Annual Report 2014 by Oklahoma 4-H

OKLAHOMA 4-H A n n ua l R e p o r t

2014

CONTENTS Features

02 Making the Best Better — Thomas Coon 04 3, 2, 1, Blast Off! 05 Horseback Heroes 06 Geology Rocks 07 A Family Tradition 08 2014 Enhancement Grants 10 Young at Heart 12 Riding it Forward

A cross-country bike ride empowers America to fight childhood obesity. Thomas Coon keeps the 4-H motto in mind as he serves as vice president, dean and director of DASNR. Students from Oklahoma School for the Deaf explore rocketry during National Youth Science Day. Oklahoma National Guard youth and families saddle up for a day on the ranch.

New geology curriculum brings exciting learning opportunities for Oklahoma 4-H’ers. The Gardner Family leaves behind a lasting 4-H legacy.

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation enhancement grants continue to enrich lives across the state. An Oklahoma woman’s 4-H career has influenced her life for nearly a century.

Departm en ts

13 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Adult Awards 14 Scholarship Donors and Winners 16 Financial Review 19 2014 Order of the Clover 20 Honorary and Memorial Gifts 22 Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Matching Programs 24 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame

Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report Issued June 2015 Published by: Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Kevin Allen Assistant Director, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H Program Leader The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Jim Rutledge Executive Director Kristin Knight Marketing Coordinator Special thanks to Todd Johnson, Trisha Gedon and those quoted within for their contributions. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are courtesy of Todd Johnson or Oklahoma 4-H. 205 4-H Youth Development Building Stillwater, OK 74078 http://4h.okstate.edu

The Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report is published annually for 4-H supporters and Oklahoma 4-H alumni. Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and local governments cooperating. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

OKLAHOMA

4-H

FOUNDATION

I N C O R P O R A T E D

OKLAHOMA

4-H

FOUNDATION

I N C O R P O R A T E D President DAN BOMHOFF, Okarche

Vice-President JAN KUNZE, Oklahoma City Treasurer TERRY STOWERS, Norman Past President JIM EDEN, JR., Stillwater Board of Directors ANN BENSON, Stillwater BEVERLY CHAPMAN, Calvin JERED DAVIDSON, Shawnee JOE DORMAN, Rush Springs JOHN GRUNDMANN, Shawnee SUE HORROCKS, Stillwater PAUL JACKSON, Ringling JANNA KELLEY, Ada JERRY KIEFER, Edmond KIRSTEN MCINTYRE-GANTZ, Edmond KEN MCQUEEN, Tulsa RODD MOESEL, Oklahoma City MANDY SCHROEDER, Nash GWEN SHAW, Edmond DEREK SMITHEE, Edmond TERRY STOWERS, Norman DIXIE THOMAS, Wichita, Kansas JERI TOWLER, Edmond JERRY WINCHESTER, Nichols Hills Ex-Officio Directors MARVIN BURNS, Langston JIM TRAPP, Stillwater KEVIN ALLEN, Stillwater Advisory Directors DANIEL NEELY, Okfuskee JEANETTE NAUGLE, Millcreek DALACY DOCKERY, Shawnee RICKI SCHROEDER, Stillwater KATIE SYMES, Nicoma Park JIM RUTLEDGE, Executive Director TOM MANSKE, Development Director

Greetings from Oklahoma 4-H Dear friends of Oklahoma 4-H, The 2014 Annual 4-H Report highlights many of the ways everyone has worked to “Make the Best Better!” When you have anything to do with the 4-H Youth Development Program, a year goes by in a constant blur of activity. It is important to stop at least once a year to take stock and see where we have been. We hope you will enjoy looking through this 4-H Annual Report as we highlight just a few of the success stories from the past year. Oklahoma 4-H continues our commitment for the 117,000 youth who participated in a 4-H program and the 7,300 volunteers who are invaluable to helping us fulfill our mission. As a program, we remain dedicated to providing strong support to our traditional members and project areas. To ensure 4-H grows in Oklahoma, new programs such as Yoga for Kids, the Amazing Small Animal Project or the partnership with NASA on National Youth Science Day – Rockets to the Rescue were offered with the intent of enhancing opportunities for our current membership as well as reaching new youth audiences. Whether we are working with current members or attracting new audiences regardless of a rural or urban setting, we will continue to ensure all youth have the chance to benefit from the awesome experience that is Oklahoma 4-H. The impact of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation continues to grow. During the 2014 4-H Roundup, we announced more than $98,000 in college scholarships. We anticipate more than $100,000 in scholarships will be handed out at the 2015 4-H Roundup. As you will see on our financial review page, our assets now exceed $8 million and our annual contributions to the 4-H program exceed $500,000. The number and value of our 4-H scholarships continue to grow. We continue to provide financial support for county programs through 4-H enhancement grants, healthy living grants, support for 4-H Roundup and many other programs. We are very excited to have the National 4-H Conference Endowment fully funded by the Gardner family, and we look forward to finishing off the endowments for the state officers and the Citizenship Washington Focus trip. Learn more about all of these programs on page 24. We are very pleased to announce all of our Pickens Legacy Scholarships at the OSU Foundation are now complete and we will soon be awarding scholarships from all of those new endowments. Thanks to everyone who has stepped up to help us create what will someday be more than $1 million in new scholarship endowments. We hope to see you at 4-H Roundup, a state fair, a district or state 4-H event, or this fall at our 18th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament. With warmest regards,

Kevin Allen

Jim Rutledge

Dan Bomhoff

Oklahoma Program Leader

Executive Director

President

Assistant Director, OCES

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Inc.

A cross-country bike ride empowers America to fight childhood obesity. nspiring youth to take action in the fight against childhood obesity, Joe Ostaszewski, “The Biggest Loser” season 14 finalist and former Florida State University football player, took on the ultimate challenge of bicycling across America to bring awareness to the National 4-H Council’s healthy living mission and programs. Through his endeavor, Ostaszewski encouraged youth and their families to live active and healthy lives by sharing his personal success story. “Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that threatens the lives of millions of Americans, and I’m living proof that there is a cure,” said Ostaszewski, who lost an impressive 147 pounds as a contestant on “The Biggest Loser.” In conjunction with the Riding

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It Forward movement, Ostaszewski began his 2,937-mile bike ride at the National 4-H Council’s campus in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on July 31, 2014. Along the way, he made 42 stops in nine states before he reached his destination at The Biggest Loser Ranch in Calabasas, California. One of his many stops included a visit to Oklahoma State University’s campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “As America’s Healthiest Campus® and home to the Oklahoma 4-H program, we were thrilled to welcome Joe to our campus,” said Suzy Harrington, OSU’s chief wellness officer. Ostaszewski bicycled to campus from Stillwater City Hall, accompanied by celebrity bikers including Pistol Pete; Thomas Coon, Division of Agricul-

tural Sciences and Natural Resources; Kevin Allen, state 4-H program leader; and more. Arriving on campus, Ostaszewski shared his weight loss journey, touching the hearts of listeners as he described how he overcame obstacles threatening his health, and most importantly, his happiness. Cathy Allen, assistant specialist with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, said his message fits in perfectly with 4-H programming. “Health is the fourth H in 4-H, so his focus on healthy eating and being active goes hand in hand with so many of the programs we have for 4-H youth,” Allen said. “It was exciting to have Joe share his message with the OSU students, staff and faculty.”

Ostaszewski challenged everyone to pledge as change agents in the fight against childhood obesity. As a change agent, youth and their families can spread Ostaszewski’s message and influence others to adopt a healthier, active lifestyle. To make their pledges official, participants signed their names alongside hundreds of others from across the nation on Ostaszewski’s large red motor home. “His visit demonstrates anything is possible when you put your mind to it,” Harrington said. “I also hope his visit raises awareness of the importance of healthy eating, an active lifestyle and the joy of cycling. “In addition to his reenergized lifestyle, he represents the wholeness of wellness with his positive attitude and commitment to 4-H youth. Kudos to him for stepping up to be a strong role model for our 4-H youth, epitomizing the fourth H in 4-H.”

Left: Upon his visit to Stillwater, Oklahoma, Joe Ostaszewski (right) was welcomed by Pistol Pete and was named an honorary OSU Cowboy. Above: Ostaszewski encouraged youth to make small, yet impactful, healthy lifestyle choices as change agents to help end childhood obesity.

Hand in hand, a family signs Joe Ostaszewski’s motor home, pledging to incorporate healthy food choices and regular exercise in their day-to-day lives.

Thomas Coon keeps the 4-H motto in mind as he serves as vice president, dean and director of Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. 1

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1. Thomas Coon speaks at the OCES Centennial Garden dedication. 2. Showing his support for healthy living, Coon joins Joe Ostaszewski’s Riding It Forward bicycling movement. 3. Coon drops his letter into the OCES Centennial time capsule to be opened in 100 years. 4. Coon addresses crop producers at the Wheat Field Day in Lahoma, Oklahoma. 5. At DASNR Day at the Capitol in Oklahoma City, Coon meets 4-H’ers as they share their 4-H stories with legislators.

Students from Oklahoma School for the Deaf explore rocketry during National Youth Science Day. he National 4-H Council partnered with NASA to implement National Youth Science Day curriculum on Oct. 8, 2014. This year, thousands of youth across the country learned the mechanics, opportunities and science of rocketry. John Holman, Murray County Extension educator, faced numerous challenges to present NYSD rocket curriculum to 40 Oklahoma School for the Deaf students. “Not knowing sign language myself and trying to demonstrate to mid-elementary youth with hearing impairments quickly became one of the most frustrating things I had encountered,” Holman said. With the help of OSD teachers interpreting and three Murray County 4-H’ers, what seemed like an impossible day soon became a fun-filled experience for Holman, the 4-H’ers and OSD students. “Our day with Oklahoma School for the Deaf began as an outdoor classroom setting at Veteran’s Lake within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma,” he said. The students eagerly built and designed individual rockets, complete with their payload of raisins as part of the Rockets to the Rescue activity. “The transformation was amazing to be a part of,” Holman said. “The first 15 minutes of the day seemed like complete frustration and chaos, but we kept at it.” Each 4-H’er had a table of about 10 students to work with. Holman said after about 30 minutes, each student had a rocket ready to launch, and the

excitement level was off the charts. “A cul de sac near the pavilion where we were working created a perfect ‘island’ for the students to try to get their rocket to land in,” he said. The 4-H’ers helped manage the stomp rocket launcher and assisted each student as they worked to perfectly aim their rockets to land in the island, he said. The students cheered each other on as they took turns jumping on the launcher.

After all the kids launched their rockets, Holman said the students’ enthusiasm resulted in the most rewarding day he has had in a long time. “My favorite part of the day had to be the laughter, smiles and plenty of high fives as we were finishing the launching of each student’s rocket,” he said. “Because fresh on my memory was an hour earlier when I was thinking this is never going to happen.”

OSD students watch in anticipation as a fellow student prepares to launch his rocket into the sky using the stomp rocket launcher. Photo courtesy of John Holman.

Horseback Heroes Oklahoma National Guard youth and families saddle up for a day on the ranch.

ar too often, youth of military families experience the difficult time when a loved one is deployed overseas. The sudden change in presence can be challenging to overcome, and the distance can take a toll on relationships within families. Horseback Heroes is an annual event that provides youth of deployed or recently returned family members an opportunity to have fun and restore bonds in military families. On Oct. 18, 2014, youth of the Oklahoma National Guard ventured out to Covey Farms in Oklahoma City for a day exploring ranch life. Youth of all ages tested their ranching skills in steer roping, horseshoeing and horseback riding, and learned about proper horse care and safety from exhibitors.

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“It gets them involved in horsemanship and gives them an opportunity to interact with livestock they normally wouldn’t have,” said Carrie Winslett, 4-H Military Partnerships graduate student assistant. One of the many exhibitors at Horseback Heroes was Operation: Military Kids. OMK coordinator Jessie Furnish said their booth at Horseback Heroes provided attendees with information about the OMK program and opportunities to learn about and register for Oklahoma 4-H events such as Nature Camp and Bright Nights at Science Museum Oklahoma. “Most kids attending Horseback Heroes aren’t in 4-H,” Winslett said. “It was a good opportunity for them to learn about 4-H.” With funds from Oklahoma 4-H,

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service showcased its Insect Adventure petting zoo at the OMK exhibit, as well. 4-H youth and volunteers from across the state also were in attendance to spread the word about 4-H, share their projects and provide assistance throughout the event. “It’s incredible how it all comes together,” said Pat McNally, Horseback Heroes volunteer and former OMK coordinator. “It’s like a 16-ring circus with activities, people and horses everywhere, but it’s all very organized.” Horseback Heroes continues to grow as a highly anticipated event for more and more military families. Military youth enjoy bonding with their families while experiencing life on a ranch at Horseback Heroes. Many youth try new things, including an eight-second ride on a bucking bull.

New geology curriculum brings exciting learning opportunities for Oklahoma 4-H’ers.

here can be some advantages to playing with rocks, especially if you are an Oklahoma 4-H’er. The Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program has partnered with the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board to develop a new educational geology curriculum for 4-H youth, said Cathy Allen, assistant specialist with Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. “This material is brand new and written by Jim Puckett, a geologist at Oklahoma State University,” Allen said. “Our previous geology materials hadn’t been updated for quite some time, so we’re hoping this new material will spark an interest with our club members. We’ll be doing some in-depth training on the curriculum throughout 2015.” The new material stays true to the

philosophy of 4-H in learning by doing. The three-level curriculum, ranging from beginner to advanced, features many different hands-on activities. Allen said the geology project can be started when 4-H club members are just 9 years old. “They can start right when they join 4-H, and since the material is multi-level, they can expand and grow their knowledge over the course of their 4-H careers,” she said. “OERB sponsors a $1,200 geology state record book scholarship, which may help entice 4-H’ers to seriously think about this project.” OERB has provided each county with the curriculum and rock kits to assist with the teaching and learning processes. The kits include 10 rock samples that are used to accompany

the activities and give a better handson understanding of the concepts. Carla Schaeperkoetter, education director for OERB, said the company is excited to be part of this new learning experience for the Oklahoma 4-H program and 4-H’ers. “Students need to know more about our state and its geological diversity,” Schaeperkoetter said. “At the same time, the materials will teach important underlying concepts in petroleum geology, such as rock porosity and permeability.” The workbooks also include activities on specific geological formations around Oklahoma, as well as the difference between rocks and minerals. Club members also will have an opportunity to learn more about geological careers.

The Gardner family leaves behind a lasting 4-H legacy.

-H truly is a family tradition for the Gardners. From the small town of Sharon, Oklahoma, Louis and Betty Gardner and their five children, the late Carrie Gardner Morris, Brett Gardner, Jill Gardner Watkins, Jeanne Gardner Mann and Kent Gardner, are the epitome of a 4-H family. Betty’s love for 4-H sparked when she was a young girl. “When I was in 4-H, it was more of a basic life skills thing,” she said. “Mostly, I did canning and sewing. I didn’t get to show animals, and that was something I thought was so cool.” Betty fondly remembers her time spent on her county’s 4-H judging team as they traveled to the Oklahoma State Fair for the State Judging Competition. “We spent the entire week there,” she said. “Every day we judged something different, whether it was clothing or canning.” Although Louis was only in 4-H for two years when he was growing up, he and his wife still recognized the priceless value 4-H would have in their children’s lives. Betty said there was no doubt her children were going to be enrolled in 4-H as soon as they turned 9 years old. “I guess it was just expected because of the learning skills in 4-H,” she said. “It was a great program for us.” Jeanne said her mom was the biggest influence in her and her siblings’ 4-H career. “She knew the only way for us to have the opportunity to attend college was through scholarships, and she knew that began with the skills and leadership gained through 4-H,” she

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said. “She vowed to help us in any way possible and became our 4-H leader to accomplish this goal.” Being the parents of five involved and successful 4-H’ers, Louis and Betty said they were extremely busy and enjoyed every minute of it. “Betty would take one kid one direction and I’d take one another,” Louis said. Jill said her parents drove countless miles, ensuring their children made it to every event. “They were always involved in each activity we participated in, whether we were putting in the family garden, going to a sheep show or horticulture contest, or they were just calming our nerves before a big interview,” she said.

The Gardners were actively involved in a variety of 4-H projects, including gardening, food and nutrition, sheep, meats, citizenship, sewing and more. All five children served in numerous 4-H leadership roles on the local, county and state levels, and won countless awards. Jeanne was named a Presidential Silver Tray winner at National 4-H Congress in Chicago, an honor she and her family recall as one of their proudest moments. Among the Gardner children’s other accomplishments, Kent was inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame in 1997. Kent, the youngest of the Gardner children, said although his family was involved in numerous aspects of 4-H,

they never lost sight of their close family bond. “Mom would take care of certain things and dad would mainly take care of livestock, but we did the big events together,” he said. No specific memorable moment stands out in Brett’s mind when he reflects on his time as a 4-H’er, he said. The collection of each memory spent with his family holds a special place in his heart. Kent said all of his siblings were his role models, and their achievements in academics, 4-H and other extra curricular activities inspired him to always strive for excellence. “I was fortunate enough to watch four outstanding people,” he said. The late Carrie, the oldest Gardner child, was an inspiration and valued supporter to her younger siblings, Jeanne said, and she made the most of every opportunity given to her. “She loved everything and wanted to be involved in anything and everything she could,” Brett said. “She was a true trailblazer.” Kent said his oldest sister, who he thought of as a second mom, worked hard to set the standard he and the rest of his siblings followed. “It’s easy to come behind,” he said. “It’s the person who went out into the thicket and removed the limbs to make it easier for the person following behind, and that person was Carrie.” Each of Louis and Betty’s children were valedictorians of their high school graduating classes. In addition, they all earned full-ride scholarships to attend Oklahoma State University. “They knew they would have to

1 get scholarships to go to OSU, which was their dream goal,” Betty said. “We all worked hard to achieve that goal.” Today, Jill and Jeanne are stay-athome moms, raising children involved in their communities and utilizing their 4-H skills and experiences to take care of their families. Brett currently is a managing partner with Global Livestock Solutions and Kent serves as general council with Funk Companies in Oklahoma City. Recently, Brett and Kent sponsored an endowment to fund the trip to the National 4-H Conference as part of the matching challenge program for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. Brett said he enjoys providing monetary resources to 4-H, as it allows others to have opportunities to grow personally and professionally. “The Gardner Family Endowment will have an impact for as long as that event is in existence,” said Jim Rutledge, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. “National 4-H Conference is an experience that can change a life forever because it exposes Oklahoma youth to a whole new world of opportunities.” Kent said his family will continue to give back to Oklahoma 4-H. “It’s a foundation block that was part of my parents’ lives that they made part of ours,” he said. “We have built our careers and families based upon 4-H. To say our family was blessed by 4-H is an understatement.” 1. Betty (left), Kent, Brett, Jeanne and Jill at a 4-H lamb lead contest. 2. The late Carrie thoroughly enjoyed her time as a 4-H’er, including participating in lamb lead contests. 3. Jill (left), Jeanne and Kent enjoy a meat judging workout. 4. Jeanne brings Halloween decorations to her local nursing home as part of her Adopt a Grandparent project, a project she said was rewarding. 5. The late Carrie represents Oklahoma 4-H as a delegate to National 4-H Congress in Chicago. 6. The Gardner family celebrates Kent’s induction into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame. 7. Jill (left) and the late Carrie showcase their wool outfits for a lamb lead contest. 8. Brett (back row, second from left), pictured with his officer team, served as the Northwest District vice president in 1989-1990. Photos courtesy of Betty Gardner.

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Oklahoma 4-H continues to develop innovative programs through Oklahoma 4-H Foundation enhancement grants. Read the following stories to learn about a few of the exciting programs supported by these important grants. With technological advances on the rise, some might say books are being put on the back burner. However, with funds from the Hille Foundation, Julie Carroll, 4-H volunteer leader in Johnston County, introduced the art of bookmaking to workshop participants. “We believe the skill of creating a handmade book is an art form that should be encouraged,” Carroll said.

Carroll hosted bookmaking workshops where youth and adult participants learned skills such as group and independent work, following instructions and creativity. Participants also practiced fine motor skill development by paper cutting, threading needles and hand sewing, she said. Carroll’s workshop also allowed numerous Johnston County 4-H mem-

bers to have an entry to submit in the county fair. She said some books even went as far to compete at the Oklahoma State Fair. Carroll said she plans to reach more Johnston County 4-H clubs throughout the remainder of the year. “Without the enhancement grant, it would’ve been almost impossible to teach this skill that has provided an immeasurable opportunity for participants,” she said.

Through an enhancement grant funded by the Hille Foundation, Latimer County Extension educator Tony Johnson introduced a unique cooking opportunity for Latimer County 4-H’ers, family and consumer science students, and FFA members. “Today’s cream can cookers are much like the old dairy cans used by cattle drive cooks of the late 1800s,” Johnson said.

In collaboration with 4-H, Panola Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Panola FFA, participants used five cream can cookers to feed the student bodies of Panola Junior and Senior high schools. “They started the day early by preparing and seasoning massive amounts of vegetables and meats,” Johnson said. “Once the cans began to heat up and produce steam, the total

meal was ready in 40 minutes.” The meal was a hit with Panola students, he said. The cream can cookers utilize steam derived from beef and chicken broth, resulting in a tender, nutritious meal full of flavor. Johnson brought the cream can cookers back for 4-H’ers to prepare lunch at Operation: Military Kids Nature Camp. He said the military families loved the steam-cooked meal.

Danielle Venable, Custer County Extension educator, used funds from the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation to purchase two NXT Robotic kits to introduce new technology and programming to students. “The students love getting away from the books and getting their hands on something they build themselves,” she said. Venable has taken the kits to more than five local schools, reaching more than 100 students total. Each time she brings the kits to students, they build different robots and program them to perform differently, keeping students thinking creatively. Aside from learning about the robots, Venable said students are most

excited to program their robots into action. “The kids can make pathways and tasks the robots have to complete,” she said. “Everyone loves programing the robot to do certain tasks and tweaking the program to make it perform its best.” The kits are influential in introducing different types of learning to the classroom as the students work in teams to make their robot function. “The funds gave me a chance to bring in new technology for the students to learn from,” she said.

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Danielle Venable, Custer County Extension educator, assists three students in the assembly of their robot. Photo courtesy of Danielle Venable.

Students enjoy calcium-packed smoothies. Photo courtesy of Jessica Nickels.

With funds from a grant from the Southwest Dairy Center, Jessica Nickels, Garfield County Extension educator, taught calcium education to more than 500 elementary school students. Students learned about the important role dairy has in building healthy teeth and bones. They also learned how to incorporate calcium in great-tasting snacks. Nickels also introduced students to osteoporosis through the use of visuals funded by the grant.

“For the older students, we discussed osteoporosis while utilizing the osteoporosis visuals,” Nickels said. “For the younger ones, I brought flour visuals that show the amount of calcium in your bones as you age.” The students were amazed to see the differences in healthy bones compared to bones with progressive thinning, Nickels said. “Many youth aren’t getting enough calcium,” she said. “I hope to continue making youth more aware of the importance of calcium.”

The first Cleveland County Ag Day was a success thanks to a generous enhancement grant from the Southwest Dairy Center. “This multi-faceted event helped educate a population of largely urban individuals about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives,” said Jessica Tevebaugh Dunlap, Cleveland County Extension educator. Held at the local fairgrounds, the

event engaged more than 250 youth and adults in 17 hands-on activity booths where they learned about sheep management, raising poultry, wheat farming and more, she said. Booths also included make-andtake crafts, milk tasting, butter and cream making, and a demonstration illustrating the farm-to-table process of dairy products. Cleveland County Extension

partnered with numerous agricultural organizations, such as the Oklahoma Pork Council and Borden Dairy, to make the event possible. “We hope this family friendly, fun event will continue to grow,” she said. “Not only is this event an exciting way to educate children and adults, it’s needed in a metro county where families may be farther removed from farming, livestock and agriculture.”

Noble County 4-H’ers stayed up all night at their Christmas-themed lockin, funded by the Hille Foundation. Noble County 4-H Teen Leaders planned the lock-in months in advance to thoroughly prepare workshops to present to attendees. “The teens had to select and plan a workshop that applied to their 4-H project area or focused on introducing members to a new project or contest

in 4-H,” said Taylor Harbuck, Noble County Extension educator. With the help of Harbuck, the Teen Leaders successfully conducted their workshops. Some of the workshops hosted at the lock-in included an overview of the fabrics and fashions projects, a food showdown and Christmas card and ornament making. Each workshop had fun activities

for youth. They prepared a meal from preselected ingredients in the food showdown, decorated t-shirts and made Christmas cards to donate to a local nursing home. “The funding from the enhancement grant reduced the costs of the workshops,” Harbuck said. “The workshops introduced youth to the variety of projects and opportunities that 4-H can provide them.”

The Northwest District hosted its 4-H Volunteer Conference April 26, 2014, at the Northwest Technology Center in Fairview, Oklahoma. Funds from a Leadership Enhancement Grant from Derald Suffridge made the conference a beneficial experience for attendees. The conference provided hands-on learning opportunities for volunteers to take back to their clubs and gave

them a chance to create connections with each other, solidifying a closer community among 4-H club leaders. Volunteers participated in their choice of four workshops, including STEM project learning, demonstrations with the blender bikes and teaching activities with Livestock Learning kits. Overall, 30 volunteers and 26 Extension educators were in attendance. Another goal of the conference

was to express gratitude to volunteers who devote their time and efforts to make a difference in youth’s lives. At the end of the conference, each volunteer received a goody bag full of 4-H items to incorporate into their programming. In addition, each county in the Northwest District received the “What I Wish I Knew When I Was 18” curriculum to use with county teen leaders and officers.

An Oklahoma woman’s 4-H career has influenced her life for nearly a century.

t the age of 97, Clara Davis possesses a sharp mind, a caring heart and a youthful spirit. Born in 1917, Davis was raised with five siblings on her family’s cattle ranch, Croton Creek Bar Z Ranch, in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma. In fact, she currently resides in the same house in which she was born. Growing up in a much simpler time, Davis said her family rarely made trips to town, and she spent most of her free time helping her father on the ranch. Aside from her daily chores, Davis began her 4-H career as soon as she was old enough to enroll. “My father was very active and was a 4-H leader in the community,” she said. “He wanted us kids to partake in activities.” Her main project area was public speaking. She said she participated in many speech contests and held numerous leadership roles. “There’s no organization like it in my book,” she said. Davis said her father was one of her biggest sources of encouragement throughout her life. “He said ‘whatever you decide to become involved in, give it your best shot,’” she said. A small-town girl, Davis said she always was excited to attend state and

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national 4-H events. One of her most memorable 4-H moments was attending National 4-H Congress in Chicago. After graduating high school with top honors, Davis attended college in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and received her bachelor’s degree in education. She then taught income tax accounting as a substitute teacher at a local air force base. Inspired by a tragic event, Davis said she went on to pursue a master’s degree in social work at the University of Oklahoma. On May 25, 1955, an F5 tornado blew through her town, causing horrendous damage and taking the lives of her neighbors just a mile south of her home, she said. Sorting through the damage of her neighbors’ house, she discovered their 11-year-old son covered in mud and barely alive. “He had a serious gash in his head, but the mud kept him from bleeding to death before we found him,” she said. “When we took him to the hospital, the doctor said there was no chance he’d live to midnight.” Davis, not willing to give up on the boy, restored the doctor’s faith as she worked tirelessly comforting, cleaning and nursing the child back to health. “I kept working with him all night

long until he passed midnight and was still alive,” she said. The doctor gave Davis full credit for saving the boy’s life. She said that incident is a reflection on her 4-H training to never give up. Passionate to make a difference in the lives of youth, Davis is remembered by many of her former students and others who were influenced by her determination and kindness. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned in life is everyone has a contribution to make, and it’s important to help others find it and develop it,” she said. Today, her family’s ranch is recognized by the Oklahoma Historical Society as an official Oklahoma Centennial Ranch. She remains active by practicing the craft of Swedish embroidery and performing as her church’s pianist for more than 20 years. Davis continues to support 4-H through donations and encouraging youth to get involved. “It’s one of the most constructive organizations,” she said. “It teaches youth what they need to know to be successful and helpful individuals to contribute to society.” What is her advice on staying youthful? Think young, Davis said. “I’ve never thought I was old and I still don’t,” she said.

At the 93rd State 4-H Roundup, two 4-H members achieved the highest award offered by the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program: State 4-H Hall of Fame.

Madison Rash

adison Rash said she feels like she has belonged to 4-H for her entire life. In fact, her mother, Dea Rash, has served Payne County as the OSU Cooperative Extension Service family and consumer sciences and 4-H Youth Development

leven years ago, Aspen Schmidt began her 4-H career as a Cloverbud with the YFR 4-H Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through hard work, determination and dedication, she recently achieved the highest honor a 4-H’er can earn on the state level when she was inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame. “Winning Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame is a humbling honor,” Schmidt said. “This award is given to individuals who’ve worked hard and have a passion for what they do, and this represents my greatest 4-H achievement.” As an active 4-H’er for more than a decade, Schmidt’s main project areas include fabrics and fashions, leadership and citizenship. Her first taste of leadership came in 2007, when she was elected as her club’s parliamentarian. After fulfilling this leadership role for a year, she knew she wanted to continue serving

educator for more than 20 years, and was conducting club meetings and attending 4-H camp while pregnant with Madison. Rash, from Stillwater, Oklahoma, saw her life-long commitment to 4-H come to fruition as she recently was inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame. “My induction means I have done my very best in my 4-H work throughout my 4-H career and it gives me an opportunity to continue being a role model for younger 4-H’ers,” she said. As an active member of the Freedom 4-H Club, Rash’s main project areas are breads, family and consumer sciences, leadership, citizenship and achievement. Throughout her storied 4-H career, Rash has had an opportunity to continually develop life skills through a variety of events and activities. She has

presented more than 300 workshops, live action demonstrations, talks, presentations, displays and radio PSAs, along with numerous television and radio appearances, cooking demonstrations and other leadership activities reaching nearly 1 million people. In addition, she has served numerous leadership roles such as State 4-H Ambassador, local club president and Northeast District president. She credits 4-H for giving her the opportunity to make lifelong friendships and develop the confidence and leadership skills she has today. “I’m the person I am today because of my involvement in 4-H,” Rash said. “I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned and I’m using my life skills in college every day. I know I will continue to use those important skills. For me, being in 4-H has made all the difference in my life.”

her club. She served as secretary for two years, where she conducted numerous workshops for record books, leadership, sewing projects and informational presentations. Expanding her leadership skills beyond the club level, Schmidt served as county secretary and then as president, where she was instrumental in creating a stronger sense of unity and a network of support throughout her county’s 4-H clubs. “After being elected president, I got right to work building a stronger foundation for my officer team, as well as future teams,” she said. In addition to her list of impressive 4-H activities, Schmidt has served as a delegate to Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress. Aside from being a natural leader, Schmidt has a servant’s heart. She initiated Team Nursing Home, an impact-

ful community service project that has reached more than 800 residents in 13 different nursing homes. “These projects make me feel like I’m truly making a difference and have inspired me to continue to make a difference for as many people as I can,” she said.

Aspen Schmidt 15

he Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award is given to former 4-H members who made significant contributions in their communities. The honorees are Dan Bomhoff and Ken McQueen. Awards were given by Kevin Allen, OCES assistant director and Oklahoma 4-H program leader, and Jim Rutledge, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

As an active 4-H’er in Kingfisher County, Dan Bomhoff was a state 4-H horse project winner, Key Club member, National Congress delegate, club and county 4-H president, and a State 4-H Ambassador. He said his 4-H career helped him learn vital life skills, especially leadership, responsibility and citizenship, that paved the way for his success. Bomhoff graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s degree in accounting. Since then, he has worked as an accountant, specializing in tax compliance. He has continued his involvement in 4-H by serving as treasurer, vice president and current president of the board of directors of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Ken McQueen was a 10-year 4-H’er in Murray County. During his time in 4-H, he was a Key Club member and served in leadership roles including Southeast District president and Oklahoma 4-H president. He said 4-H taught him public speaking and record keeping skills that he uses every day and gave him opportunities to meet new people he still keeps in contact with. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa and works as the San Juan regional director for WPX Energy. When he joined the board of directors of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, McQueen was the driving force behind an effort to engage previous state officers in creating a $100,000 endowment to support the State 4-H Council. 14 | 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

Members of the Circle of Champions from left to right: Nancy Warden, Betty Smith, Charles Smith, Gwen Shaw, Leeland Alexander, Jack Chapman, Betty Chapman, Roy Lee Lindsey, Jr. and Elizabeth Lindsey. Not pictured: Larry Derryberry, Brian Hafner, Retta Miller and Clayton Taylor.

he State Partner in 4-H award is given to individuals and organizations who have provided significant support to Oklahoma 4-H through contributions of time or financial support. The 2014 recipients were charter members of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle of Champions. These 10 charter members have collectivity given more than $100,000 to support the operation of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Larry Derryberry is a former Foundation board member who initially came up with the idea of the Circle of Champions. The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is grateful for his initiative in starting the Circle. He is a former Oklahoma Attorney General and still practices law in Oklahoma City.

Leeland Alexander is a former Foundation board member and one of the first to join the Circle. Today, Alexander is an administrator for the OSU Health Sciences Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Beverly & Jack Chapman both are loyal supporters of Oklahoma 4-H. Beverly Chapman has been a Foundation board member for the past 10 years and almost never misses a meeting. In addition, their farming operation, Chapman Farms, sponsors the Veterinary Science Project scholarship.

Brian Hafner has strong roots in Oklahoma 4-H. He was a 1984 delegate to National 4-H Congress and a Key Club member from Logan County. He stays connected with Oklahoma 4-H through his loyal involvement in the Circle.

Roy Lee Lindsey, Jr., executive director for the Oklahoma Pork Council, has provided the highest level of support by any agricultural commodity group in Oklahoma. He also is a strong supporter on a personal level, contributing to the Foundation for the past 24 years.

Retta Miller was the first Oklahoma 4-H Foundation full-time executive secretary before she pursued and obtained a

successful law career in Dallas. In addition to being a charter member and a sustaining member of the Circle, Miller sponsors a Pickens Legacy Scholarship.

Gwen Shaw has made numerous contributions to Oklahoma 4-H. Shaw, her sister, Dixie, and her late brother, Terry, provide the Achievement Scholarship in honor of their parents. In addition, they created the Shaw Family Pickens Legacy Scholarship for State 4-H Ambassadors. Today, she is an active adviser for the State 4-H Ambassador program.

Charles & Betty Smith are faithful members of the Circle. Charles Smith was the state 4-H president in 1950.

Today, they support two 4-H scholarships for science & technology and entrepreneurship projects and they continuously help with special projects, including the Ambassador Alumni Pickens Fund.

Clayton Taylor was the Oklahoma 4-H state president in 1970, and during his 4-H career, he was a delegate to National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference. He continues to serve the 4-H program through his generous contributions.

Nancy Warden credits 4-H for much of her success. She has been faithful in paying it forward to Oklahoma 4-H first as a board member, and now as a loyal member of the Circle of Champions.

Scholarship Advanced Achievement Vernon and Ronda McKown Endowment Madison Rash Advanced Citizenship Gene and Judy McKown Endowment Ashley Powers Elvin Lindley Advanced Agriculture OK LP Gas RM&S Commission Addie Jackson Advanced Family & Consumer Sciences Oklahoma Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences & Oklahoma Association of Extension 4-H Agents Adrianna Curnutt Achievement Harold & Edith Shaw Memorial Dusti Pardue Agriculture Kunc Family Farms Lexie Lerblance All Other Projects Agriculture and Natural Resources Gary and Becky Stone & Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Tessa DuBois

16 | 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

All Other Projects Small Animals Jay and Janie Hesser Memorial & Jay and Beverly Hesser Memorial Jackie Elliott Beef Kunc Family Farms Ella Chaffin Breads Shawnee Milling Co. Keely Ratcliff Child Care Kathy Rutledge Memorial Emilee Evans Citizenship Mike Synar Memorial Jacob Daley Conservation of Natural Resources Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts & Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Tristan Adams Dairy Southwest Dairy Center Faith Thompson Dog Dr. Stuart Ratcliff Family Aileen Polanski

All Other Projects Family & Consumer Sciences Gina Calhoun Family Susan Weckler

Fabrics & Fashions Wilma Wendt Pattillo Endowment & Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Brooke Bollinger

All Other Projects Science & Technology Charles and Betty Smith Dominic Richert

Food Science Edwin and Winona Presley Memorial Katie Symes

Recipients Geology OERB David Wall

Goat Canadian County Goat Producers Caitlin Handrich Health & Fitness Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Amanda Daniel Horse Shawnee Milling Co. & Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Elizabeth Klumpp Horticulture & Plant Science Oklahoma Horticulture Society and Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Clay Shires Ira Hollar Advanced Leadership Scholarship Bill Doenges Aubrey McCoy

Recreation and Leisure Arts Vernor and Barbara Bockelman Jessi Thomas Safety Oklahoma Farm Bureau Jacob Shires Sheep Central State Trailers Kiara Foster Shooting Sports Oklahoma City Gun Club Jay Gilbertson Swine Oklahoma Pork Council Rhett Taylor Veterinary Science Chapman Farms John Nelson Wildlife and Fisheries Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Wade South

Leadership Jerry and Julie Kiefer Endowment Aspen Schmidt Performing Arts Edwin & Winona Presley Memorial Ansley Elliott Photography Tracy Family Endowment Jordan Sissan Public Speaking Fred and Leesa Stanley Aubrey Snider

Rule of Law Graduating Senior Scholarship

Rule of Law Endowment Meagan Bourne, Ruth Bullard, Adelaide Evans, Jennifer Jones, Michael Larson, Haylee Lindsey, Joshua Maples, Aubrey McCoy, Elisabeth Willis, Megan Woodard

4-H Entrepreneurship Scholarship Charles and Betty Smith Adam Daniel

Allan & Dorris Goodbary Scholarship Goodbary Family Cody Peterson

Choctaw Nation Scholarship Choctaw Nation Marissa Adams

College of Human Sciences Scholarship

Oklahoma State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Human Sciences Lena Ast

Floyd and Viola Hartman Memorial Scholarship Floyd and Viola Hartman Memorial Maegen Wallace

Larry D. Anderson Memorial Scholarship Larry D. Anderson Memorial Dominic Richert

Southeast District 4-H Scholarship Friends of Southeast District 4-H Garrett Butler

18 | 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

Dana Smith Memorial Scholarship Friends of 4-H Cody Milner

Harold and Jeanne Gibson Memorial Endowment Scholarship Harold and Jeanne Gibson Memorial Katelyn Wade

Key Club Scholarship

Oklahoma 4-H Key Club Endowment Ashley Powers

Oklahoma Youth Expo Scholarship Oklahoma Youth Expo Ashtin Green and Kaila Williams

Rule of Law 4-H Alumni Scholarship

Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Mitch Miller, Jenna Murray, Kendra Rash, Natalie Richardson, Ricki Schroeder

Tracey Cox Memorial Scholarship Tracey Cox Memorial Conner Carroll

B.A. Pratt Memorial Scholarship

B.A. Pratt Memorial Mandy Schroeder and Maddi Shires

Modelle Pattillo & Hugo Graumann Scholarship Modelle Pattillo & Hugo Graumann Memorial Madison Rash and Cody Walls

Pickens Legacy Scholarships: Shaw Family Oklahoma Ambassador Scholarship Harold and Edith Shaw Family Endowment Joshua Maples, Aubrey McCoy, Blake Miller, Megan Woodard, Cheyenne Webb

Stowers Family Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Stowers Family Endowment Ricki Schroeder

Stowers Family Natural Resources Scholarship Stowers Family Endowment Brandon Miller

Barnes Family Endowment Scholarship Barnes Family Endowment Michael Larson

Edmonson Ambassador Endowment Scholarship Edmonson Ambassador Endowment Aubrey McCoy

Jakie Jones Endowment Scholarship Jackie Jones Endowment Lena Ast

R.D. Farmer Endowment Scholarship R.D. Farmer Endowment Joshua Maples

Retta Miller Endowment Scholarship Retta Miller Endowment Dominic Richert and Kaila Williams

REVENUES

Gifts and Grants....................................................................$604,295

Interest & Dividend Income.................................................$180,921 Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments.......................$140,332

Program Registrations & Fees................................................$76,391 Other.......................................................................................$76,095

53%

12%

Sales & Special Events............................................................$29,442 Royalty Income.......................................................................$24,166

16%

In-kind Donations...................................................................$18,666 Total Revenues.............................................................$1,150,308 1% 2% 2%

EXPENSES 6%

Program.................................................................................$288,114 Grants....................................................................................$202,692

33%

Administrative Support & Operations.................................$149,481 Brokerage, Bank & Professional Support..............................$73,978 Scholarships...........................................................................$65,200 4-H Professorship (Program Support)...................................$50,000

17%

Sales & Fundraising Events...................................................$20,178 23%

Useage of In-kind Donations...................................................$18,666 Other.........................................................................................$8,806 Total Expenses................................................................$877,115 <1%

NET ASSETS Temporarily Restricted*.....................................................$4,375,752 Permanently Restricted.....................................................$3,932,617

47%

Unrestricted............................................................................$21,360 Total Net Assets............................................................$8,329,729 53%

NOTE: These are audited, accrual-based financial figures. *Includes R.D. Farmer account held in Trust by Bank of America. Dec. 31, 2014 ending balance was $2,921,953.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our individual, corporate and foundation donors who supported the Oklahoma 4-H program in 2014.

Emerald Clover

Gold Clover

Williams Companies, Inc. Jerry Winchester WPX Energy, Inc.

American Farmers & Ranchers Karen W. Keller The Polaris Foundation Walmart Foundation

AGC of Oklahoma Building Chapter Awards & Moore Leeland Alexander Kevin and Cathy Allen Bill Anderson BancFirst Marla Barnes Dan Bomhoff Jack and Beverly Chapman Karen K. Chappell Chesapeake Energy Clifford L. Knight Foundation John Cothren Jered and Lindsey Davidson Larry Derryberry Dr. Herman Orthodontics Jim and Angela Eden Dorothy Erikson Sheila Forbes Kent Gardner Brian Hafner Lynda Harriman Health Care Service Corporation Virginia Hellwege Sue and Biff Horrocks Jim Hall Agency, LLC Kohl’s Legend Energy Inc. Roy Lee and Melissa Lindsey Mike Manske Ryan McMullen Retta Miller Noble Foundation OERB OK Assn. of Family & Consumer Sciences OK Cattlemen’s Assn. OK Horticultural Society Oklahoma City Gun Club Glenna and Sam Ott Ray Parker Sue Peyton Charlotte Richert Mary Sue Sanders Julie Schurman Gwen Shaw Jeannie Sneed Carolyn Speer Fred and Leesa Stanley Stockmans Bank Clayton Taylor The Sirloin Club of Oklahoma Verizon Foundation Nancy J. Warden Wayland Family, LLC

Silver Clover

($20,000 - $999,999)

Ruby Clover

($10,000 - $19,999) OK Beef Council Charles and Betty Smith

Diamond Clover ($5,000 - $9,999)

AgVantis, Inc. Gene and Ann Benson Jason Bradshaw Emmett and Linda Carter CNA ConocoPhillips Company Farm Credit Services of Oklahoma Flint Lodge No. 11 AF and AM Hille Family Foundation Lake Region Electric Cooperative Vernon and Ronda McKown OGE Energy OK LP GAS RM&S Commission OK Pork Council OK Wheat Research Foundation Jim Rutledge

Platinum Clover ($2,500 - $4,999)

Melinda Boatwright Cindy Conner Devon Energy Exchange Club of Muskogee Grady County Mineral Owners Assn. Terry Henderson Gene and Judy McKown Ken and Dru McQueen OK Assn. of Electric Coops OU Medical Center Safe Kids Oklahoma, Inc. Shawnee Milling Co. Southwest Dairy Museum, Inc. Greg and Dixie Thomas

20 | 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

($1,000 - $2,499)

($500 - $999)

Michael J. Albert Bank SNB Kerie Bay Steve and Tracy Beck Patricia R. Bray Janene Birdwell Cathy Carr CF Industries COHEC Community Thrift Shop of Chandler William Doenges Drilling Fluids Technology, Inc. Suzanne Gilbert Horizon Energy Services, LLC Kent and Barbara Houck Tracy Lane Judy Moore John Maloy Mulhall-Orlando Public Schools National Roofing Contractors Nationwide Environmental Services, Inc. OK Soybean Board Laura Perry Alline Pfeiffer David and Kami Ratcliff Louise Ratcliff Rogers County 4-H Horse Club LeAnne K. Shadrick Jayme Shelton Gary and Joyce Sherrer Southwest District Horse Council T B Imke Farms The Public Finance Law Group, PLLC Tulsa Community Foundation Tom and Andrea Volturo Debbie Williams

Bronze Clover ($100 - $499)

345 SPT BN Command Operating Account 4-H Ambassadors Ag Youth Susan Allen Deborah D. Alspaugh Pam Ardern Kelly Arrington Arvest Bank - Shawnee

Kaye Aulgur Mallory Baker Diana M. Barnes Pat Barnes Mary Barth Norman Bay Deborah Bell Bernina OKC Dana Bessinger Blue & Gold Sausage Naomi Bradley Diane R. Bridenstine Belinda Broady-Symes Larry Brooks Marvin Burns Randal Burris Janea Butler Kristi Chapman Nancy J. Chipukites Marguerite Christman Matthew Chuning Natalie Church Cimarron Valley HCE Club Citizen Potawatomi Nation Civilian Marksmanship Program Lester Clark Marsha Collum Debra Conkling Janette Counts Charles Cox Janice Cranor Dorlana Crowell Pat Crowley Dairy Max Clara Davis Shelly Davis Scott DeWald Ann Dillon Donna E. Dixon Dockery Land & Cattle Carolyn Dudley Donna Dunkerson Nancy Dunlap Mary Jean Easterling Susie Edgar LaDell Emmons Vera Escoe Valeri J. Evans Exchange Bank - Perry/Stillwater Faithful Extension Workers Eldon and Dixie Ferrell Gayle Flowers Marie Frans Friends from OSU-IAB Frontier City Recia Garcia Garvin County Extension Jeannie Gentry William Good Margaret Goss Rusty Gosz Mark S. Gregory Twana Griffith Grissoms, LLC Carl Hamby John Harp Harrah 4-H Club Craig Haskell

Shirley Hastings Barbara Hatfield Pat Heidlage Mike Helm Henson & Marshall, PLLC Janet Herren Juanita Hurst Paul Jackson Suzanne Jenlink Sandy Johnson Betty Jones Donna Jung Junior Beefmaster Breeders Assn. Karen Keith Peggy L. Keith Janna Kelley Gloria King Melinda Kinney Karla Knoepfli Angie Koechel Ranel Lasley Carol Laverty David A. Leavitt Lindley Farm Equipment Gary Loeffelholz Darnell London Charles E. Lowry Sarah Maass Archie Manske Tomas Manske Dave Mathena John Maxwell Jeannie McDaniel Sandra McKinley Steve McKinley Ronda McKown Carolyn McKown Kathleen M. McNally Pat McNally Messer-Bowers Insurance Megan Meyer Brenda Miller Merl Miller Lindsey Miner Monsanto - West Bred Janie Morrow Bonnie Muegge Susan Murray National Guard Assn of Oklahoma, Inc. Cheryl Newberry Norvell Consulting LLC Arthur Ochsner Lucia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor OEAFCS OK Farm Bureau Oklahoma Home & Community Education - Tulsa Oklahoma Wheat Commission OSU Animal Science Department Amy Parks Perkins 4-H Club Merrileta Periard Jana Petermann Gaye Pfeiffer Beth Phillippi Mark Pritchard Dea Rash Daniel Ratcliff

Ginger Read Jim Rhodes Karen Richardson Linda Riley Bette Roby Shari Roebuck Theresa Roman Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports World, Inc. Josh Roush Robert Rowland Charlie Rufo Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. Jeff Sallee Radonna Sawatzky Marlys Schroeder Colby Schwartz Ron and Debbie Sharp Kathleen Shelts Don and Pam Sherrer Billie Shields Siding Guys, LLC Kenny Simpson Mickey Simpson Jim Sims Troy Smith Ronnie and Doris Smithee David Sorrell Mike Spradling Paula Squires State Exchange Bank Mike Steele Vernon Stevens Patricia M. Stover George Stunkard Derald and Linda Suffridge Elizabeth Taylor Paul Thompson Dale and Judy Tracy Barbara Tricinella J.A. Trumbly Denise Tulloh Tulsa County Farm Bureau Alan VanDeventer Lani Vasconcellos Danielle Venable Chad Webb Julie Y. Webb Wheatland Reading Council White Water Bay Carl Williams Eugene P. Williams Jay Williams Joseph E. Williams Richard Wuerflein

A full list of donors, including all those less than $100, can be found on the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation website at 4h.okstate.edu/Foundation.

Honorary and In Honor Of Kevin Allen by Jim Rutledge Ann Benson by Kathleen M. McNally Nancy Bomhoff by Virginia Hellwege Ruth Bullard by Mary Sue Sanders Dennis Clark by Ann Benson Charles Cox by Cathy Allen, Pam Ardern, Marla Barnes, Pat Barnes, Tracey Beck, Dana Bessinger, Dan Bomhoff, Gerald Bradshaw, Recia Garcia, George A. Hall, Lynda Harriman, Ora L. Kirk, Mike Klumpp, Janice LeFore, Sarah Maass, Brenda Miller, Merl Miller, Cheryl Newberry, Mary Peck, Gaye Pfeiffer, Mary Selk, Mickey Simpson, Elizabeth Taylor, The Sirloin Club of Oklahoma, Ida F. Winters Adam Daniel by Mary Sue Sanders Robert Dorrell by Health Care Service Corporation Glynadee Edwards by Virginia Hellwege Judy Farabough by Becky Stone Dixie Ferrell by Recia Garcia and Ida F. Winters

22 | 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

Shawn T. Ferrell by Dixie Ferrell

Josh Roush by Suzanne Jenlink

Shirley Hastings by Sue Peyton

Mary Sue Sanders by Ray Parker

Joshua Maples by Mary Sue Sanders

Sarah Dunn by Jim Rutledge

Aubrey McCoy by Mary Sue Sanders

Aspen Schmidt by Mary Sue Sanders

Pat McNally by Jim Rutledge

Mary Selk by Jack Stout

Merl Miller by Shirley Hastings

Clayton Taylor by Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.

Marjorie Moesel by Jim Rutledge Rodd Moesel by Jim Rutledge Cheyenne Moran by Mary Sue Sanders Ray Parker by Barbara Kirby and Jim Rut ledge Sue Peyton by Shirley Hastings Charlotte Richert by Leeland Alexander, Susan Barrett, Janice Cranor, Fred Cruger, Donna Dunkerson, Tracey Lane, Darnelle London, Charles E. Lowry, John Maxwell, Brenda Miller, Susan Murray, Charlotte Richert, Jennifer Sterling, Barbara Tricinella Erin Robinson by Jim Rutledge

Phil Terry Valeri J. Evans Ron Vick by LeAnne K. Shadrick Julie Y. Webb by Jim Rutledge Elisabeth Willis by Mary Sue Sanders Megan Woodard by Mary Sue Sanders

In Memory Of Charles & Peggy Bacon by Mickey Simpson Brady Benson by Ann Benson, James Bottoms, Donna E. Dixon, Gayle Flowers, Debbie Hall, Nancy Headrick, Spencer Helm, Gina Hubbard, David A. Leavitt, Kathleen M. McNally

Memorial Gifts Mulhall-Orlando Public School Foundation, Aline Pfeiffer, Joseph Robinson, Carl Williams, Jay Williams Mary Berry by Ann Benson Nita Chestnut by Jeannie Gentry Glen & Mildred Christian by Mickey Simpson Billie Cox by Steven L. Gates, Susan Murray, Jim Rutledge Ruth Ann Fansler by Derald Suffridge Darla Fore by Brenda Sidwell Lisetta Grundmann by Ann Benson Rod Hastings by Sue Peyton Robert Heidlage by Pat Heidlage Ralph Hiller by Jeannie Gentry Tomisene Ingram by Melvin Semrad

Jerry Maynard by Jeannie Gentry

L. Schupbach by Dorothy Erikson

Susan McNamara by Muriel J. Hayes

Beckye Parker by Dea Rash

Terry J. Shaw by Robert Armbruster, Glenna R. Bloyd, Burlington Christian Church, Mary Etta Campbell, Mary Lee, Leslie Luttrell, Judy McKown, Ronda McKown, Jana Petermann, Dea Rash, Ginger Read, Brenda Sidwell

Roger Parrott by Dea Rash and Jack Stout

Lyle Sneary by Dorothy Erikson

Leon Rash by State Exchange Bank and The Bankers Bank

Daniel Stone by Becky Stone

Kent Metcalf by Ann Benson

Preston Rash by Riane R. Bridenstine, S. Kay Cardwell, Nancy J. Chipukites, Cimarron Valley HCE Club, Lori D. Evans, Dorothy Fisher, Lori J. Focht, Dee Griffin, Cindy Griggs, Renee Hobbs, Ryra R. Kirby, Jennifer Legako, Ronda McKown, Brenda Miller, Bonnie Muegee, Susan Murray, Joyce A. Myers, Payne County 4-H, Barbara Quillin, Dea Rash, Leonard Robinson, Jim Rutledge, Ellen J. Sawyer, Melvin Semrad, Gwen Shaw, Dennis M. Skaggs, Jean Somers, State Exchange Bank, Jack Stout, Barbara J. Thrift, Joseph E. Williams

Nancy Maher by Ardmore Beautification Council, Inc., Friends from OSUIAB, Ken McCall, Carolyn McMahon, Belinda Morris, Patricia Norcross

Stuart Ratcliff by Daniel Ratcliff, David Ratcliff and Louise Ratcliff

Bob Mann by Jo Ann Cox

Eldon Roush by Brenda Sidwell

Rae Rippetoe-Blair by Dea Rash

Betty Straw by Ann Bowers Robert Totusek by Larry Sams Barbara Whelchel by Dea Rash Johnnie Mae Womack by Jeannie Gentry

New Circle of Champions We welcome all of our individual and family donors at $1,000 or more and all organizational donors at $5,000 or more into the new Circle of Champions. All new members of the Circle of Champions will be invited to special functions during the year as determined by the Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of directors. Be watching for announcements. 25

Scholarship endowments created by matching programs:

Oklahoma 4-H’ers are awarded more scholarships through matching programs.

Pickens Legacy Scholarships The Oklahoma State University Foundation, through the generosity of T. Boone Pickens, offered colleges and programs the opportunity to receive matching dollars for college scholarships. To encourage 4-H donors to take advantage of this beneficial opportunity, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation board pledged $250,000 to be allocated to 10 scholarships. Oklahoma 4-H donors were challenged to donate $25,000 to receive an equal contribution from the Foundation. This resulted in a $50,000 fund to be matched at least 1 1/2 times by Pickens’ estate. In summer 2015, these funds will be completed, matched and created into more than $1 million worth of scholarship endowments. A portion of these funds were the result of collective efforts of many individuals. They are identified by the names on the funds, rather than those who made the gifts. Special thanks are extended to Foundation board members Rodd Moesel and Gwen Shaw for taking the lead on this effort.

For the past several years, the Pickens Legacy Scholarships provided more than $12,000 in scholarships to OSU. The Foundation also created two memorial scholarship funds in honor of R.D. Farmer and Jakie Jones. When these funds begin to pay scholarships, at least $25,000 will be granted to outstanding 4-H members.

Matching programs still need your help Based on the success of the OSU Foundation matching programs, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation board voted to create several new board matching programs and pledged to provide dollar-for-dollar matching funds for National 4-H Conference, Citizenship Washington Focus, state 4-H officers/ council, National Invitational 4-H Shooting Sports Event and 4-H enhancement grants. These funds are still accepting donations. The board will continue to match funds donated to these programs through the end of 2015.

• Ambassadors (created by J.D. Edmonson’s daughters) • 4-H Ambassadors and Alumni • James “Bud” Barnes • Jan Kunze • Retta Miller • Marjorie Moesel • Shaw Family • Lindsey and Lindsay Sherrer • Terry and Annette Stowers Fund

Matching programs still needing donations: State 4-H Council Endowment This will be a permanent endowment to provide support for green jackets, training conferences, travel and other expenses.

4-H Enhancement Grants

This program will provide immediate assistance to county and club programs. 4-H clubs and Extension offices use this program to apply for grants up to $500 annually to enhance their curriculum.

Citizenship Washington Focus Endowment This will be a permanent endowment to provide a fund to support travel to Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C.

4-H Shooting Sports Invitational Travel Fund

Each year, we invite outstanding 4-H members to represent Oklahoma at the National Invitational 4-H Shooting Sports Event. This fund will defer some of the costs.

An endowment for scholarships to National 4-H Conference has been fully funded. Hayley Pryor (left), Lexie Lerblance, Susan Weckler and Karlie Wade represented Oklahoma 4-H at the 2015 National 4-H Conference. Travel costs were paid thanks to the generosity of the Gardner Family Endowment. Photo courtesy of Jeff Sallee.

24 | 2014 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

18th Clover Classic Golf Tournament Stillwater Country Club, Stillwater, Oklahoma October 19, 2015 Your participation supports the Oklahoma 4-H Program, which utilizes youth-adult partnerships to empower more than 140,000 youth in our state to reach their full potential. The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation provides a private, nonprofit source of support to further these efforts. Oklahoma 4-H Foundation 205 4-H Youth Development Bldg. Stillwater, OK 74078 405-744-5390 4h.okstate.edu/Foundation

OKLAHOMA

4-H

FOUNDATION

I N C O R P O R A T E D

Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Oklahoma State University 205 4-H Youth Development Bldg. Stillwater, OK 74078

Fast Facts

How many Oklahoma youth take part in 4-H?

How do Oklahomans participate in 4-H?

Organized 4-H clubs 28,148 Special interest programs 29,458 4-H overnight/day camps 6,777 School enrichment programs 52,927 Total 117,310

Science & tech programs Citizenship activities Healthy living programs Total special interest programs (duplicates)

Where do Oklahoma 4-hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ERS LIVE?

Who HELPS WITH 4-h ACTIVITIES?

Farms 24.47% Rural communities 27.61% Towns 14.75% Suburban communities 3.13% Cities 30.03%

Adult volunteers 6,278 Youth volunteers 1,312 Total 7,590

How diverse is Oklahoma 4-H? American Indian/Alaskan Native 15.70% Asian 1.56% Black or African American 11.22% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.97% White 66.21% More than one race 0.43% Other 3.92%

96,302 32,099 32,548 160,949

Who participates in Oklahoma 4-H? Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 Post high school Not in school/other