He also has served as a delegate to Denver Western Roundup and was named the county’s Outstand-ing Junior 4-H’er. Currently a junior at Kremlin-Hillsdale High School, he will serve as student council vice presi-dent in 2011-2012, and he also is listed on the National Hon-or Society. He plans to attend college after graduation.

Through Oklahoma 4-H project work, youth: • Learn mastery of life skills and show engagement

in learning; • Have an opportunity to engage in generosity and

participate in demonstrating service to and for others;

• Form a sense of belonging and are involved in youth-adult partnerships within an inclusive, safe, environment;

• Acknowledge they are independent, active partici-pants in their future and exhibit self-determination and goal setting.

Garfield County 4-H Member

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Sirloin Club and the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Inc.