Annual Report 2015

YOGA FOR KIDS

Youth get active through new curriculum

SUPPORTING 4-H YOUTH

Pickens Legacy Scholarships are fully funded

NATIONAL 4-H CONGRESS

National event provides rewarding experiences

Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report Issued April 2016 Published by: Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development

02 Honoring the Career of Jim Rutledge 04 Donor Spotlight: Roy Lee Lindsey Jr. 05 Donor Spotlight: Jack and Beverly Chapman 06 Donor Spotlight: Bill Doenges 07 National 4-H Congress 09 Yoga for Kids 10 2015 Enhancement Grants 12 Serving Oklahoma 4-H 13 Expanding Experiences

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.

08 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame 14 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Adult Awards 16 Scholarship Donors and Winners 19 Pickens Legacy Scholarships 20 2015 Order of the Clover 22 Honorary and Memorial Gifts 24 Financial Review

OKLAHOMA

4-H

FOUNDATION

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

On the cover: Jacob Duhon, 11, demonstrates the cow pose during a 4-H Yoga for Kids lesson. Photo provided

by Gale Mills, Washington County.

OKLAHOMA

4-H

FOUNDATION

I N C O R P O R A T E D President JAN KUNZE, Oklahoma City Vice-President TERRY STOWERS, Norman Treasurer JERED DAVIDSON, Oklahoma City Past President DAN BOMHOFF, Okarche Board of Directors ANN BENSON, Stillwater BEVERLY CHAPMAN, Calvin JIM EDEN JR., Stillwater JOE DORMAN, Rush Springs JOHN GRUNDMANN, Shawnee OLIVIA HAMILTON, Ada SUE HORROCKS, Stillwater PAUL JACKSON, Ringling JERRY KIEFER, Edmond KEN MCQUEEN, Tulsa RODD MOESEL, Oklahoma City GWEN SHAW, Edmond DEREK SMITHEE, Edmond LIZ TAYLOR, Chickasha 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 STEVEN BARINGER, McAlester MANDY SCHROEDER, Nash DEBBY ROGGOW, Enid EMILY TAYLOR, Marlow WENDIE POWELL, Okemah JIM RUTLEDGE, Executive Director

GREETINGS FROM OKLAHOMA 4-H: Oklahoma 4-H had a busy and successful 2015 as our specialists, county educators and staff continued their long tradition of “Making the Best Better!” While we are always looking forward to the next event or activity in order to achieve our goals, it is important to take time and reflect on the work that has already occurred.

We hope you will enjoy this 4-H Annual Report as we share some of our successes we experienced this past year.

My college adviser, who also happens to be one of my mentors, shared the following with me long ago: “Upon those who step into the same rivers flow other and yet other waters. All things . . . are in flux like a river.” If you step into a river at one moment and step out, and then step back in, you are stepping into a different river. But if we look carefully, we see although the waters are changing, the river is not different. It’s the same river, and its waters are constantly changing, as with the Oklahoma 4-H Program.

One change we face this coming year is saying goodbye to a dear friend and colleague, Dr. Jim Rutledge. Jim has decided to retire after a fruitful 44-year career with 4-H. We congratulate Jim on his successful career, say “Thank You” for his dedication and offer our best wishes as he embarks on the next phase of his life.

Oklahoma 4-H continues our commitment for the 116,000 youth who participated in 4-H and the 6,000 volunteers who tirelessly help fulfill our mission. To ensure 4-H grows and remains relevant in Oklahoma, new or revised programs such as camp counselor training, robotics activities, the development of an app at 4-H Roundup, and the 5th year of the National Mentoring Program all occurred. These, along with our long-standing programs, continue to ensure youth benefit from Oklahoma 4-H and guarantees 4-H grows leaders!

From the 4-H Foundation point of view, it has been the proverbial worst of times and best of times all at the same time. From a purely financial standpoint it has been a rough year with a great deal of unrest in the market, but 2016 is looking a little better and we are optimistic a steady growth pattern will return. We also note that Tomas Manske has moved on and taken a management job with a pipeline servicing company here in Oklahoma. We wish Tom the best in his new adventure and thank him for almost 24 years with 4-H. One of our highlights for the year is the completion of all of the Pickens Legacy scholarships. See the article on page 15 for more details. This year we will give $34,000 in Pickens scholarships which will bring the total value of scholarships awarded at Roundup to more than $120,000.

On a personal note from Jim: “I can’t imagine having spent my life and my career doing anything more rewarding than working with and for the 4-H Program in this nation. Thanks to all the professional staff, volunteers, parents and members that have made this such a wonderful career.”

Kevin Allen

Jim Rutledge

Jan Kunze

Oklahoma Program Leader

Executive Director

President

Assistant Director, OCES

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Inc.

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Inc.

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lthough Jim Rutledge’s Extension career spans 44 years, he has been a part of the 4-H program for 57 years.

Raised by parents who were active in 4-H, Rutledge was born with 4-H in his blood. He began his 4-H career at the age of 10 in Illinois, spending a year there until his family moved to Wisconsin. He quickly became involved as a Wisconsin 4-H’er with projects ranging from beef and woodworking to gardening and photography.

Rutledge also was active in leadership development. His natural leadership abilities flourished with the help of 4-H, he said.

“Leadership development was something I really got interested in,” he said. “Even today, I’m still a student of leadership.”

As a 4-H’er, he held numerous leadership positions, but serving as president of his county’s Junior Leader Club was his most rewarding role, he said. Through the Junior Leader Club, Rutledge said he learned fundraising and organizational skills, as well as

how to plan and manage events.

He said the accumulation of his 4-H experiences sparked his interest to pursue a career as a 4-H educator.

Rutledge attended the University of Wisconsin, majoring in agricultural education. He stayed close to his 4-H roots by participating in UW’s Collegiate 4-H Club.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Rutledge spent two years in the army before he accepted his first job in Extension as a county 4-H educator in 1971.

He served as a 4-H educator in Wisconsin for six years and completed his master’s degree in Extension education before moving to Wyoming to be an area 4-H agent.

In this role, Rutledge specialized in programs such as teen leadership development, camp counselor training, community pride, natural resources and tractor safety. For five years, he traveled across Wyoming, utilizing his expertise to assist 4-H educators with their programs.

In 1983, he began as the volunteer

2 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

and staff development specialist in the Oklahoma 4-H office, a position he held for six years. During that time, he completed his doctoral degree in agricultural education at Oklahoma State University, focusing on Extension administration. After graduating with his Ed. D., Rutledge served as the Oklahoma 4-H program leader and later the Oregon 4-H program leader.

Eventually, Rutledge made his way back to Oklahoma as the executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, utilizing his servant leadership style to enhance the 4-H program.

“I believe in servant leadership where you serve others and your organization through your leadership capabilities,” Rutledge said.

Rutledge possesses a unique perspective from being a 4-H professional in numerous states. He said he was successful in his role as executive director due to his extensive 4-H career.

“I think I have been able to use all my other experiences to benefit the 4-H Foundation, and it has really helped me to experience every level of

the organization,” he said.

It was in those experiences, Rutledge said, he discovered his passion for building a dynamic organization.

“I love to create and build things, he said. “In my non-4-H life I’ve built houses and barns, but I also like to build things within organizations.”

Throughout his career, Rutledge’s innovation and dedication benefited each state’s 4-H program.

Under his leadership, he created the first 4-H Ambassador Program in Wyoming, helped redesign the tenure process for Extension professionals in Oregon and rebuilt the volunteer leadership program in Oklahoma.

“He served as a mentor in the field of volunteer development, assisting our state in moving forward with a volunteer leader program,” said Karla Knoepfli, Oklahoma 4-H volunteer coordinator. “He truly has a lifelong passion for 4-H and the opportunities the program can offer youth, volun-

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teers and professionals.”

In his most recent position, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Rutledge was instrumental in growing monetary support and building a stronger Foundation.

When he began as executive director, the Foundation had less than $2 million in assets and invested about $300,000 in program development. Today, the Foundation has more than $8 million in assets and spends $500,000 a year in program efforts.

“Jim has been a pleasure to work with over the years,” said Foundation board member Dan Bomhoff. “He has done a great job as executive director and I really appreciate everything he has done to further the mission of the Foundation to support the Oklahoma 4-H Program.”

Rutledge’s devotion to 4-H was honored when he was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2012.

Rutledge’s other career accomplish-

ments include chairing the national group of state 4-H program leaders from 1996 to 1998 and receiving the American Spirit Award from the Air Force Recruiting Service in 2006.

“I’m never going to stop being passionate about 4-H,” he said. “I’m never going to stop wanting 4-H to be stronger and better.”

After retiring, Rutledge said he plans to volunteer with and help strengthen the Japanese International Exchange Program. He also plans to spend more time visiting family, traveling, gardening and woodworking.

Although his career is coming to an end, Rutledge will never stray far from 4-H, he said.

“Oklahoma 4-H can be proud of its Foundation,” he said. “The staff, volunteers and donors in this state are amazingly supportive of the efforts of the 4-H Foundation. It has made the last 11 years a great joy for me.”

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1. Raised on a beef farm, Jim Rutledge was active in the 4-H Beef Project. 2.

As a young Extension professional, Rutledge was well-equipped with his passion and enthusiasm for 4-H. 3.

Rutledge was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2012, honoring his servant leadership and dedication. 4.

Rutledge presents the Kathy Rutledge Memorial Child Care Scholarship at the 2015 Roundup Honor Night.

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“I

believe I am where I’m at today because I was in the 4-H program,” said Roy Lee Lindsey Jr., executive director for the Oklahoma Pork Council and loyal donor to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Although Lindsey Jr. serves as the leader for an organization that supports pork producers, he grew up around beef cattle and never raised a pig in his life, he said.

As a 4-H’er in Washita County, Lindsey Jr.’s main projects were beef, citizenship, leadership and public speaking. He said he can still remember the first speech he gave in 4-H. After graduating from Cordell High School, Lindsey Jr. became an Oklahoma State University Cowboy. He completed his bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and master’s degree in agricultural education, emphasizing in Extension education.

In 1995, Lindsey Jr. was hired as the 4-H educator in Cleveland County. He held that position for two years before moving to Lawrence, Kansas, to be the Douglas County 4-H educator. Since December 1998, Lindsey Jr. has held his current position at the Oklahoma Pork Council.

Tom Manske, former Oklahoma 4-H Foundation development director, said Lindsey Jr.’s dedication to the promotion of the pork industry is “matched only by his passion for Oklahoma 4-H.” When Lindsey Jr. returned to Oklahoma, he began his devoted support to 4-H. “Shortly after coming back to Oklahoma, I was approached about joining the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation board of directors,” he said.

Lindsey Jr. has played an instrumental role in the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. As a board member, he

Roy Lee Lindsey Jr., provides personal and organizational support to Oklahoma 4-H. Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Pork Council.

assisted in writing and modernizing the bylaws, constitution and many other documents, he said. In addition, he was a founding member of the Circle of Champions, a group of donors who collectively have given more than $100,000 to support the operation of the Foundation.

The opportunity to provide leadership and monetary assistance to the Foundation was one Lindsey Jr. said he did not hesitate to take.

“Giving back to the Foundation is a drop in the bucket compared to what I have taken out of 4-H,” he said.

Under Lindsey Jr.’s leadership, the Oklahoma Pork Council also has been a longtime donor and supporter of the

4 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

4-H program, funding scholarships, enhancement grants and other programs.

“Roy Lee has worked with the Pork Council to provide some of the strongest support we receive from a commodity group. The Pork Council supports the Swine Project Scholarship, county project medals, enhancement grants, Ag in the Classroom programs and the Pork Picnic on the first night of 4-H Roundup,” said Jim Rutledge, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

“It’s so easy to be a donor,” Lindsey Jr. said. “There’s something in it for everyone, not just for the kids, but also through a donor perspective.”

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ughes County 4-H alumni Jack and Beverly Chapman have deep roots in Oklahoma 4-H. In 4-H, Jack’s main project area was swine, and Beverly participated in public speaking and clothing projects.

Into adulthood, the couple remained connected to 4-H. Beverly became a Hughes County 4-H leader in 1974 and spent 32 years molding her 4-H’ers into well-rounded individuals.

During her time as a 4-H leader, she led 4-H’ers on countless local, state and national trips. She also supported 4-H’ers at livestock shows, speech contests, fairs, judging contests and leadership conferences.

Through her leadership, she mentored several 4-H’ers as they obtained county, district and state leadership roles of their own.

“I still care for them,” Beverly said.

“I even get Christmas cards from 4-H’ers who weren’t even in my club that I met throughout the years.”

Beverly’s dedication to her 4-H’ers led her to be named the Hughes County 4-H Leader of the Year several times and the State 4-H Leader of the Year in 1998. Additionally, Beverly has received the Hughes County Partner in 4-H and the State 4-H Alumni awards in honor of her continued support.

The skill-building experiences and positive impact 4-H had in Jack and Beverly’s lives transitioned to their daughters Ronda McKown and Kristi Harvey. As soon as the girls were old enough, Beverly said she enrolled them in 4-H where they achieved successful 4-H careers of their own.

Both Ronda and Kristi were active in a variety of 4-H projects, including livestock, clothing, leadership, citizenship, agriculture and public speaking.

They were state project scholarship

winners, Key Club and Blue Award Group members, and they were delegates to National 4-H Congress, the American Royal and 4-H Roundup.

Today, Jack and Beverly remain actively involved in Oklahoma 4-H. As charter members of the Circle of Champions, they have continued to provide monetary support and assistance to Foundation programs. Ronda and Kristi also are 4-H donors.

“Jack and Beverly Chapman are the epitome of what we look for in 4-H supporters,” said Jim Rutledge, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. “Even after they raised two outstanding 4-H’ers, they contin-

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ued to give back to the program at the county and state level.”

Through their family’s farming operation, Chapman Farms, The Chapmans also sponsor the Veterinary Science scholarship. Beverly said she and Jack will continue their involvement with the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation for as long as they can.

Ronda (1) and Kristi (2) were active in their 4-H project work. 3. Ronda (second from left), Beverly, Jack and Kristi celebrate Beverly’s recognition as State 4-H Leader of the Year. Photos provided by Beverly Chapman.

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ike many 4-H alumni, Bill Doenges said 4-H molded him from a shy child to one who possessed the drive to succeed in life.

Doenges said he is a product of an exceptional 4-H program in Washington County. During his time in 4-H, he attended many state and national trips, was the first state 4-H vice president and was a national winner in the agriculture project. He also was inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame in 1956.

Doenges said he had many role models, including his peers Tom Tate and Larry Derryberry, who helped him reach his fullest potential as a 4-H’er.

“It was a great time to be in 4-H,” Through 4-H, Doenges said he formed a passion for livestock judging, however, his livestock-judging talent came about unexpectedly at his first judging contest.

“The coach just put four of us together and took us out there,” he said. “I ended up being high individual and fell in love with judging.”

After the contest, Doenges said he made it a goal to be a member of the Oklahoma State University livestock judging team. He met that goal and served on the OSU livestock and meat judging teams while obtaining his bachelor’s degree in animal science.

Doenges continued his education at the University of Tulsa and received his law degree. After graduation, Doenges went on to manage his family’s car dealership in Bartelsville, Okla.

“Bill Doenges is one of those businessmen who understands the value of a 4-H experience,” said Jim Rutledge, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Doenges has been a long-time supporter of the 4-H program. He has

Bill Doenges’ 4-H career is a reflection of his dedication and resiliency.

Photo provided by Bill Doenges. served on the board of directors for several years and, with the help of Tom Tate, began funding the Ira Hollar Advanced Leadership scholarship.

“Mr. Hollar represented 4-H leadership symbolically for us, so we chose to sponsor that award,” Doenges said.

Doenges and Tate co-funded the scholarship for many years. Doenges recently donated appreciated Ford Motor Company stock to fully fund the Ira Hollar Endowment. Rutledge said since Doenges used appreciated stock, he was able to benefit 4-H and receive a tax break.

“When he created an endowment to fund the Hollar Scholarship, he

6 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

gave a tribute to someone who was influential throughout his 4-H career,” Rutledge said.

Doenges’ faithful support has given many 4-H’ers the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve successful 4-H careers of their own.

“He has become very influential in the lives of many past and future 4-H members,” Rutledge said. “It has been a pleasure for me to get to know Bill as a donor and friend.”

Doenges said he is thankful for the impact 4-H had in his life.

“I owe so much to 4-H,” he said.

“When I look back, I realize I’ve learned so much. It was special.”

National 4-H Congress serves as a memorable event for Oklahoma 4-H’ers

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ach year, Oklahoma 4-H’ers gain cultural experiences, participate in community service projects and form lifelong friendships at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.

With assistance from Oklahoma 4-H Foundation donors, 18 Oklahoma 4-H’ers traveled to Atlanta in November 2015 and joined more than 1,000 members from around the United States and its territories to take part in this educational experience.

During the event, youth engaged in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership and team development, all while making memories that will last a lifetime.

“One aspect that made this National Congress so exciting is that one of our own 4-H’ers, Olivia Hamilton of Pontotoc County, was on the design team and helped plan this event,” said Tracy Beck, Oklahoma 4-H events and activities coordinator.

Hamilton said as a National 4-H Congress delegate, she admired the design team members and set a goal to one day serve on the design team.

As a design team member, Hamilton said she selected workshops and

speakers and assisted with the VIP reception and the gala. She also worked directly with speakers, donors and designers, as well as the hotel staff and caterers where the event was hosted.

“I learned so much on the design team and got to meet some truly amazing people,” she said. “Being on the design team gave me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and make a difference.”

Two other Oklahoma 4-H’ers played roles in the event, including Katie Symes, Oklahoma County, who served on the Youth Leadership Team, and Erin Dunagan, Canadian County, who played the piano as a teen entertainer, Beck said.

Some of the educational workshops at National 4-H Congress focused on healthy eating, the importance of exercise, science, service learning, physical activity for people with mobility challenges, using social media, leadership and group development. All of the workshops were designed to help club members further develop and enhance their leadership skills.

Club members are taught about the importance of community service from the time they joined 4-H, and

delegates to National 4-H Congress had an opportunity to reach beyond the borders of their home states through a variety of experiences.

Some of the community service options for National Congress delegates include spending time helping at Piedmont Park Conservancy, Food Bank Center, Books for Africa, and various schools throughout the area.

In addition to the numerous educational workshops and community service activities, Oklahoma delegates also had the opportunity to do a little sightseeing while in Atlanta, including the Atlanta Zoo, Carter Presidential Library, Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, College Football Hall of Fame, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium.

“Taking part in National 4-H Congress is a great way for our club members to see another part of the country, make new friends from other states and continue to build on the life skills they are learning as 4-H’ers,” Beck said. “Our delegates came home with new ideas on how to enhance county programs and continue to make the best better.”

2015 National 4-H Congress delegates and adult chaperons include: Front row: Susan Weckler (left), Darci DeVous, Kylee Turner, Jacob Daley, JinYu Burnham, Emily Lane and Jackie Elliott. Second row: Erin Dunagan (left), Katie Symes, Hayley Pryor, Danya Hook, Lexie Lerblance, Jaclyn McCormick, Brandi Moore and Olivia Hamilton. Back row: Greg Owen, Pittsburg Co. Extension educator (left), Tracy Beck, Oklahoma 4-H events and activities coordinator. Seth Hagler, Andrew Daniel, Clay Shires, Elijah Smith and Becky Walker, Pontotoc Co. Extension Educator. Photo provided by Tracy Beck.

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At the 94th State 4-H Roundup, two 4-H members achieved the highest award offered by the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program: Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame

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DALACY DOCKREY

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hrough innovation and perseverance, Olivia Hamilton reached her ultimate 4-H goal.

“Being inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame has been a goal of mine ever since I was a Cloverbud,” she said. “It means a lot to me, but also reminds me to never give up on my goals and dreams. It also means I’ve done a good job presenting myself in leadership positions, community service projects, project work and my genuine care of others’ needs.”

Hamilton, a nine-year 4-H’er from Pontotoc County, seized each opportunity given throughout her 4-H career to make a difference in others’ lives.

Hamilton’s favorite 4-H activities involved her safety project. She worked with her high school administrators to

aLacy Dockrey is a perfect example of how 4-H can develop a child into a capable and exemplary leader.

A nine-year 4-H’er from the Dale 4-H Club in Pottawatomie County, Dockrey’s impressive 4-H career was recognized when she was inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame.

“This honor means the world to me,” she said. “It affirms that I have worked hard and been as involved as possible.

Hall of Fame inductees in the past have made a positive impact on the 4-H program and their communities, and being included in this elite group helps me realize I have truly made an impact.”

As a 4-H’er, Dockrey participated in 376 hours of community service,

reaching nearly 4,700 youth and adults. She also served in numerous leadership roles on the club, county, district and state levels. She began utilizing her natural leadership skills when she was 9 years old, serving as historian of her 4-H club.

Following her first leadership position, Dockrey set a goal to become state 4-H president, a role she filled during 2014-2015. She said each of her leadership positions prepared her for her term as president In addition to her leadership roles, Dockrey served as a delegate to National 4-H Congress and was part of the 2014 and 2015 Blue Award Group.

“4-H has given me many examples of selfless leaders that I strive to be more like every day, Dockrey said.”

organize and host a safety day where community members and students learned about the dangers of house fires, drinking and driving and texting and driving.

She also was instrumental in creating a state speech contest for 4-H’ers 9 to 12 years old, giving all youth the chance to compete at the state level.

“Establishing this event has taken dedication, persistence, enthusiasm and positivity,” she said.

Hamilton said her 4-H experiences will help in her future endeavors.

“I know 4-H has taught me life skills that will be of great use throughout my life. The public speaking skills, meeting with donors and taking responsibility are skills that I will use in college and in the work force,” she said.

OLIVIA HAMILTON

8 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

A new healthy living program provides a great opportunity for 4-H’ers to get active

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klahoma 4-H’ers are leaders, activists, innovators and problem solvers. Now, they can add yoga masters to the list thanks to the new 4-H Yoga for Kids curriculum created by an Extension health specialist at the University of Arkansas.

Cathy Allen, Oklahoma 4-H curriculum coordinator, said she was introduced to the curriculum when she served as the southern regional chair for the National Healthy Living Management Team.

In February 2015, Oklahoma became the second state to implement the curriculum when Allen hosted a twoday training for 49 Extension educators. Through the training, educators learned how to teach the curriculum

Washington County youth practice their yoga poses. Photos provided by Kayla Swanson.

by working through the exercises.

Yoga for Kids puts a creative spin on this popular form of exercise. Unlike regular yoga, making animal noises and creating yoga sequences to tell stories are part of the exercise routine.

Allen said the fun and lively twist to yoga engages and excites youth.

“Yoga for Kids is another fun and educational way we can help our club members achieve optimal physical, emotional and social health,” Allen said. “Keeping in mind the four Hs of 4-H, including head, heart, hands and health, this new curriculum falls right in line with the fourth H. Healthy living is a core component of the 4-H Youth Development Program.”

The Yoga for Kids program in Okla-

homa is funded through the Walmart Healthy Living Initiative grant. To date, more than 5,000 youth have been reached by the Healthy Living programs, which include Get Fit for Life, 4-H Food Showdown, Take a Stand in addition to Yoga for Kids.

“We had been focusing on nutritional and emotional well-being with our programs, so the new Yoga for Kids program is a fun, noncompetitive way to address the importance of physical health,” Allen said.

Many people have heard of yoga but may not fully understand the positive impact it can have on those who participate in the exercise.

“Yoga is a type of exercise that combines breath, physical postures or poses and mindfulness to help strengthen and calm the body and mind,” Allen said. “By practicing yoga, our youth will build strength, flexibility and confidence, all of which are great benefits for the mind and body.”

Allen said many Extension educators are introducing Yoga for Kids to youth in their local schools in addition to their 4-H clubs. Students who practice yoga before tests will find they are calmer, and their anxiety levels will lower, she said.

Kayla Swanson, Washington County Extension educator, said she began incorporating Yoga for Kids in her 4-H programming in summer 2015. A few months later, she introduced the curriculum to two schools in her county.

“I had a ton of kids that absolutely loved it,” Swanson said. “They’d tell me how they had shown their siblings and parents the moves they learned.”

Overall, the Yoga for Kids curriculum has been well received by youth across the state. Allen said she plans to host at least two Yoga for Kids trainings a year to continue growing the program in Oklahoma.

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Innovative programs are created through Oklahoma 4-H Foundation enhancement grants

STEM CAMP

Five Oklahoma counties participated in a STEM day camp with the help of a grant funded by the Hille Foundation.

Comanche, Washita, Caddo, Custer and Cleveland counties joined forces to provide team-building and STEM-related activities to 125 youth at the camp.

One of the kids’ favorite activities was creating dry ice bubbles.

“The workshop was a hit,” said Danielle Venable, former Custer County Extension educator. “The youth got to learn about chemistry and bounce the bubbles in their hands.”

Another workshop the kids enjoyed was making three different rockets out

of straw, foam and paper, Venable said. Other workshops included a robotic arm, solar car and sun kits.

The counties also invited a guest speaker to teach youth the importance of social media and Internet safety.

“Camp turned out fantastic, and the kids had such a great time,” Venable said.

4-H DAY AT THE COURTHOUSE Cleveland County 4-H’ers had an opportunity to meet local county officials, tour their courthouse and gain a better perspective about county government at 4-H Day at the Courthouse.

Karin Leimbach, former Cleveland County Extension educator, said the day began with an informational PowerPoint presentation about the history and duties of the Cleveland County government. The youth were surprised to learn everything the county govern-

HEALTH WEEK

Photo provided by Ashley Davis.

ment oversees, she said.

Next, the 4-H’ers visited each county official and obtained an insight into their career. The youth also sat in on the commissioners’ meeting and led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

With an enhancement grant from the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Leimbach purchased 4-H mugs and pens for the youth to distribute to each county official they visited. Leimbach also

purchased 4-H portfolios for the youth to take notes and keep their agendas for the day.

4-H Day at the Courthouse allowed the youth to share their 4-H story and thank their county government for supporting the 4-H program.

“The youth are already thinking of other ways to stay connected with the commissioners and the courthouse until our next 4-H Day at the Courthouse,” Leimbach said.

Adair County hosted a Health Week program at 11 local schools with the help of an enhancement grant funded by the Hille Foundation.

Ashley Davis, Adair County Extension educator, implemented five different health modules in the program.

She used the grant money to purchase supplies to make kits for each school.

Overall, 622 youth participated in the Health Week program.

Adair County youth in fifth and sixth grade learned about healthier drink choices, calorie intake and the impor-

tance of exercise. Youth also pledged to remain drug and alcohol free.

Davis said students were unaware about the unhealthy choices they were making in their day-to-day lives and agreed to be more conscious about their choices in the future.

“Without the grant, 622 children would not have been able to see how unhealthy some of the things they eat and drink are,” she said. “They also would have not been able to take this information home and teach their siblings and parents.”

10 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

DINING WITH DAIRY

Through an enhancement grant funded by the Southwest Dairy Center, Radonna Sawatzky, Custer County Extension educator, hosted a two-day cooking class for youth.

The purpose of Dining with Dairy was to introduce youth to the variety of dairy foods and teach them how to make healthy snacks with dairy products, Sawatzky said.

During the first day, youth learned

PORK KIT

Grant County Extension educator Kassie Junghanns used funds from an Oklahoma Pork Council enhancement grant to purchase the Ohio Swine Learning Lab and Interactive CD. With the new swine kits, Grant County 4-H’ers and club leaders have become more familiar with pork products, swine anatomy and the pork industry as a whole.

Junghanns introduced the kits at an

ROBOTICS

The Hille Foundation funded a grant the Pottawatomie County 4-H Robotics Club used to purchase a VEX robot.

The robot will be used to compete in the 2016 VEX competition for high school teams.

To pass the time until the competition, the club conducted demonstrations at their local Tractor Supply and county fair. These demonstrations introduced robotics to youth looking for ways to get involved in 4-H. The new robot also inspired personal changes in the club as members

WATER FAIR

Through the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation enhancement grant funding, Latimer and Pittsburg counties hosted a Water Fair to teach youth the importance of water conservation.

More than 200 students traveled to Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton, Oklahoma, to participate in the fair, said Tony Johnson, Latimer County Extension educator.

Eight educational sessions were

how to make mozzarella cheese and pizza crust with yogurt as an ingredient. Sawatzky said the kids were hesitant to try pizza crust made from yogurt, but devoured it in the end.

The next day, Sawatzky introduced dairy snacks to the kids as they enjoyed munching on yogurt covered raisins. Through hands-on workshops with Sawatzky’s assistance, youth made their own peanut butter and jel-

ly, bread dough and healthy smoothies.

“Each youth got to take home a little ball of mozzarella cheese and a little jar of homemade jelly,” Sawatzky said.

“I heard from several parents about how their kids loved the chance to cook and share it with them.

“Dining with Dairy was a dream. We were able to teach kids some cooking skills that included dairy and that was our goal.”

adult leader meeting to familiarize the leaders with the kit and encourage them to incorporate it into their activities. She also presented the kit to an estimated 100 people at the Grant County Conservation District Banquet.

The kits were well received by youth and adults. The hands-on activities of the kits, including matching parts of a pig with their correct names, created a challenge that strengthened their

swine knowledge. Additionally, 4-H’ers who participated in the kits’ activities said they gained a better understanding of livestock judges’ terminology and learned from what part of the pig different cuts of meat come.

The swine kits will continue to develop Grant County 4-H’ers knowledge of the pork industry. Junghanns plans to utilize other activities in the kit at future showmanship clinics, as well.

brainstorm and program in a creative and positive environment.

Additionally, the atmosphere of the club has sparked natural communication and leadership skills among members, resulting in a flourishing team.

presented by Extension, the Oklahoma State University Entomology Department, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Collins Wildlife Area and Robbers Cave State Park staff.

In addition to learning about water conservation, youth were introduced to water quality, aquifers and more, Johnson said.

At the conclusion of the fair, additional water educational materials

were given to teachers to continue teaching and promoting conservation in their classrooms, “Overall, the Water Fair was a success,” Johnson said. “Many positive comments were received from the students and their classroom teachers and administrators. Hopefully the participants will utilize what they learned at the fair and make wise use of this precious natural resource.”

13

Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador Program increases 4-H awareness through youth

A

n elite group of 4-H members are selected to tell the 4-H story, make 4-H more visible to the public and establish relationships with 4-H donors. This special group of youth are 4-H Ambassadors.

Created in 1994, the Ambassador Program started as an idea from a planning committee chaired by Mary Sue Sanders. Sanders and her committee saw other states’ Ambassador Programs flourish, and they wanted to provide Oklahoma youth with the same opportunities to grow in the capacity of Ambassadors.

Sanders, along with Cathy Allen, Gwen Shaw and Josh Grundmann, serve as 4-H Ambassador co-advisers, guiding the youth and ensuring the goals of the program are met.

In 2000, Grundmann was selected to be an Ambassador. He said he fondly remembers the close-knit group bond shared with his Ambassador team.

“My favorite memories as an Ambassador generally revolve around the retreat we had at the Bockelman Ranch every August or at Roundup every May,” he said. “It was such a long drive to the Oklahoma Panhandle, but once we arrived we had the perfect, peaceful place to get to know one another and to set goals for the coming year. At the end of the year, Roundup was the culmination of our efforts.”

Throughout the years, more than 100 4-H’ers have served as 4-H Ambassadors, and the program has stayed true to its founding purpose.

“The Ambassador Program was established with lots of forethought and very clear goals, so very little has changed from my experiences 15 years ago,” Grundmann said. “The youth involved are still highly driven and focused on success. Our technological environment has evolved, however, making it easier to communicate with

Natally Owen (left), Katie Ashton, Hannah Kornelle, Serena Woodard, Madeline Jarrett, Karen Weckler and Keita Maloy were selected as the newest members of the 4-H Ambassador Program in 2015.

12 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

our donors and each other.”

Emily Haan, current 4-H Ambassador, said the program allowed her to further develop her life skills and serve the 4-H organization.

“Being an Ambassador affords so many opportunities to give back,” she said. “You truly get to see the impact you make on the program itself and on those around you.”

Today, serving as an Ambassador continues to be a prominent goal for many Oklahoma 4-H’ers. Endowments have been created in efforts to support the duties and vision of the program.

“Being an Ambassador is completely different from any other 4-H experience I’ve ever had,” Haan said. “You truly are the liaison between 4-H and your community. We all have an opportunity to use our strengths to make a difference.”

A former 4-H’er utilizes his 4-H knowledge overseas

C

aleb Glennie, Washita County 4-H alumnus, said he never imagined the skills he learned in 4-H would prepare him to help others all over the world.

Mary Peck, Glennie’s former 4-H educator, said his interest in science and technology sparked when he was a junior 4-H’er.

“Science and technology was somewhat a new field that piqued my interest,” Glennie said, “and with the help of my incredibly brave and patient county director, Mary Peck, was where I invested all my time.”

Glennie and the rest of his club began dabbling in robotics. They built and programmed Lego robots to perform simple tasks such as maneuvering around obstacles.

“His excitement about science and technology was infectious,” Peck said.

After becoming familiar with robotics, the club was introduced to GPS/GIS mapping. Glennie said they used their new skills to map illegal trash dump sites and unmarked veteran graves in their county, combining community service with their interest in science.

The club’s mapping projects gained international attention.

“This took us all the way to San Di-

ego, where we joined a team of 4-H’ers from all over the United States to present our projects at an international technology conference,” he said.

Throughout the remainder of his 4-H career, Glennie stayed active in the science and technology project.

He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2013. Two years later, he took his 4-H skill set overseas to Jordan.

“While I was there, I worked with refugees in a nearby village,” he said.

“I fell in love with refugees and began looking for more opportunities to work with them.”

In September Glennie joined a research team on a refugee highway, locating and recording where pockets of refugees were located. In turn, nongovernmental organizations used the data collected by the research team to develop strategies to aid the refugees.

“I was able to use the mapping skills I learned in 4-H,” he said. “The maps are included in documents that NGOs in the area were able to utilize in responding to the migration crisis.”

Glennie said he also was able to gather information about who was working with the refugees and what was being done to them. Other coun-

tries, including Turkey, relied on Glennie’s data and the research team was sent to help more refugees.

Glennie currently teaches English to refugees and provides logistical support for another NGO. He said he plans to fulfill this capacity for several months before continuing on to a new adventure in another country.

Glennie said he enjoys working abroad because it gives him the opportunity to meet people with different viewpoints of the world.

“The world is such a cool place and has so many amazing people in it,” he said. “For me, getting to meet some of these people and experiencing the world from their perspective is the most humbling, educational and wonderfully satisfying thing I have done in my life.”

For Glennie, a simple 4-H project turned into a worldwide experience with a little aspiration.

“Once you’ve found something you enjoy in 4-H, take it as far as you can,” he said.

Above: Caleb Glennie said he enjoys creating relationships with refugees.

Photos provided by Caleb Glennie.

15

2O15 OUTSTANDING 4-H ALUMNI The Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award is given to former 4-H’ers who have made significant contributions in their communities.

The 2015 honorees were Rodger Kerr, Kent Major, John Cothren and Ryan McMullen.

RODGER KERR was a nine-year 4-H’er from Jackson County. During his 4-H career. He served as a delegate to National

4-H Congress, was a National Presidential Tray winner and was elected state 4-H president in 1984. Currently, he is the chief operating officer for the Southwest Technology Center and manages his family’s farming operation in Altus, Oklahoma. He is active in his community and credits 4-H for teaching him the importance of giving back.

KENT MAJOR credits his 10-year 4-H career for developing his leadership skills. He was state 4-H president in 1985 and later served as student body president at Oklahoma State University. After graduating from college, Major worked for AT&T for nine years, Alpheus for 11 years and now is the director of strategy and business architecture for Oracle Crop. He said his seven children are his greatest contribution to his community.

JOHN COTHREN, a 10-year 4-H veteran from Garvin County, was a Blue Award Group member, state record book winner and a member of the Garvin County 4-H Hall of Fame. He also served as state 4-H president in 1993. Cothren is the general manager and director of operations for the six locations of Grissoms John Deere Operations. In addition, his farm, Cothren Farms, is only five years away from being named a centennial farm.

RYAN MCMULLEN had an exemplary 4-H career. He served as a 4-H Ambassador for six years and state 4-H president in 1998. He also was inducted into the State 4-H Hall of Fame. In addition, he was a National Collegiate 4-H officer and a member of the National 4-H Youth Directions Council. His current appointment as state director of USDA Rural Development made him the youngest presidential appointee within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ryan McMullen (left), John Cothren, Kent Major and Rodger Kerr were recognized as Outstanding 4-H alumni at the 2015 Honor Night Banquet.

14 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

2O15 PARTNERS IN 4-H The Partner in 4-H Award is given to organizations and individuals who provide generous time and/or financial support to Oklahoma 4-H. The Clifford Knight Foundation and OERB are the organizational honorees. Individual honorees are Laura Gamino, Kim Gray, Regina McCurdy and Katie Mueller. These four women have contributed their efforts to support the Oklahoma 4-H ATV Safety Program.

CLIFFORD KNIGHT was a long-time supporter of Oklahoma 4-H livestock projects and events. His foundation continues to honor his passion for the livestock industry by providing financial assistance to the livestock judging team that travels out of state for contests. OERB has provided financial support for the geology project scholarship for the past eight years and funded the revision and distribution of geology manuals for 4-H’ers. In addition, OERB provided new geology kits with rock and mineral samples to each county in the sate.

Left: Sherry Knight (second from left) and Vickie Dennis (second from right) accept the Partner in 4-H Award on behalf of the Clifford Knight Foundation. Right: Mindy Stitt, executive director for the OERB (center), accepts the Partner in 4-H award on behalf of the OERB.

LAURA GAMINO is the injury prevention coordinator for Trauma Services at OU Medical Center. Trauma Services has provided financial support, ATV gear and promotional items for expos and other events. KIM GRAY, community outreach

specialist at the Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, has assisted with providing financial support and ATV equipment and coordinated the development of numerous promotional and educational materials for the ATV program.

REGINA MCCURDY, injury prevention specialist for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, has assisted in printing leader and training guides and posters for the program. KATIE MUELLER is the executive director of Safe Kids Oklahoma which provided funding to vinyl wrap the ATV trailers.

Mike Klumpp, ATV coordinator (left), Katie Mueller, Laura Gamino, Regina McCurdy, Kim Gray and Kevin Allen, Oklahoma 4-H program leader.

17

Levels I & II ADVANCED ACHIEVEMENT

Vernon and Ronda McKown Endowment Olivia Hamilton

ADVANCED CITIZENSHIP

Gene and Judy McKown Endowment KatyAnn Dudley

ELVIN LINDLEY ADVANCED AGRICULTURE

Oklahoma LP Gas RM&S Commission Jacob Sestak

ADVANCED FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

Oklahoma Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences & Oklahoma Association of Extension 4-H Agents Annae Imhoff

ACHIEVEMENT

Harold & Edith Shaw Memorial D.J. Kurtenbach

AGRICULTURE

BREADS

Kunc Family Farms Montell Meyer

Shawnee Milling Co. William Arnett

ALL OTHER PROJECTS AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Kathy Rutledge Memorial Destiney Garner

Gary and Becky Stone & Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Bryce Wilson

ALL OTHER PROJECTS FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

Oklahoma 4-H Check it Out Donors Karen Weckler

ALL OTHER PROJECTS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Charles and Betty Smith Aubrey Schultz

ALL OTHER PROJECTS SMALL ANIMALS

Hesser Memorials Amanda Atkins

BEEF

Kunc Family Farms Jordan Storey

16 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

CHILD CARE

CITIZENSHIP

Mike Synar Memorial Haleigh Bockelman

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation & Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Bayli Hyde

DAIRY

Southwest Dairy Center Wyatt Krittenbrink

DOG

Dr. Stuart Ratcliff Family Emily Lane

FABRICS & FASHIONS

Wilma Wendt Pattillo Endowment & Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Claire Ringer

Scholarship Recipients FOOD SCIENCE

Edwin and Winona Presley Memorial Andrew Daniel

GEOLOGY

OERB Katie Ashton

GOAT

Canadian County Goat Producers Association Jaclyn McCormick

IRA HOLLAR ADVANCED LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Bill Doenges DaLacy Dockery

LEADERSHIP

NEWS & EAGLE AWARD

Central States Trailers Jared Morgan

HORSE

Edwin & Winona Presley Memorial Preston Prock

HORTICULTURE & PLANT SCIENCE

Oklahoma Horticulture Society and Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Jacob Atkins

SAFETY

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Megan Woodard

HEALTH & FITNESS

Shawnee Milling Co. & Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Reagan Stephens

Vernor and Barbara Bockelman Danya Hook

Jerry and Julie Kiefer Endowment Karlie Wade

Enid Publishing Company Amanda Peterson and Jaclyn McCormick

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Hannah Carter

RECREATION AND LEISURE ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tracy Family Endowment Annie Bragg

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Fred and Leesa Stanley Hadley Griffith

SHEEP

SHOOTING SPORTS

Oklahoma City Gun Club Amanda Peterson

SWINE

Oklahoma Pork Council Seth Jackson

VETERINARY SCIENCE

Chapman Farms Teigan Munson

WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Murray Powers

19

RULE OF LAW GRADUATING SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP

Rule of Law Endowment Regina Leuty, Jacob Ennis, Teigan Munson, Aubrey Schultz, William Arnett, KatyAnn Dudley, Steven Baringer, John Nelson, Ansley Elliott, Emily Evans

4-H ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Charles and Betty Smith Patrick Schrank

ALLAN & DORRIS GOODBARY SCHOLARSHIP

Goodbary Family Karlie Wade

CHOCTAW NATION SCHOLARSHIP

Choctaw Nation Adrianne Curnutt

FLOYD & VIOLA HARTMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

John and Julie Shurman Tucker Sawatzky

LARRY D. ANDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Larry D. Anderson Memorial Olivia Hamilton

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT 4-H SCHOLARSHIP

Friends of Southeast District 4-H Lexie Lerblance

KEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

PICKENS LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS

OKLAHOMA YOUTH EXPO SCHOLARSHIP

SHAW FAMILY OKLAHOMA AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

Oklahoma 4-H Key Club Carter Postier

Oklahoma Youth Expo Kylee Turner and Breanna Nightengale

INDIAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SCHOLARSHIP

Indian Electric Cooperative Kasi Dick

RULE OF LAW 4-H ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

Rule of Law Scholarship Endowment Elisabeth Willis, Josh Maples, Garrett Dollins, Ruth Bullard, Mitch Miller

TRACEY COX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Tracey Cox Memorial Jennifer Jones

B.A. PRATT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

B.A. Pratt Memorial Madison Rash and Conner Carroll

MODELLE PATTILLO & HUGO GRAUMANN SCHOLARSHIP

Modelle Pattillo and Hugo Graumann Memorial Mandy Schroeder and Ricki Schroeder

HAROLD & JEANNE GIBSON MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Harold and Jeannie Gibson Memorial Endowment DaLacy Dockrey

18 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

Harold and Edith Shaw Family Endowment Annae Imhoff, Aspen Schmidt, James Olmstead, Karlie Wade, DaLacy Dockrey

STOWERS FAMILY LEADERS OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP

Stowers Family Endowment Mitchell Miller and Ricki Schroeder

BARNES FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Barnes Family Endowment Regina Leuty

EDMONSON AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

Edmonson Endowment DaLacy Dockrey

JAKIE JONES SCHOLARSHIP

Jakie Jones Endowment Olivia Hamilton

R.D. FARMER SCHOLARSHIP

R.D. Farmer Endowment Annae Imhoff

RETTA MILLER SCHOLARSHIP

Retta Miller Endowment KatyAnn Dudley

Pickens Legacy Scholarship are fully funded with help from Oklahoma 4-H donors

I

n 2010, T. Boone Pickens made a pledge that will benefit Oklahoma 4-H’ers for years to come.

Previously, Pickens made sizable donations to Oklahoma State University’s athletic programs and endowed professorships. Changing directions in 2010, he pledged donations for student scholarship endowments.

Pickens pledged his estate would donate one and a half to two times the amount given by OSU donors through the OSU Foundation to create endowed scholarships as part of the Pickens Legacy Scholarship Program.

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation board of directors, without hesitation, voted to utilize unrestricted funds from the R. D. Farmer and Jakie Jones estate gifts and open the first two scholarship accounts, said Jim Rutledge, executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

To generate more funds, Rutledge said the Foundation created an additional matching program to go along with the Pickens Legacy Scholarship Program. 4-H donors contributing $25,000 to the Foundation would be matched dollar for dollar to meet the minimum requirement for the Pickens

Legacy Scholarship Program.

Initially, the 4-H Foundation agreed to establish $250,000 of unrestricted money for the matching program. 4-H donor support was overwhelmingly successful, and the board decided to double their goal and allocate $500,000 for the matching program.

The effort to solicit donors for all 10 of the matching programs was spearheaded by Rodd Moesel and Gwen Shaw, both current members of the 4-H Foundation board of directors.

“Rodd and Gwen did an outstanding job of finding donors for these awards, and one of the most exciting things is both of them are still active on the Foundation board today so they can see the results of all their hard work,” Rutledge said.

Donors were given five years to complete their gifts in order to receive the matching funds from the Foundation. In 2015, the Foundation received enough donations and matched the $500,000, creating more scholarship opportunities for 4-H’ers.

The family of Harold and Edith Shaw stepped up and pledged to meet two of the $25,000 gifts. Nine more scholarships were funded by

the following individuals and groups: 4-H Ambassadors and Ambassador Alumni, the family of Bud Barnes, J.D. Edmonson’s daughters Eileen Smith and Eloise Schultz, Jan Kunze, Retta A. Miller, Moesel family and friends in honor of Majorie Moesel, Lindsay and Lindsey Sherrer and Terry and Annette Stowers.

Rutledge said some of these scholarships were fully funded early in the five-year campaign and have been providing scholarships for several years. Some, like the 4-H Ambassador and Ambassador Alumni Award, were funded at the end of the campaign.

For the past couple years, the Pickens Legacy Scholarships have added up to about $17,000, with the average scholarship being $2,000. Beginning in 2016 Rutledge said there will be closer to $35,000 in awards.

Rutledge said this new program will push the total value of our scholarship program to over $120,000 per year in support of 4-H members and alumni.

Once the Pickens gift is received, this program alone will generate about $75,000 annually by itself, allowing 4-H’ers to pursue higher education at Oklahoma State University.

21

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our individual, corporate and foundation donors who supported the Oklahoma 4-H program in 2015

EMERALD CLOVER

($20,000+)

William Doenges Marion Floyd Walmart Foundation

GOLD CLOVER

($1,000+)

Aberdeen Land Services Awards and Moore* Leeland and Diana Alexander Kevin and Cathy Allen Elizabeth Anderson Marla and Joe Barnes Ann and Gene Benson ($10,000+) Vernor and Barbara Bockelman Chisholm Trail Farm Credit Dan Bomhoff Farm Credit Services of OK Belinda and Roy Broady-Symes Hille Family Foundation Emmett and Linda Carter Oklahoma Assn of Fairs & Festivals Jack and Beverly Chapman Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation Chuck McHatton Agency, INC Charles and Betty Smith Clifford L Knight Foundation College of Human Sciences ConocoPhillips Company Thomas and Rhonda Coon ($5,000+) John Cothren Jason and Samantha Bradshaw CSTK Flint Lodge No. 11 AF and AM James and Victoria Cupps Lake Region Electric Cooperative Jered and Lindsey Davidson National 4-H Council Shelly and Tom Davis Oklahoma Farm Bureau Larry and Marcia Gale Derryberry Oklahoma LP Gas RM&S Commission Robert J. Herman Orthodontics Oklahoma Pork Council Jim and Angela Eden Osage Nation Cindy Eimen Jim Rutledge Dorothy Erikson The Lyon Foundation Sheila and Dan Forbes Tamara and Carl Tricoli Kent Gardner Walton Family Foundation Inc Jimmy and Jennifer Hall Williams Companies Foundation Virginia and Don Hellwege WPX Energy Inc. Suzann Hertzler Kohl’s Michael Landoll Roy Lee and Melissa Lindsey Kent Major ($2,500+) Retta Miller American Farmers & Ranchers Nonprofit Solutions Devon Energy OERB Twana and Matt Griffith Oklahoma Horticultural Society Ken and Dru McQueen Oklahoma Water Resources Board Monsanto-West Bred Oklahoma City Gun Club OGE Energy Glenna and Sam Ott Oklahoma Assn of Electric Coops Douglas and Charlene Peacock OK Vegetation Management Assn Sue and Harold Peyton Oklahoma Youth Expo DeEstye Richman OKNG Family Programs Mary Sue and Carl Sanders Safe Kids Oklahoma Inc. John and Julie Schurman Shawnee Milling Co Colby Schwartz Southwest Dairy Museum Inc. Gwen Shaw Judy and Dale Tracy Gary and Joyce Sherrer

RUBY CLOVER

DIAMOND CLOVER

PLATINUM CLOVER

20 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

David and Regina Sorrell Kunc Family Farms Terry and Annette Stowers Derald and Linda Suffridge Clayton and Marnie Taylor The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation The Sirloin Club of Oklahoma Dixie and Gregory Thomas Nancy and Richard Warden

SILVER CLOVER

($500+)

Bill and Karen Anderson David and Patricia Auberle BancFirst Trust & Investment BankSNB Tracy and Steve Beck Cathy and Chad Carr CF Industires Cindy and Lewis Conner Dockrey Land & Cattle DOT Foods Inc. Mary Jean Easterling Brian Hafner Health Care Service Corporation Sue and Biff Horrocks Barbara and Kent Houck Houston Financial John Vance Auto Group Gloria King Tracy Lane Jud Little Gary McCracken Nationwide Environmental Services Inc. OK Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Foundation Oklahoma Cattlewomen, Inc. Oklahoma Soybean Board Peak Computer Solutions Laura Perry Louise Ratcliff Rogers County 4-H Horse Club Jayme Shelton Doris and Ronny Smithee Jeannie Sneed Southwest District Horse Council The Public Finance Law Group PLLC Becky Walker Randy and Paula Waters Robert Wood

BRONZE CLOVER

($100+)

4-H Ambassadors Ag Youth Michael Albert Calvin and Sheri Alexander Susan and Russ Allen Deborah and Lawrence Alspaugh Pam Ardern Kelly and Bill Arrington Kaye and Jim Aulgur Mallory and Damon Baker Terry Baransy Pat Barnes Bennington Alumni Association Lee and Lyndia Bixler Don and Lois Bliss Mary and Lloyd Briggs Larry and Becky Brooks Marvin Burns Randal and Gayla Burris Janea Butler Central OK Auto Remarketing Kristi Chapman Marguerite Christman Natalie and Scott Church Earl and Rosemary Cinnamon Citizens State Bank Civilian Marksmanship Program Collins Cattle Marsha and Jim Collum Debra and Mark Conkling Steven and Emily Cooper Charles and Natalie Cox Dorlana Crowell Pat and Cindy Crowley Dairy Max Clara Davis Gary Detrich Ann and Jerry Dillon Jo and Grant Dockrey Damon and Georgia Doye Carolyn Dudley Dayna and Lance Duke Nancy Dunlap Susie and Wayne Edgar Mark and Renea Ely LaDell and Mark Emmons Vera and Samuel Escoe Valeri and Jay Evans Faithful Extension Workers Farmers Exchange Bank Dixie and Eldon Ferrell Judy and Dennis Ferrell First National Bank & Trust Co. Rex Floyd Joe and Vickey Francis Funds2Orgs Inc. Michelle and Darren Garrett Gentry Service & Repair Inc. John and Susan Gibbs Margaret and Bobby Goss Rusty and Heather Gosz Shelby Green Mark and Beth Gregory Cindy and Bill Griffith Dana and Randy Grimm

Josh Grundmann Robert and Theresa Haan Johnny and DeAnn Hafner Carl and Kathleen Hamby John and Necia Harp William and Norma Harrison Shirley Hastings Barbara and Pete Hatfield Pat and Robert Heidlage Robert and Jeanne Heidlage Janet Herren Kimberly and Charles Horsman Paul and Kim Jackson Suzanne Jenlink Mark Johnson Sandy and Ron Johnson Betty and Ray Paul Jones K Herman CRNA, P.C. Inc. Karen and Patrick Keith Janna Kelley E.R. and Delores Kimsey Melinda and John Kinney Kiwanis Club of Ada Mike and Cynthia Klumpp Karla Knoepfli Angie and Keith Koechel Lakeland Cellular Lynda and Kent Latta LBJ Rugs, LLC David Leavitt Roland and Karen Lemke Floyd and Linda Lipps Gary Loeffelholz Sarah Maass Tomas Manske Mathis Brothers Furniture Danny Mathis John and Linda Maxwell Gayla McCluskey Steve McKinley Kathleen McNally Beverly and Jimmie Meeks Messer-Bowers Insurance Megan Meyer Merl Miller Lindsey Miner Janie and Darrell Morrow Susan and Kent Murray Cheryl Newberry Terrie Norwood Lucia and John O’Connor Oklahoma Home & Community Education - Tulsa County Oklahoma Wheat Commission Oracle Corporation OSU Animal Science Department Caryl Parker Amy Parks Ken and Joanne Parrott Philip E. Landers Foundation Beth Phillippi Gaylon and Anne Pinc Pottawatomie County OHCE Carey and Brian Pribil Tom and Deborah Puckette Garvin Quinn Larry and Christine Quinn Shelly Ramsey

Dea Rash Daniel Ratcliff David and Kami Ratcliff Karen Richardson Linda and James Riley Shari and Melvin Roebuck Paul and Pauline Rooker John Roush Susan and Brian Routh Robert and Patsy Rowland Charlie and Sunny Rufo Jeff and Stephanie Sallee Radonna and Terry Sawatzky Earl Schoenhals Marilyn and Ed Seagraves Mary Selk Melvin and Virginia Semrad Debbie and Ron Sharp Brenda Sheik Don and Pam Sherrer Billie and Jim Shields Zach Simpson Jim and Mary Sims Shyla and John Slay Deann Sparks Paula and Carlos Squires Stacy Legal Group Mike Steele Stockmans Bank George Stunkard T&S Lawn Service William Taggart Elizabeth and Steven Taylor Tener’s Western Outfitters Marilynn and Carl Thoma Paul and Lola Thompson J.A. and Arlena Trumbly Denise and Pete Tulloh Tulsa County Farm Bureau Valley View Pecan Company Mickey and Bonnie Vanderwork Alan and Pat VanDeventer Lani Vasconcellos Danielle Venable VFW Post #3649 Chad Webb Julie and Keith Webb Gene and Helen Weckler Stephanie and Paul Weckler Carl and Karen Williams Demardray Williams Bradley Womack Mike and Susan Worstell

*All or part of gift was in-kind 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. All individual donors of $1,000 or more and organizational donors of $5,000 or more are now part of the 4-H Circle of Champions.

23

The most enduring of all memorials are those carved in the hearts and minds of mankind.

Such sentiments are evidenced yearly as friends and family give to 4-H in memory and in honor of a beloved friend or family member. Thank you to all those who give on behalf of others. Your care and generosity are appreciated by every party involved.

ANDREA MCCLUSKEY

IN HONOR OF

ANDREA AGGARWAL

JAMES OLMSTEAD

by Emmett Carter

KAREN ARMBRUSTER

by Charles Cox, Jim Rutledge

ANN BENSON

by Kathleen M. McNally

by Mary Sue Sanders

GLENNA OTT

by Dan Bomhoff, Judy Ferrell, Alea Hubbard, Retta Miller, Dea Rash, David Ratcliff, Jim Rutledge, Tamara Tricoli

by Jim Rutledge

BILL AND HELEN CHITWOOD

by Kathy Standridge

WANDA CUNNINGHAM

by Maria Barnes

DALACY DOCKREY

by Mary Sue Sanders

JIM EDEN

by Jim Rutledge

DAVID FREEMAN

by Denise Tulloh

OLIVIA HAMILTON

by Mary Sue Sanders

SHIRLEY HASTINGS

by Sue Peyton

CATHY JAMES

by Abell HCE Club, Robert Carey, D.L. Frick, Brandi Krittenbrink, Sally Richardson, Cynthia Taylor, Jennifer K. Taylor, David Williams

LARRY KLUMPP

by Charles Cox, Jim Rutledge

by Theresa Bragg

RAY PARKER

DAN BOMHOFF

by Gayla McCluskey

SUE PEYTON

by Shirley Hastings

KENDRA RASH

by Mary Sue Sanders

JIM RUTLEDGE

by Dan Bomhoff

AILEEN CLARK

MARSHA DAVES

ADAM FERRELL HARLAN FILTZ

by Pat Heidlage

JOE HUGHES

by Steven Cooper, William Harrison, Mark Johnson, Susan Kropp, Tomas Manske, Merl Miller, Curtis Richardson, Jim Rutledge, William Taggart

BONNIE IDSARDI

IN MEMORY OF

BRADY BENSON

by Ann and Gene Benson, Cathy James, Christy Jennings, David A. Leavitt, Kathleen M. McNally

EDITH CARRINGER

by Ann Benson

22 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

by Arthur Ochsner

ROBERT HEIDLAGE

KARLIE WADE

by Mary Sue Sanders

by Ann Benson

DELORIS FISCHER

by Pat Barnes, Shirley Hastings

by Denise Tulloh

by Tracy Lane

by Barbara Hatfield, Susan Murray

PAM VARNER

by Ann Benson

LANORA DONAHOO

MARY SUE SANDERS

by Ann Benson

by Calvin Alexander

EDWINA KELLY

by Paul A. Kelly

CLARENCE KRITTENBRINK

by Pam Myers

JAY LEIERER

by Brenda Sidwell

NANCY MAHER

by Lynn A. Dietrich, Addie Downing

Stevens, Derald Suffridge, Mickey Vanderwork, Jeanette Yokley

ARCHIE MANSKE

by Ann Benson, Jeannie Gentry, Barbara Hatfield, Mike Klumpp, Jim Rutledge

LUCINDA MELICHAR

by Danny E. Mathis

RAY PARKER

by Karen Armbruster, Rhonda Ashburn, Pat Barnes, Tracy Beck, Ann Benson, Nancy Bixler, Mary A. Briggs, Nancy J. Chipukites, Earl Cinnamon, Thomas Coon, Charles Cox, Mary Jean Easterling, Ann Enix, Dixie Ferrell, Judy Ferrell, Roberta Frie, Johnny Hafner, John Harp, Shirley Hastings, Virginia Hellwege, Mike Klumpp, Burdettya Linn, Anna McCormick, Scott Mirth, Susan Murray, Caryl Parker, Larry Quinn, Dea Rash, Paul Rooker, Jim Rutledge, Mary Sue Sanders, Mary Selk, Melvin Semrad, Brenda Sheik, Gary Sherrer, Jeannie Sneed, Vernon

NEAL PERCIVAL

by Brenda Sidwell

MONTY PROCK

by Dea Rash

STUART RATCLIFF

MIKE THOMAS

by Susan Murray

DAVID WECKLER

by Gene Weckler

ROBERT WELCH

by Sue Peyton

ELOUISE F. WODE

by Daniel Ratcliff, Louise Ratcliff, David and Kami Ratcliff

by Judy Ferrell

DWIGHT RYMER

by Debra Conkling

ADAM AND KATHERINE SALLEE

by Mike Worstell

JIMMY SCHMIDT

by Ann Benson

DONNA SMITH

by Ann Benson

JOHN AND IONE STEICHEN

by Marilyn K. Seagraves

Ray Parker, affectionately known as “Mr. 4-H,” touched the lives of thousands of 4-H youth, families, volunteers and staff.

Parker worked for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service from 1951 to 1983. During his 31 years of service, he was a county agent in Garfield and Ellis counties before joining the State 4-H Office in 1957. For the next 25 years he was involved

in leisure education, record keeping, state fairs, State and National 4-H Congress and many other programs. He was the recreation leader at countless events, leading line dances and spreading laughter and enjoyment.

Many past and current 4-H’ers alike remember Parker’s enthusiasm for the organization. He still serves as an inspiration to Oklahoma 4-H.

FISCAL YEAR 2015

2% 1%

REVENUES

4%

Gifts and Grants....................................................................$661,281 Realized Gain on Investments..............................................$255,504 Interest & Dividend Income.................................................$176,190

6% 7%

Program Registrations & Fees................................................$89,655 Royalty Income.......................................................................$78,315 Other.......................................................................................$56,343

48% 19%

Sales & Special Events............................................................$32,422 In-kind Donations...................................................................$18,060

13%

Total Revenues.............................................................$1,367,770 1% <1%

EXPENSES

6%

Unrealized Loss on Investments...........................................$542,798

6%

Program.................................................................................$338,076 40%

11%

Administrative Support & Operations..................................$148,144 Grants.....................................................................................$144,869 Scholarships.............................................................................$78,850

11%

Brokerage, Bank & Professional Support...............................$74,713 Useage of In-kind Donations...................................................$18,060 25%

Sales & Fundraising Events.......................................................$6,027 Total Expenses..............................................................$1,351,537

<1%

NET ASSETS Temporarily Restricted*.....................................................$4,400,085 Permanently Restricted.....................................................$3,909,863

47%

Unrestricted............................................................................$36,012 Total Net Assets............................................................$8,345,960 53%

NOTE: These are accrual-based financial figures. *Includes R.D. Farmer account held in Trust by Bank of America. Dec. 31, 2015 ending balance was $2,699,745.

24 | 2015 Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report

Oklahoma 4-H Fast Facts

116,537

Oklahoma youth take part in 4-H

Who participates in Oklahoma 4-H? Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 Post high school Home school/other

Where do Oklahoma 4-Hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers live?

Farms 21.65% Rural communities 26.28% Towns 11.74% Suburban communities 3.01% Cities 37.31%

Did You Know?

4-Hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers are...

4x more likely to make contributions to their communities 2x more likely to be civically active 2x more likely to make healthier choices 2x more likely to participate in science, engineering and computer technology programs

How Diverse is Oklahoma 4-H? 14.92%

1.76%

14.06%

63.4%

American Indian/ Alaskan Native

Asian

Black or African American

White

0.66%

4.70%

.51%

Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander

Other

More than one race

Oklahoma 4-H has...

6,005 adult volunteers & 1,091 youth volunteers

How do Oklahomans participate in 4-H?

96,197 youth participate in

science and technology programs

37,581 youth participate in citizenship programs

35,794 youth participate in healthy living programs

As the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest youth organization, 4-H continuously helps youth reach their fullest potential by teaching them valuable life skills that pave the way for success.

www.4h.okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments 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.

19th Clover Classic Golf Tournament Stillwater Country Club, Stillwater, Oklahoma October 17, 2016 Your participation supports the Oklahoma 4-H Program, which utilizes youth-adult partnerships to empower more than 116,000 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