101st State 4-H Roundup Offers Endless Possibilities

About 400 youth and adults converged on Oklahoma State University recently for the 101st State 4-H Roundup. The event took place July 27-29, and the theme was “4-H – A Universe of Endless Possibilities.”

“It was great to be back on campus with all of the delegates,” said Becky Bedwell, Blaine County OSU Extension educator. “The pandemic had us doing things a little differently for the last couple of years, but it was back to the traditional experience this year.”

4-H Members attending from Blaine County were Brayden Cowan of Watonga 4-H, Maggie Clark of Canton 4-H, Destry Swaim, Jack Luckie ,and Avery Fisher. The Adult Sponsors were Tara Fisher, and Becky Bedwell. Delegates had a variety of educational and hands-on workshop in which they could participate, including weather, robotics, sewing, STEM, prescribed fire, forensics, forestry career, horses, horticulture, air fryer cooking, nutrition and more. The group also had an opportunity to tour places such as the Ferguson Family Dairy Center, McKnight Center, Stillwater Airport, the Greenhouse Learning Center and more.

Brayden Cowan said,” that even though it was hot, it was great opportunity to go out to one of the OSU pastures to talk about range management.” This is a project that he is particularly interested in.

A time-honored tradition of State 4-H Roundup is the induction of two club members into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame during the Honors Night Assembly. This year’s inductees were Reed Marcum, Pittsburg County, and Zach Wagner, Cotton County. Each received a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma.

In addition to those top honors, other 4-H’ers were also recognized as record book and scholarship winners and collected more than $140,000 in educational scholarships, thanks to the generous donors to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. Avery Fisher, the daughter of Tara and Clayton Fisher of Okeene, was recognized for being in the top three in the state with her Food Science Record Book. Avery modeled her wool outfit she constructed during the Friday morning assembly. She was selected in the top five on her sewing skills. In addition, she also recognized for recently being selected as a State 4-H Ambassador.

Recognition has long played an important role in the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program, but accolades aren’t limited to club members. State 4-H Roundup is also a time to recognize those who have helped make Oklahoma 4-H a success. The 2022 State Partner in 4-H Award winner was the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma in recognition for their more than $1 million in financial support to 4-H.

Another time-honored tradition is recognizing a former 4-H’er who has made significant contributions in his or her community. The 2022 Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award honoree was Jay Hannah.

Pete’s Picnic took place in Gallagher/Iba Arena, originally built in the 1930s as the 4-H Activities Building. At the picnic, 4-H’ers were able to visit with representatives from various colleges and departments to learn more about higher education possibilities at OSU.

While steeped in tradition, State 4-H Roundup also offered a new opportunity to a group of delegates this year. Former Bryan County 4-H’er Bailey Rae, now a professional musician, made her way back to State 4-H Roundup to teach a master class workshop and perform a concert. She was a contestant on the television show The Voice and finished in the top nine from a field of 44,000 musicians who auditioned.

“I was really excited to come back to 4-H Roundup. 4-H is where I learned to be confident on stage and learned how to relate to my audience,” Bailey Rae said. “The public speaking skills I learned, along with the other life skills, all have played a role in making me who I am today.”

On the final day of Roundup, following campaign speeches and voting, the new slate officers for state leadership council were announced. Serving in these leadership roles are Abby Logan, president, Payne County; Colton Tripp, Kay County; Murphy Peterson, secretary, Pittsburg County; Janessa Dugger, reporter, Pittsburg County; Haven Hinton, recreation leader, Johnston County; Kynleigh Henson, West District representative, Cotton County; Dylan Simon, West District representative, Cotton County; Kaylee Junghanns, West District representative, Grant County; Violet Spencer, Southeast District representative, Oklahoma County; Avagrace Spencer, Southeast District representative, Oklahoma County; Andrew Triplitt, Southeast District representative, McClain County; Bridger Arrington, Northeast District representative, Logan County; Isaac Ochsner, Northeast District representative, Payne County; and Clarissa Smith, Northeast District representative, Okfuskee County.

“State 4-H Roundup truly is one of the best experiences an Oklahoma 4-H’er can have,” said Destry Swaim and Jack Luckie. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”

For more information on how to be involved contact the Blaine County OSU Extension Office at 212 Weigle, Watonga, OK or call 580-623-5195.