Annual Report 2020

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

FOSTERING

RESILIENCE

During a time of change, uncertainty and adaptation, positive youth development programs are becoming increasingly vital to young people — and 4-H is stepping up to the challenge.

4-H programs are adapting to meet the needs of youth who find themselves living in an unprecedented society.

4-H educators and volunteers are dedicated to providing meaningful learning experiences to a broader audience, bringing families together, and equipping youth with the skills to be resilient.

With assistance from our generous donors, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is committed to support these diligent efforts of innovative programming.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT Issued May 2021 PUBLISHED BY: Oklahoma 4-H Foundation MILFORD H. JENKINS Executive Director Oklahoma 4-H Foundation STEVE BECK Assistant Director Oklahoma State University Extension and 4-H Program Leader KRISTIN YOUNG Marketing Coordinator Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development EMILY GERSTENKORN Communications Intern Oklahoma 4-H Foundation 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. Visit us online at: www.oklahoma4hfoundation.com

The Oklahoma 4-H Annual Report is published annually for 4-H supporters and alumni.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President of the Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at no cost to taxpayers.

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4-H Foundation Strategic Planning Clover Classic a Huge Success Donor Spotlight: Lois Olzawski & Family Donor Spotlight: Brenda Sidwell & Family Partner in 4-H Award Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame A New Direction: Welcome Steve Beck 4-H ATV Program Takes Off Enhancement Grant Programs 4-H Youth in Action: Aidan Spencer Catalyst for Change How Can 4-H Change a Community?

Scholarship & Award Winners Order of the Clover Honorary & Memorial Gifts Financial Statements

PRESIDENT JERED DAVIDSON, Edmond VICE PRESIDENT PAUL JACKSON, Ringling TREASURER JERRY KIEFER, Edmond PAST PRESIDENT TERRY STOWERS, Norman BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOLLY BUNT, Enid DAN BOMHOFF, Okarche STEVE BOMHOFF, Okarche BEVERLY CHAPMAN, Calvin CARLY CORDELL, Stillwater TEEGIN CROSTHWAIT, Stillwater JIM EDEN, Stillwater VALERI TERRY EVANS, Cashion JOHN GRUNDMANN, Shawnee RODD MOESEL, Oklahoma City GAYE PFEIFFER, Orlando GWEN SHAW, Edmond DALACY SLEEPER, Shawnee DEREK SMITHEE, Edmond LIZ TAYLOR, Chickasha DIXIE THOMAS, Wichita, Kansas EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS STEVE BECK, Stillwater DOROTHY WILSON, Langston

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT: The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation’s Annual Report shines a spotlight on the extraordinary year of 2020 and our enduring commitment to provide resources and opportunities for Oklahoma 4-H members.

Every aspect of the year looked different for our youth and educators. Virtual contests, presentations, workshops and events showcased the Oklahoma 4-H organization’s resilience and adaptability to continue delivering the highest quality educational resources to students and adults in all 77 counties. These opportunities allowed us all to practice “learning by doing.”

As the non-profit, private partner of the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program, we work closely with our friends in Oklahoma State University, Langston University and OSU Extension to provide valuable learning experiences for our clientele in-person and virtually.

Through the diligent work of our staff and supporters, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation saw a 31 percent increase in contributions over the past year. The details of our work and continued devotion to the future of Oklahoma 4-H can be found in the following pages. Historic gifts, generous benefactors, outstanding alumni, special achievements and project work inspire us to push harder in the coming year.

Your contributions to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation are more important than ever. We hope you find that we are grateful stewards of your generous resources and look forward to our continued and new partnerships to create a bright future for Oklahoma 4-H! Sincerely,

JERED DAVIDSON President, Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors

ADVISORY DIRECTORS HUNTER HAXTON, Blanchard BARBARA PEMBERTON, Billings JESSICA NICKELS, Enid STAFF MILFORD H. JENKINS, Executive Director SHANNON LEMMONS, Senior Accountant II KATHRYN SEALS, Administrative Assistant

Sarah Dunn, former Oklahoma 4-H Foundation administrative assistant, retired from her position in January 2021. Sarah served the 4-H Foundation for nearly seven years. We thank Sarah for her exemplary service to 4-H and wish her a happy retirement!

4-H FOUNDATION STRATEGIC PLANNING A new year means a new opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

It had been several years since the last strategic planning retreat for the board of directors. Milford H. Jenkins, executive director of the 4-H Foundation, said it was time to come together to solidify a plan to increase annual and permanent support.

On Aug. 4, 2020, 4-H Foundation board members gathered in Oklahoma City for the retreat. Staff from the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives generously hosted the board members in their conference room for the meeting.

The board members were joined by 4-H Foundation staff and Oklahoma State University administration, promoting a strong unit of support across the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Kent Stroman of Stroman and Associates led the retreat.

Jenkins said he was set on inviting Stroman to facilitate the retreat because Stroman is a well-respected authority in fund development and strategic planning.

“I had heard about Kent through my previous experience with the OSU Foundation,” Jenkins said. “He is a renowned professional in his field, and we wanted to bring him in to meet with our board members.”

Stroman led the board members through various exercises to identify fundraising priorities and discuss strategies to meet new goals. He encouraged the board to foster growth with a car analogy, stating to always look through the front windshield instead of the rear-view mirror.

“Listening to Kent was very enlightening to all of us,” Jenkins said. “He challenged us to think outside the box and to look ahead at new opportunities.”

After a day of brainstorming, goal setting and, of course, some fun, the board of directors left with a clearer direction of what the next few years will look like for the 4-H Foundation.

LOOKING AHEAD Orient fundraising strategies around the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program’s priorities and funding needs.

Continue developing and adopting appropriate policies and procedures for the operations of the 4-H Foundation.

Establish an advisory council and related guidelines to serve as a complementary group to the 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

Create a formal program encouraging 4-H alumni and donors to include the 4-H Foundation in their estate plans.

Kent Stroman is a Certified Fundraising Executive whose counsel has been honed by 40 years of experience in fundraising, board governance, strategic planning, capital campaigns, major donor solicitation and financial management.

Learn more about Kent Stroman at www.kentstroman.com

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CLOVER CLASSIC A HUGE SUCCESS Story by Emily Gerstenkorn and Kristin Young

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation successfully hosted the 23rd Annual Clover Classic Golf Tournament Nov. 16, 2020, at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City.

The time-honored Clover Classic is the 4-H Foundation’s most popular fundraising event held each year, and plays an important role in generating unrestricted funds for the organization’s budget.

“The dollars raised by the Clover Classic assist the Foundation in providing support to program initiatives or needs that have not been previously anticipated and allow us greater flexibility to assist in our role of serving the program,” said Jered Davidson, president of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

Not only is the Clover Classic a fundraiser for 4-H youth, it is also a day of fellowship and fun for participants.

“The annual Clover Classic is a fun and exciting event for 4-H alumni, organizations, corporations and 4-H youth enthusiasts who are golfers to raise funds for a noble cause,” said Milford H. Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

In 2020, the Clover Classic brought in record-breaking participation with 25 teams registered, Jenkins said. Additionally, individuals and organizations contributed to the success of the tournament by sponsoring flags and holes along the course.

Members of the State 4-H Ambassador team were on site to assist by checking in players, taking team photos and passing out refreshments throughout the day. Donor relations is a key responsibility of the State 4-H Ambassadors, and Jenkins said it is important for the 4-H members to interact with sponsors and players at the tournament.

“The Clover Classic is important to me and to other 4-H members across the state,” said Elizabeth Chambers, State 4-H Ambassador from Osage County. “It gives us the opportunity to express our appreciation to donors, as well as show them an example of the program they are supporting.”

Davidson spearheaded the tournament’s planning efforts with fellow board members Gaye Pfeiffer and DaLacy Sleeper on the fundraising and events committee. As a new board member, Sleeper said she was eager to get involved with the tournament in a new capacity.

“This was my first year participating in the Clover Classic as a golfer and a board member,” Sleeper said. “However, several years ago I assisted with the tournament as a State 4-H Ambassador. The Clover Classic has always been one of my favorite fundraising events, and it was special for my involvement in it to come full circle.”

The tournament concluded with an awards luncheon. Exchange Bank – Perry Team took 1st and Jered Davidson Team placed 2nd.

Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive were awarded to Colby Shrum and Bailey Gage, respectively. Men’s and Women’s Closest to the Pin winners were Jake Parsons and Tori Windsor, respectively.

The 2020 Clover Classic raised a net total of $20,365.

Thank you to our sponsors!

ELITE TEAM SPONSORS

OTHER DONORS

Burns & Stowers LLC

P&K Equipment

Public Finance Law Group

Oklahoma Youth Expo Messer-Bowers Insurance

DIAMOND TEAM SPONSORS Shockey Land & Cattle Co. Bill & Karen Anderson

William Wynn, D.D.S.

Longacre Inc.

New York Life

Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Beverly Chapman Jerry Kiefer

GOLD TEAM SPONSORS

Prudential

BancFirst Carl Sanders

TEAM SPONSORS

Houck Agency

American Farmers

McConnell Plumbing

& Ranchers Cusack Meats

HOLE SPONSORS

DaLacy Sleeper Team

Blue & Gold Sausage Co.

Exchange Bank – Perry

Dockrey Land & Cattle

Great Plains Bank

The Oklahoma Land Lady

Jered Davidson Team

– Rachel Pickens

Rep. John C. Pfeiffer Team Liberty Dental

FLAG SPONSORS

Mainstay Investments

Gilbert Insurance Agency

Nationwide Environmental

John & Gaye Pfeiffer

Services

Skye McNiel

OSU DASNR

Valley View Pecan Co.

Simmons Bank

Garber Cooperative Assoc.

Thomas Coon Team Thomas D. Mapel & Duane Mapel Team

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The Olzawskis — Julie (left), Patti, Carl, Lois, Tom, Susan, Vicki and Vince. Photo courtesy of the Olzawski family.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: LOIS OLZAWSKI & FAMILY Story by Kristin Young

The Olzawski family values are rooted in serving others, stemming from the heart of the family’s matriarch — Lois Olzawski.

Born in 1927, Lois grew up in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where she flourished in the community’s education system. She was involved in many social and academic pursuits such as band, journalism and speech. She even met her husband, Tom, at a party after a school football game.

After high school, Lois’ interests led her to Saint Mary-of-theWoods College in Indiana where she majored in drama and speech. She obtained her degree, married Tom, and in 1950 the couple settled in Tulsa to start a family.

The Olzawskis stayed busy raising their six children — Vince, Vicki, Susan, Carl, Patti and Julie. Looking for activities for her children to participate in, Lois said she was drawn to 4-H because of its excellent learning opportunities while offering the convenience of an all-in-one organization.

“4-H was wonderful for my family,” Lois said. “The kids could all do their own thing and it was only one meeting a month.”

It was not long until the Eastgate 4-H Club, and later, the Metro 4-H Club, became a second home to the Olzawskis.

Lois and Tom’s children took advantage of the variety of opportunities 4-H provided. They were active in project areas such as equine, poultry, civic engagement, automotive, recreation and public speaking. Additionally, the Olzawski kids held numerous leadership roles, attended state and national trips, and organized many community service projects.

Having older siblings navigate through 4-H inspired the younger Olzawski kids to make the most of their 4-H experiences.

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“I would watch them do things and reach milestones, and it gave me things to aspire to do,” Patti Olzawski Barker said. “I admired my siblings for what they’ve accomplished.”

While the kids were finding their niches in 4-H, Lois took the initiative to get involved as a volunteer.

“I was looking for what my part would be,” she said.

Lois recalls a memory of a volunteer leader sewing course. She said she worked hard constructing a dress only to discover she sewed in the garment’s zipper backwards. The instructor promptly told her, “you flunk.”

“I think I was the only 4-H volunteer who flunked the sewing course,” Lois laughed.

Although sewing was a short-lived endeavor for Lois, it was not long until she discovered a role through which she could make a difference for 4-H members.

Tapping into her expertise of drama and music, Lois organized 4-H events like Share the Fun and speech and demonstration contests. Carl Olzawski said his mother shined as a volunteer by instilling her passion in others.

“She passed on her passion and knowledge to 4-H members,” Carl said. “She never hesitated to assist where she could. She was always there for all of us.”

Patti said her fellow 4-H members respected her mother and fondly referred to Lois as “Mom” or “Mrs. O.” “They had great respect for what she could teach them,” Patti said. “She brought consistency and they knew she cared for them.

Many of those relationships are still going strong today.”

Lois was part of a “terrific trio” of volunteer leaders, Patti said.

Her mother, along with Kay Daugherty and Lois Wells, were instrumental in encouraging their 4-H club members to be wellrounded individuals.

Lois said getting her children involved in 4-H was a positive move for her family.

When reflecting on her 4-H career, Susan Olzawski Barrett said she credits 4-H for instilling life skills that have set her and her siblings up for success.

“You don’t realize the confidence you’re building by participating in 4-H,” Susan said. “All of our experiences participating in public speaking activities became second nature to us kids.”

After her children aged out of 4-H, Lois remained a loyal supporter to the local 4-H clubs. She still was volunteering through 4-H when her granddaughter, Jamie Barrett Rogers, was inducted into the Tulsa County 4-H Hall of Fame in 1997 — an exciting accomplishment in the Olzawski family.

Although raising six active children kept Lois’ plate full, she always devoted time to volunteer in a variety of capacities. From 4-H to the Great Books program, and Theater Tulsa to local church activities, Lois’ volunteer efforts have been broad and diverse.

Even today at age 93, Lois’ lively spirit and servant’s heart keeps her active in her community.

The Olzawski children say their mother’s desire to serve others has had a tremendous influence in their lives.

“Volunteerism is the lifeblood of our family,” Patti said. “My parents have driven home to each of us that we are a part of a bigger picture.”

Patti remained close to the local 4-H program, serving as a board member of the Tulsa County 4-H Foundation for several years. One of her accomplishments as a board member was creating the annual Get the Scoop ice cream making contest at the county fair, which also is a successful fundraiser for 4-H. The youngest of the Olzawski kids, Julie Olzawski York said the lessons her parents taught her as a young girl now guide her work as a county educator for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

“They instilled a spirit of volunteerism in me and showed me the importance of meeting people with an open mind and to relate personally with others,” she said. “This has been the foundation of my Extension experience, managing volunteers, networking and helping others see their potential even when they can’t see it.”

The inspiration of Lois’ service expands beyond her family.

Wanting to spark volunteer initiatives among young 4-H members, the Olzawskis partnered with the Tulsa County 4-H program in 2005 to brainstorm ways to recognize youth volunteers.

“We started the Lois Olzawski Outstanding Volunteer Award,” said Tracy McKaughan, retired Tulsa County Extension director.

“Every year, we recognize the 4-H member who demonstrates the most volunteer hours at our county achievement banquet with Lois’ award.”

McKaughan said the community service projects the youth complete do not have to be conducted in a 4-H capacity.

“Lois loved volunteering with 4-H, as well as other organizations,” she said. “We want to encourage 4-H members to serve through other organizations that fit their interests.”

In addition to the award, a $250 cash prize donated by the Olzawskis is given to the winner. Throughout the years, Lois said she has enjoyed learning about the 4-H members’ service projects and getting a chance to meet some of the winners.

“The award is not just a way to honor our mother,” Carl said.

“Although the greatest award for volunteering is self-satisfaction, we want there to be some recognition for young people who serve their communities.”

In 2019, an opportunity arose for the family to strengthen the impact of Lois’ legacy.

Working with Oklahoma 4-H Foundation staff, the Olzawskis laid the groundwork for an endowment that will soon fund a statelevel Lois Olzawski Outstanding Volunteer Award.

“Inspiring 4-H youth through their volunteer service has been the long-held vision of Lois Olzawski and her family,” said Milford H. Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

“Establishing the Lois Olzawski Volunteer Service Award Endowment Fund was the next step for their family to ensure Lois’ legacy of encouraging youth to volunteer would be carried on in perpetuity, and that her vision for a longterm funding platform would become a reality for the benefit of youth selected to receive this prestigious award in the future.”

This will be a permanent accolade in addition to the Tulsa County award. Once the endowment is fully funded, the state award will recognize the top youth volunteer in Oklahoma each year. With the prestige of a state award, the winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Lois said she hopes by offering a state award, even more 4-H members will be encouraged to discover ways to get involved in their communities.

“By being in 4-H, kids are encouraged to give back,” Lois said. “It all goes back to the 4-H Pledge. They just don’t say it. It becomes a part of them.”

First passed along to her children many years ago, Lois’ outstanding legacy of volunteerism will continue to impact 4-H members for generations to come.

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1. The 4-H “Terrific Trio” of Lois Olzawski (left), Lois Wells and Kay Daugherty.

2. Susan Olzawski Barrett enjoyed participating in 4-H health and wellness activities.

3. Carl Olzawski (right) was active in the 4-H photography project, conducting workshops at the county Extension office.

Photos courtesy of the Olzawski family.

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT: BRENDA SIDWELL & FAMILY Story by Emily Gerstenkorn

Brenda Sidwell is the epitome of a working woman — an entrepreneur, a mother, a farmer’s wife and a philanthropist. From being active in her community to sponsoring several scholarships across Oklahoma, she is a well-known face around the state and a meaningful presence for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

Brenda is no stranger to 4-H. Growing up in Grant County, Brenda and her sisters received voice lessons from a neighbor in exchange for their farm fresh eggs. They became seasoned performers and were asked to perform at several functions around the area.

When 4-H became another avenue to broaden their singing experiences, Brenda said the decision to join the youth organization was a no-brainer.

“We decided to join 4-H because there were opportunities for us to entertain around the state,” she said.

Leola Krittenbrink, Brenda’s mother, also was a vital part of Brenda’s introduction to 4-H and following success in the organization, Brenda said.

“Mom knew 4-H was a program we had to be a part of in our childhood,” she said. “She was so right!”

Leola hand made every costume Brenda and her sisters wore for their singing performances.

Brenda said performing throughout her 4-H career gave her a multitude of opportunities in life, including being selected to sing at Six Flags Over Texas in 1967. Then, in 1969, she was selected as Miss Oklahoma State University due to her performance during the pageant.

In addition to her 4-H performing arts projects, Brenda was involved in meat judging. Her participation in meat judging gave her the opportunity to travel to many different places, she said.

During high school, Brenda’s 4-H career kept its momentum.

She and her sisters started a successful 4-H health project distributing informational packets to local health clinics and St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma. Once a month, they provided brochures and materials to healthcare workers updating them on new practices and research in the medical field.

“This way, hospitals would have the knowledge as soon as new healthcare was available,” Brenda said.

Brenda stayed busy participating in her 4-H projects, and she said she made an abundance of memories she cherishes today.

One of her favorite 4-H memories was attending a national 4-H trip to Washington, D.C., where she met famous songwriter Tim DuBois. Brenda’s time in 4-H also led to another highlight — recently being inducted into the OSU Alumni Hall of Fame.

After graduating high school, Brenda and her late husband, Raymond, both received degrees from OSU. They married in 1973, and the pair moved to Lubbock, Texas, in 1975 for Raymond to pursue a career in agricultural crop seed breeding.

Five years later, Raymond was offered a job at the OSU North Central Research Station in Lahoma, Oklahoma, and, now bearing his name, the Sidwells packed their things and moved on to start what would be a duo of lifelong investments — Sidwell Farms and Sidwell Insurance.

“We bought an older house on 10 acres,” Brenda said. “Then, we started farming my aunt’s land and soon Sidwell Farms began.”

In the same year, Brenda said she was approached by a government adjuster about starting a crop insurance business.

She said she did not see any harm in embarking on a new adventure, so Sidwell Insurance was established.

Working from the guest bedroom of her home, Brenda said she was eager about the humble beginnings of her small business.

“I was so excited,” she said. “I had 25 customers my first year.”

After years of Brenda’s hard work, Sidwell Insurance has grown to be a well-known crop insurance agency for producers in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Today, Sidwell Insurance has offices in Goltry and Piedmont, Oklahoma. The expansion of her company allowed Brenda to better suit farmers, she said.

“We’ve been very blessed,” Brenda said. “Because of my 4-H background of serving others, I’m probably what one would consider a caretaker.”

Brenda said the monumental role 4-H played in setting her up for success encouraged her to share the program with her daughter, Bambi, and her son, Brady.

“My kids were interested in 4-H because they liked to do demonstrations and tell others about their projects,” Brenda said.

Raising their children, Brenda and Raymond prioritized teaching Bambi and Brady many common life skills.

“A lot of the skills they formed, like caring for livestock and presenting in front of others, their dad taught them,” Brenda said.

The kids’ involvement in 4-H allowed them to perfect these skills through project areas like sheep, public speaking and civic engagement. Bambi and Brady both were active members in their 4-H club.

“Mom is the one who got my brother and I excited about 4-H,” Bambi said. “Her motivation shined through us.”

Brenda’s children credit their successful 4-H careers to their mother’s encouragement.

“My mom had a good understanding of how 4-H helps young people develop, and she wanted us to be a part of it,” Brady said.

Supporting the youth organization that contributed to so much of her life is what drives Brenda’s generosity to 4-H, she said. Brenda, and the Sidwell family as a whole, financially contributes to multiple 4-H scholarships and events across the state. In addition to 4-H, the Sidwells donate to the OSU Alumni Association, OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture and the Oklahoma FFA Association.

Through their many financial contributions, the Sidwells strive to ensure agricultural programs remain a positive outlet for today’s young people.

“We try to make sure the programs that were available to us when we were kids are available to up-and-coming youth, as well,” Brady said.

The Sidwells sponsor an annual $1,200 to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation for the Sidwell Family Agribusiness scholarship.

4-H members in eighth through 12th grades with an interest in agribusiness can apply for the scholarship.

It is easy to see from their many agricultural pursuits that agriculture is the foundation of the Sidwell family.

“We promote a focus on agriculture because that’s what we do,” Brenda said. “We see a lot of young people who need a jump start, and agriculture is our passion.”

Even though 4-H has strong roots in agricultural programs, 4-H has a place for everyone, Brenda said.

“There is something kids can do if they don’t want to compete in public speaking or show an animal,” she said. “We feel it’s important to sponsor all kinds of programs in 4-H.” Even though Brenda stays busy with her growing insurance business and helping the family farm, she still prioritizes serving others in big and small ways.

On an average Saturday, Brenda can be found volunteering at the local nursing home or baking banana nut bread for members in her community. Rain or shine, Brenda demonstrates there is always someone who should be on the receiving end of generosity and kindness.

“One day, I hope I’m half the person my mother is,” Bambi said.

4-H equipped Brenda with the skillset that positively impacted her life, which she then passed along to her children. She was taught to care for others, a lesson she instilled in herself so deeply it continues to shine in everything she does.

“I care for 4-H so much so I can give back to others,” Brenda said. “I enjoy giving back what 4-H has given to me.”

Photos courtesy of Brenda Sidwell.

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The 2020 Partner in 4-H Award was presented to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma for their generous support to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.

The Masonic Charity Foundation is the institutional repository for the charitable assets of the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma. In their search for opportunities to support Oklahoma’s youth, they were drawn to 4-H because the organization appeals to rural and urban students, is well established and projects a positive public image, said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.

As a result, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma awarded the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation a charitable gift of $100,000 to establish the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Endowment Fund. This special endowment will support 4-H STEM programming efforts and annual State 4-H Roundup.

“A gift of this magnitude is transformational as we continue to find new ways to address needs and deploy precious resources to ensure members of the Oklahoma 4-H program are given every opportunity to succeed,” said Jered Davidson, president of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.

Hunter Haxton, McClain County 4-H member and state 4-H president, said this donation will provide exciting opportunities for 4-H members.

“This will bring new opportunities to develop leaders and

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innovators in STEM, and introduce programs not found in schools to 4-H members like me,” Haxton said. “We also will be able to expose more kids to growing STEM fields like robotics and engineering.”

Logan said the benefits youth gain from participating in extracurricular activities, such as teamwork, leadership and fellowship, expand well beyond the conclusion of the programs.

“We know that programs such as agriculture, art, athletics, drama and music all provide additional learning opportunities that make lifelong, positive impacts on students,” Logan said. “The endowment fund will help the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation impact youth for years to come.”

Milford H. Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, said this generous gift will greatly enhance the 4-H organization in its entirety.

“It’s our 4-H family as a whole that’s benefiting from this monumental gift,” Jenkins said. “Investments in the lives of the 4-H youth by philanthropic donors like the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma make countless opportunities possible. We will always owe a huge debt of gratitude to them for their significant outright cash gift to advance the noble cause of 4-H youth development.”

OUTSTANDING 4-H ALUMNI AWARD Susan Murray is an Oklahoma 4-H alumna whose exemplary career and longstanding support of Oklahoma 4-H has earned her the 2020 Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award.

Murray began her 4-H career as a 9-year-old member in Grady County. During her time in 4-H, Murray took advantage of the many opportunities the organization provided, and her achievements as a 4-H member were recognized on the state and national levels.

To name a couple of her accolades, Murray was named the national project winner in fashion revue in 1972 and the state achievement project winner in 1974. However, Murray said some of her most important life lessons came from less successful endeavors.

“I don’t think I ever won the county speech and demonstration contest, but learning to be comfortable in front of a group is probably the most valuable life skill I gained from 4-H,” she said.

Murray’s passion for 4-H did not end when her time as a

member was over. In fact, Murray devoted her adult life to serve countless 4-H members and the organization wherein she found her home.

Murray worked as a family and consumer sciences and 4-H educator in Greer, Comanche and Grady counties. She also served as the Southwest District 4-H specialist for 11 years. She retired from OSU Extension after 34 years of service.

“As I think about my work as a county educator, the thing that got me out of bed every morning was the simple fact that what I did as an educator mattered,” Murray said. “I have always said that putting time into youth development is simply making an investment in human capital.”

Murray’s influence on 4-H members continues through her unwaivering dedication to positive youth development. After spending nearly six years as the school liaison officer at Fort Sill, and a two-year bout of retirement, Murray is back home in the Oklahoma 4-H program.

In 2020, Murray joined the state 4-H staff as the curriculum coordinator for Ag In The Classroom. She works to update lessons to meet the current academic standards for Oklahoma public schools and design standalone activities within each lesson that families and educators can use to supplement their curriculum.

Murray said her 4-H and Extension experiences have prepared her well for her new role.

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4-H HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIPS INCREASE Story by Emily Gerstenkorn

The Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award a 4-H member can earn on the state level. Annually, two outstanding 4-H members are inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame and earn a scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma.

In 2020, to further recognize the time and efforts exemplified by the Hall of Fame inductees, executive management of the Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma increased the amount of the scholarships from $2,500 to $5,000 per Hall of Fame recipient.

Since 1980, Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma generously has sponsored the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame scholarships, amounting to more than $160,000 to support the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation and the Oklahoma 4-H program.

“Farm Credit has been a great partner for the Hall of Fame scholarship, which recognizes the top Oklahoma 4-H members each year,” said Jered Davidson, president of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Board of Directors. “This prestigious honor is now accompanied by the largest scholarship offered to Oklahoma 4-H members to reward the efforts of those working so hard to achieve their goals.”

Milford H. Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, said increasing the Hall of Fame scholarships has been a goal of the 4-H Foundation for many years.

“We were delighted by Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma’s decision to double their annual charitable gift for our Hall of Fame scholarships,” Jenkins said. “Our 4-H youth are fortunate to have supporters like Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma who believe in our mission and recognize the value of investing in our state and nation’s most valuable resource — the next generation of leaders.”

The increase of the Hall of Fame scholarships marks a new chapter of the longstanding partnership between the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation and Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma.

“Farm Credit hopes that when 4-H students choose to do something such as work on projects or volunteer in their communities, the increased scholarship amount will provide encouragement to continue to be a leader and to be a positive influence,” said Patrick Zeka, president and CEO of Oklahoma AgCredit, on behalf of Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma.

On July 22, 2020, the first recipients of the newly increased 4-H Hall of Fame scholarships were recognized during the virtual Oklahoma 4-H Honor Night Assembly. Erin Slagell, Custer County 4-H member, and Tori Booker, Jackson County 4-H member, were honored as the 2020 Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame inductees.

WHO’S BEHIND THE CLOTH? The anticipated reveal of the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame winners happens during Honor Night Assembly at State 4-H Roundup. For the past several years, Mike Schrammel has represented Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma to assist with the unveiling of the winners’ portraits 12 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

TORI BOOKER

When asked what 4-H inspires her to do, Tori Booker replied, “Get up and make a difference,” and she has been making a difference for 10 years.

Booker’s 4-H career began on the farm where her family grew wheat and raised cattle. As a youngster, Booker said she was open to anything that would get her out of the house, so she and her sister began showing pigs. She soon broadened her interests and became active in the Jackson County 4-H Sewing Club.

“This was a great first project for me when I became a 4-H club member,” Booker said. “I loved my leader — she was passionate about helping us and taught things in a way that I could understand. Because of her caring heart, I learned the importance of having concern for others.”

Booker began honing her leadership skills and first proved herself in fifth grade when she was elected club reporter. After that first election, Booker said she was hooked for life.

She found other leadership roles down the road at the local, county, district and state levels. She also was active in project areas including civic engagement, shooting sports and food science, and served as a delegate to Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference.

“4-H took me in at my weakest and made me my strongest,” Booker said. “This organization has been a constant in my life since I was a 7-year-old Cloverbud. There’s no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be where I am today, or where I’m going, without Oklahoma 4-H.”

ERIN SLAGELL

Erin Slagell launched her 4-H career with baking, canning and sewing projects she could enter in the county fair. Throughout the course of her 10-year 4-H career, she has put her sewing skills to good use in a number of community service projects.

“Each year my technical skills improved as I challenged myself,” Slagell said. “One of the first workshops I attended was helping an older 4-H’er sew eyeglass cases for soldiers overseas. I helped on another project sewing ‘boo-boo bears,’ which were given to firefighters to pass out to children they encountered on the job.”

Slagell said those early experiences motivated her to step up and lead service projects on her own. She put her abilities to good use making handmade pillowcase dresses for her Little Dresses for Africa project, and making blankets for at-risk boys who were part of the Foss Lake Adventure Program.

Slagell also is a regular volunteer at the Weatherford Food and Resource Center. She was instrumental in organizing a team to participate in the WFRC CanStruction Sculpture Contest in which the team built a structure made entirely from canned foods. Slagell and her team solicited donations, shopped for the food and built a barn made from 850 cans of pork and beans and a silo made from canned peas. Another year, the team constructed a caterpillar and watermelon slice. Her teams have gathered 4,500 pounds of canned food and generated $2,600 for the food bank.

“4-H has taught me to be fearless and to try new things,” Slagell said. “I truly believe 4-H influences young leaders who will give back to their communities.”

15

A NEW DIRECTION Steve Beck returns to Oklahoma to lead the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development Program Story by Trisha Gedon

When Steve Beck took the helm as state 4-H program leader for Oklahoma 4-H, he knew there would be challenges in his new position. He was not, however, expecting to start his role without employees in the office.

Beck returned to Oklahoma in March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, following nearly four years as the 4-H Youth Development department head at New Mexico State University.

Before he went out of state, he spent 10 years as a county educator in Harper and Kingfisher counties, and another seven years as a state specialist in the Oklahoma 4-H state office.

“I thought I would be seeing some familiar faces when I got back, but the pandemic had other ideas,” he said. “I’d planned on hitting the ground running by making in-person county visits because I wanted to talk with educators to learn more about their 4-H programs and find out how I, and the rest of the state staff, could improve our support to them.”

Thanks to technology, Beck has been able to conduct his visits while still maintaining social distancing.

As state program leader, Beck said his role is to support the traditional values of 4-H while seeking opportunities for growth and innovation.

“The Oklahoma 4-H program is built on a strong foundation of what we call traditional programming,” he said. “These programs are the backbone of 4-H and I will continue to support them.

However, we live in a rapidly changing world, and in order to continue to meet the needs of our club members and remain relevant to community needs, we must adapt through innovation and new projects. We must be seen as leaders in positive youth development programming.”

Beck said his previous years in Oklahoma 4-H, coupled with his leadership role in New Mexico, have given him the needed perspective of delivering quality programming and working with clientele on a daily basis.

“Our educators are extremely busy doing great work with our youth and volunteers, and I need to work closely with them to find

14 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

new programs and innovations that will be beneficial,” he said. “In this time of social distancing, it’s crucial to find resources to help our 4-H educators continue to deliver quality programs.”

Beck said one of the challenges facing 4-H today is finding innovative ways to reach new audiences and market programs.

He said recruiting and training new volunteers to lead programs also is a priority.

“Our parent volunteer base is very different than it was 20plus years ago, and we need to develop new strategies that will engage and allow volunteers to work with us around their busy schedules,” he said.

Thomas Coon, vice president for agricultural programs at Oklahoma State University, said Beck definitely is an asset for Oklahoma 4-H. “Dr. Beck proved to be an innovative and compassionate leader during his time as state 4-H leader for New Mexico State University,” Coon said. “That’s no surprise to us from our experience with his programmatic leadership previously with Oklahoma 4-H. We see the impact of his insights and empathy as Oklahoma 4-H adapts to fostering positive youth development through online resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Beck said returning to Oklahoma is like coming home, and he is looking forward to settling into his new leadership role.

GET IN TOUCH To contact Steve Beck, email steve.beck@okstate.edu or call 405-744-5394

4-H ATV PROGRAM TAKES OFF Story by Lauren Raley and Brian Brus

All-terrain vehicles can be as dangerous as they are fun to ride.

Fortunately, the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program and Oklahoma Farm Bureau have launched a safety course to help children and families learn how to minimize risks associated with riding ATVs. Oklahoma averages 18 to 24 ATV-related deaths each year, said Jim Rhodes, 4-H youth safety educator. Those numbers also include the nation’s highest rate of injury for children 16 and under driving adult-sized vehicles.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau/Oklahoma 4-H ATV Training Facility in Guthrie, Oklahoma, teaches fundamentals such as proper protective gear and correct body positioning when riding.

The program offers a team-building and leadership development component, as well.

The class is available to 4-H groups, FFA chapters, church groups and families. The program is designed for both first-timers and seasoned riders, Rhodes said.

“It’s important for kids to attend these classes and learn about the safety involved,” Rhodes said. “When an ATV fits a child improperly, it can result in an accident.”

An ATV typically is designed to be ridden by a single person behind handlebars, and its four low-pressure tires are designed for rougher terrain. Proper gear such as a helmet, goggles, gloves, over-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirts and pants protect the rider in harsh environments.

The course elaborates on guidance for ATV operators such as: always wear a helmet and fasten seat belts; drive at safe speeds in only designated areas; read and follow the operator manual.

Ruth Allard, Cleveland County 4-H educator, said she was eager to enroll her 4-H members in the new course.

“I signed my teens up for the ATV class to help them grow together as a team, make sure they know how to make good decisions while operating ATVs, and ensure they have proper knowledge and riding skills for the future,” she said.

Initially her 4-H members were nervous, but Allard said as the class progressed, they were riding with more confidence, having fun and cheering for each other.

“One of the best things was when the kids started encouraging and helping each other,” she said.

Rhodes said many participants have gotten a self-esteem boost by the time the class is complete. When they work with others in the course, they develop leadership skills as well.

Allard said the information and skills taught through the course are invaluable, and she recommends other 4-H groups consider signing up for the class.

“Youth need to understand and advocate for ATV safety to help make Oklahoma a safer place to enjoy ATV activities,” Allard said.

“My kids loved the program and were excited to go home and promote it to their friends and families.”

ENHANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAMS PRODUCE & POLLINATORS Pottawatomie County 4-H members spent the spring and summer of 2020 getting their hands dirty growing their own produce gardens.

Funded by an enhancement grant sponsored by the Hille Foundation, Produce and Pollinators is a hands-on project that involves youth in planning and maintaining their own gardens, said Katie Miller, former Pottawatomie County 4-H educator.

Participants began the project by receiving a notebook that served as a learning tool throughout the duration of the project. Miller and her colleague, Carla Smith, prepared the notebooks based on Junior Master Gardener curriculum and other educational materials.

“By using the notebook, participants learned about proper planting methods, how to deal with garden pests and the beneficial relationship between plants and pollinators like bees and butterflies,” Miller said.

Soil testing their garden plots was the next step for the 4-H members. Youth learned about soil testing through Oklahoma State University Extension and its importance in preparing

gardens for success. Smith partnered with each 4-H member to discuss soil test results and make recommendations.

In addition to their notebooks, each member was given a kit that included plants, seeds and a composition journal to record their experiences throughout the project. With garden plots ready and supplies on hand, it was time to start planning and planting.

When it came to planning their gardens, the 4-H members were encouraged to let their creativity shine. From Disney-themed gardens to raised beds made with recycled materials, each 4-H member’s garden was unique to their own personality, Miller said.

Miller and Smith offered periodic check-in calls with the participants, ensuring questions were answered and progress was being made in the gardens.

“Many gardeners faced challenges with squash bugs and experimented with remedies to get rid of them,” Miller said. “Some had challenges with weed control, so we encouraged them to be persistent in weeding so their gardens were not taken over.”

Despite a few challenges, Miller said the participants had much success with their gardens. One family even harvested 33 pounds of cucumbers.

At the end of the project, volunteers from the county Master Gardener program evaluated each garden based on planting technique, pest and disease control, and overall visual appeal.

The 4-H members with the top-ranking scores were awarded prizes and each participant was recognized at the Pottawatomie County 4-H Achievement Banquet for their diligent efforts.

“Our 4-H’ers are already hoping to have the opportunity to garden next year,” Miller said. “We would like to thank the Hille Foundation, and all the donors to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, who make enhancement grants possible for counties.”

TEEN LEADERS Teen leaders are a vital part of the Oklahoma 4-H organization. With assistance from an enhancement grant sponsored by Derald Suffridge, Kay County 4-H staff were able to find new ways to engage teen leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shannon Mallory, Kay County agriculture and 4-H educator, said the intent of the enhancement grant was to prepare the teen leaders for upcoming county events.

Grant funds were used to purchase supplies for training workshops and team-building activities during virtual State 4-H Roundup, Northeast District 4-H Rally and Northeast District Youth in Action Conference.

During the virtual events, the Kay County teen leaders safely gathered to participate in the proceedings. Between Roundup sessions, the 4-H members took part in youth-led, team-building exercises and leadership trainings. Some of these activities included tie dying shirts and solving tangram puzzles.

Funds also were used to purchase supplies for a county cinnamon roll fundraiser. The teen leaders were involved in each step of organizing the fundraiser, planning prices and discussing how to take orders during the pandemic. Kay County 4-H member Colton Tripp taught his fellow 4-H members how to make the cinnamon rolls and other goodies for the fundraiser.

After these trainings, the teen leaders used their newly-found leadership and baking skills to carry out their fundraiser. Together, the teen leaders baked more than 115 dozen cinnamon rolls.

Honing their public speaking skills, the 4-H members joined local radio talk show hosts to discuss how virtual Roundup went, as well as promote their cinnamon roll fundraiser.

Through their efforts, the teen leaders raised $1,300 for their county 4-H program.

Because of the training made possible by grant funding, the teen leaders were able to use the skills they had to make the best better in their community.

“In the long run, our 4-H teen leaders are now better prepared to work as a team and market the Kay County 4-H program,” Mallory said.

BEEKEEPING

GEOLOGY

Latimer County 4-H is buzzing with excitement of a new beekeeping program, thanks to an entomology enhancement grant sponsored by the Hille Foundation.

The program is designed to teach youth in third and fourth grades all about honeybees, including life cycles, social order and anatomy. Additionally, youth learn how honey is made and how bees affect agricultural production.

Using the grant funds, Latimer County Extension staff purchased a bee super with frames and essentials such as a bee suit and veil. Individual honey packets also were purchased so youth have the opportunity to taste the product.

Latimer County Extension educator Hannah Rae said all of the purchased supplies help create an immersive experience for the students involved in the program.

“We want to help them remember the content, so we try to touch on all of their senses,” Rae said. “We feel that using an auditory presentation with visuals, allowing students to taste and smell the honey, and getting to use their hands during the pollination activity will effectively engage every student.”

The program consists of showing youth an in-depth video of honey producers working with their hives, a demonstration of how a bee suit protects beekeepers and a pollinator crafting activity.

Rae said without the enhancement grant, the idea for the beekeeping program would have not come to fruition.

“Thanks to the entomology grant, we were able to purchase quality resources that will be used not only with this presentation, but all those that will be created in the future,” Rae said.

After a 25-year hiatus, geology programming is making a comeback in Ellis County.

With assistance from an Oklahoma 4-H Foundation enhancement grant, 4-H educator Lynda Latta brought the MultiCounty Geology Rocks Club to new heights.

Using grant funds, Latta acquired and distributed the materials necessary for youth to start their own rock collections.

When education and extension work moved to virtual formats due to COVID-19, Latta utilized Facebook to teach youth and adults to identify rocks, minerals and fossils. She also introduced 4-H members to 405 Rocks, an initiative that encourages individuals to paint rocks and leave them for others to find.

When restrictions relaxed during the summer, Latta took the opportunity to safely host two workshops for youth to learn even more about rock collection and identification. Workshop participants painted rocks with the hashtag #4HRocks and then hid the rocks throughout the county for others to find and share on social media platforms.

As a result of these programming efforts, Latta said 2020 was the first time in 25 years that Ellis County 4-H members had submitted geology entries in their fair. She has high hopes for the future of the program, she added.

“I am grateful for the enhancement grant and the opportunity to introduce a new generation of 4-H members to geology,” she said. “The excitement for geology is growing in Ellis County. I am hopeful to expand the efforts that started in 2020.”

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4-H YOUTH IN ACTION: AIDAN SPENCER Story by Trisha Gedon

For one Oklahoma County 4-H member, a series of life-altering “Aidan is a shining example of perseverance and hard work. events made a big impact on him. In 2014, major health issues and He’s an outstanding leader for his club, our community and our surgeries for his sister led to her being placed in hospice care. county,” said Cody Yount, Oklahoma County 4-H educator. “He’s A few months later his home burned down. Then, his family was an impressive young man and I have no doubt he will go on to involved in a car accident that would change their lives forever. accomplish great things. My hope is our other 4-H’ers will see Suffering from a debilitating back injury that prevented him Aidan’s achievements and be inspired by them.” from doing the things he loved, Aidan Spencer wanted to give up.

Not only was exposure to STEM activities a barrier for youth Fortunately, a couple of his friends saw he was in a bad place and like Spencer, so was funding for STEM programming. Spencer invited him to join the Oklahoma County 4-H Robotics Club. That has partnered with organizations such as the STEM Achievement was a game changer.

Foundation, as well as other youth-serving groups that target “As anyone can imagine, I was broken,” Spencer said. “I didn’t vulnerable populations, to bring more than 60 STEM exposure want to leave my house, hang out with friends or do anything that events to youth in his community. In addition, he created a would take me out of my comfort zone.” business plan to raise more than $7,000 to support STEM and But then, through his involvement with the robotics club, he robotics programs in Oklahoma City. found his place, he found a purpose and developed a passion.

He spent two years cultivating business relationships through Now, several years later, his hard cold calls, email and LinkedIn work and dedication paid off and messages with corporate and the National 4-H Council named non-profit leaders while gaining Spencer the winner of the 2021 support and recognition from the Youth in Action Pillar Award for media and public officials.

Science, Technology, Engineering These efforts have led to and Math (STEM). launching three new FIRST LEGO Spencer said after his first League robotics teams in his area year being involved in 4-H, he and is bridging the exposure gap realized the importance of STEM by creating a more diverse STEM education in his community. While experience for young people in he was fortunate to have found a his community.

AIDAN SPENCER program open to anyone who was He also developed a summer OKLAHOMA COUNTY 4-H MEMBER science camp for kids, has taught interested, he later realized the discrepancy of local STEM access more than 200 elementary school and opportunities. He realized the importance of making STEM children to program Lego Mindstorms and planned a FIRST LEGO activities available for everyone and it didn’t matter what a person League Jr. Expo in which 20 teams competed. looked like or where they went to school.

Spencer received a $5,000 scholarship for being named the “That’s when an unshakable goal was planting itself in my STEM Pillar Award winner. After graduating high school, Spencer heart,” Spencer said. “I wanted to help my club grow by reaching plans to study political science and business and obtain a degree other students, who like myself, needed a place to connect and in public administration in an effort to help lead non-profits and grow. STEM is important. With science guiding the world around organizations that are involved in expanding access to quality us, technology is constantly expanding into every aspect of our STEM educational opportunities. lives, while engineering and math educate us to think critically “Being a leader in 4-H has taught me many wonderful lessons, and are the basic design behind everything we have. By exposing yet it also has been one of the most challenging experiences students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore of my life,” Spencer said. “When I consider what has been STEM-related concepts, they’ll develop a passion for it and better accomplished and what still needs work, it creates a welcomed understand the world around them.” fear within me. In an ever-changing, complex world, it’s more Spencer said his club leader noticed his passion and appointed important than ever to introduce kids to STEM — no matter where him to a newly created outreach position that would push the they come from. Without the support and inspiration from 4-H, my STEM narrative into the community. Because of this leadership leaders and my friends, I never would have found this passion. opportunity, Spencer was able to develop a comprehensive This passion is what motivates me to keep going, push forward community outreach plan that focuses on aiding students who and find new ways of accomplishing my goals.” were underrepresented in local STEM circles.

“In an ever-changing, complex world, it’s more important than ever to introduce kids to STEM – no matter where they come from.”

18 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

Aidan Spencer has been instrumental in creating STEM-exposure opportunities for youth in Oklahoma County

21

Story by Kristin Young

A devoted youth volunteer, 13-year old Conner Quintero demonstrates what it means to be a leader in his community.

Quintero is an active teenager who devotes his time to excel in sports, academics and within the Oklahoma 4-H program. A fouryear member of the Garber 4-H Club in Garfield County, Quintero is involved in many aspects of 4-H, including public speaking, health and fitness, and civic engagement.

Through his 4-H civic engagement project area, Quintero volunteers with 4RKids, a non-profit organization located in Enid, Oklahoma, that supports youth and adults with disabilities.

At a young age, Quintero developed a passion for working with individuals with special needs. His mother was an elementary school special education teacher and Quintero enjoyed tagging along and interacting with the kids in her class, he said.

Quintero also has a relative who has special needs, and he said he first learned about 4RKids when he participated in the annual Walk 4RKids with that family member. When he realized he could serve as 4RKids as a youth volunteer, Quintero said he jumped eagerly at the opportunity.

“When I learned I could volunteer with 4RKids, I was like, ‘Of course I’m going to do that,’” he said.

Despite his age, Quintero’s ambitious and mature demeanor quickly caught the attention of Tricia Mitchell, executive director of 4RKids.

“Conner is so confident, self-assured and helpful,” Mitchell said, “Since he has started helping at our events, we have loved having him as part of our team.”

As a youth volunteer for 4RKids, Quintero assists with offering sensory friendly activities and providing a fun, safe environment for children and adults.

Mitchell said Quintero is extremely dedicated to the mission of 4RKids, and she has no hesitation letting him help with and even lead events for the organization.

“He’s polite, courteous and respectful,” Mitchell said. “I would trust him just as much as I would any adult volunteer working with these individuals.”

Connie Sturgeon-Hart, who serves on the board of directors for 4RKids, said youth volunteers like Quintero are vital.

“Youth volunteers interact with our clients in a way that show them they are going to be treated just like everybody else — that’s so important for them,” Sturgeon-Hart said.

Dependable and compassionate, Quintero can be counted on to assist at the many events 4RKids hosts throughout each year, Mitchell said.

Quintero said helping with day camps, Enid’s Night to Shine and the annual Easter Egg Hunt are some of his favorite 4RKids activities. Simply, the time he spends with each client is what is most meaningful to him, he added.

“Just spending time with them really makes my day and my life much happier,” he said. “My goal is to make sure they have a safe place to go and to feel included.”

Quintero said participating in 4-H has equipped

Conner Quintero takes a moment to pose for a photo with campers at a 4RKids summer day camp. Photo by Alicia Young.

him with public speaking and leadership skills that expand to other areas in his life. Honing his natural leadership abilities has given Quintero the initiative to take charge at 4RKids day camps and other events.

Sturgeon-Hart said Quintero’s determination to improve the lives of others is evident as he seeks more opportunities to expand the reach of 4RKids.

“He sees a task in front of him and just goes for it — whether it’s on the sports field or with 4RKids,” Sturgeon-Hart said. “He’s always at our events engaging with our clients and helping them to better themselves.”

Quintero said volunteering with 4RKids has taught him the value of making one’s community a better place.

“Helping my community is a big priority for me, and that’s also what 4RKids does,” Quintero said. “By volunteering with 4RKids, I’ve learned to give back to my community as a whole, not just with the 4RKids organization.”

In addition to volunteering with 4RKids, Quintero has plans to start a new 4-H club called the FUN Club, which will focus on engaging youth in fitness, nutrition and personal development opportunities. He said he hopes to encourage other 4-H members to take part in community service projects, especially with 4RKids.

Quintero’s unwavering dedication to 4RKids has earned him the honor of being the 2020 recipient of the Oklahoma 4-H Catalyst for Change Award. This award, developed by the State 4-H Ambassadors, is designed to recognize the positive impact a 4-H member has made in their community.

With his award, Quintero received a $500 cash prize, donated

by Oklahoma 4-H Foundation supporter Josh Grundmann. Half of the award Quintero can keep for himself and the other $250 goes

toward a project of his choice.

Early in his 4-H career, Quintero said he learned the importance of the saying, “Leave a place better than how you found it,” — an adage he chooses to live by every day.

“That’s how everyone should be with their communities,” Quintero said. “You leave a place better than how you found it.”

“Just spending my time with them really makes my day and my life much happier,” Conner Quintero said. Photo courtesy of Conner Quintero.

23

HOW CAN OKLAHOMA 4-H CHANGE A COMMUNITY? Essay by Sarah Taylor, Grant County 4-H 1st Place — 2020 Dr. Ron and Linda Sholar Essay Contest Communities are made up of people: every individual person, never have seen examples of this in their life might be able to use every individual family. Communities generally are very static — these new skills to escape the grasp of generational poverty and that is, unchanging. A rural community will likely still be a rural establish themselves as well-rounded adults. Of course, this is community in five years, a wealthy community will likely still be only the kids actively involved in 4-H, but the organization takes wealthy a decade later. The youth of the communities are the steps to help those even outside of its bounds. “wild cards,” the people who can either continue or destroy Donations collected and county “challenges” to collect the the expectation of what a community will look like by growing most money often are turned right back around and given to a certain direction. Kids moving their lives in a more positive those needing them the most. The weak, the hospitalized, the direction than their parents did start to slowly but surely shift a hungry — no matter the struggle, it is highly likely 4-H has a community for the better. program to combat it all while raising awareness in the youth.

Kids can be pushed to be better and change the community Even just talking about these issues at meetings, like the lack they live in by outside sources, and 4-H is certainly no expectation. of school supplies for some less wealthy families or the medical Kids can be helped out and communities can be bettered by 4-H expenses of those dealing with a chronically ill family member, as it gives youth a healthy outlet, it helps underprivileged kids, can bring to light that people often have struggles we cannot see. and it shapes the futures of the youth involved.

This encourages empathy, understanding, and compassion within The first way 4-H shapes kids, and gives them something communities is by giving kids a to do with it — now that we know healthy, productive outlet. Anyone people struggle with these things, who has either watched a lot of we can do something about it. We TV or has spent any amount time can donate to our food pantry. We on the couch of a therapist knows can collect school supplies. This SARAH TAYLOR the importance of healthy and supports underprivileged kids who safe outlets. Far too often, kids have no involvement in 4-H, by GRANT COUNTY 4-H MEMBER — especially teens — experience using the youth in the program as intense emotions from their vessels for positive change. individual situations, and have nowhere to turn.

Finally, and most obviously, 4-H shapes our futures. For me, it Teenagers are not adults, though that is often overlooked, was horses — my very first horse show was the Northwest District and something a normal adult could handle with ease and grace, 4-H Horse Show many, many years ago. At the time, I thought a teenager will likely struggle more deeply with: a parent’s horses were amazing and fun. Nearly a decade later, I have plans divorce, failing a class, feeling disconnected from family, or even to build my career around caring for them as an equine vet. something as small as a break up can trigger kids to search out I am not the only one with a story like this. Kids are introduced some sort of comfort. Some sort of distraction. We all know how to skills and interests they may otherwise never encounter, such vaping dominates our high schools and even middle schools, as sewing, robotics, cooking, agriculture and horticulture, even and it is no accident — kids are more vulnerable than adults. Kids public speaking. The fact is, kids involved in 4-H face more crave validation, and often that does not come from their school opportunities and open doors than kids that choose not to join. activities. Joining 4-H, spending time around other kids, and Besides the skills taught and passions discovered, 4-H makes leaning fun, interactive skills serves as a distraction for kids as well connections with adults both willing and able to help, with advice, as teaching them something new they can do on their own time. letters of recommendation, and more. 4-H educators support Next, 4-H gives a leg up to underprivileged kids. Kids who their kids immensely, and lives are completely changed by their maybe cannot boast the same healthy, loving family their peers contributions and involvement. can, or perhaps kids who struggle financially, both benefit from The lives of children are bettered by 4-H offering them an joining 4-H. Besides just being an outlet for the emotions that outlet, helping out those who need it, and shaping the futures of come with those situations, 4-H can build connections for those all. Kids are like moldable clay, and ultimately become a product of kids, connecting them with leaders and volunteers that truly care what they’ve experienced in life. 4-H offers positive, constructive about their wellbeing and want to see them thrive. It is a sad experiences and teaches life skills in order to help kids become truth, but for some kids, an overnight 4-H trip could mean a night the best they possibly can. This, in turn, positively affects the away from abusive family members replaced with a night full of communities they live in and ultimately the world. The whole world examples of what healthy interactions look like. is made up of adults who were once the youth in need of positive 4-H teaches responsibility and hard work, and in my lifetime influences, and 4-H continues to offer that to future generations. has shown me how to make every tedious task fun. Kids who may

“Finally, and most obviously, 4-H shapes our futures.”

22 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

SCHOLARSHIP & AWARD WINNERS SCHOLARSHIPS ACHIEVEMENT

Harold & Edith Shaw Memorial Endowment Wyatt Jensen

ADVANCED ACHIEVEMENT

Vernon and Ronda McKown Endowment Bailey Hatfield

ADVANCED CITIZENSHIP Mike Synar Memorial Endowment Kyla Langstraat

ADVANCED FABRICS & FASHION

Wilma Wendt Pattillo Endowment Madison Nickels

ADVANCED FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

Oklahoma Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences & Oklahoma Association of Extension 4-H Agents Erin Slagell

AGRICULTURE

ALLAN & DORRIS GOODBARY Goodbary Family Cale Gallagher

B.A. PRATT MEMORIAL B.A. Pratt Memorial Endowment Will Shelby, Karen Weckler, Madison Deeds

BANCFIRST OUTSTANDING 4-H’ER BancFirst Madison Stephens

BARNES FAMILY

Barnes Family Endowment Camden Cope

BEEF

Kunc Family Farms Teegin Crosthwait

BRADY BENSON MEMORIAL Benson Family Endowment Abigail Richardson

BREADS

DOG

Dr. Stuart Ratcliff Family Eli West

EDMONSON AMBASSADOR Edmonson Ambassador Endowment Tori Booker

ELVIN LINDLEY ADVANCED AGRICULTURE Oklahoma LP Gas RM&S Commission Conrad Moffat

ENTREPRENEUR

Charles and Betty Smith Kallie Clifton

FABRICS & FASHION

Wilma Wendt Pattillo Endowment Adliene Soell

FLOYD & VIOLA HARTMAN MEMORIAL John and Julie Schurman Zoe League

FOOD SCIENCE

Shawnee Milling Company Colton Tripp

Edwin and Winona Presley Memorial Endowment Hannah Jolly

CHILD CARE

GEOLOGY

CITIZENSHIP

GOAT

ALL OTHER PROJECTS FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

GIBSON-OTT MEMORIAL

Dr. Lynda Harriman Kaylee Rolph

Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association Kathryn Smith

ALL OTHER PROJECTS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DANA SMITH MEMORIAL

GRIFFITH FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE

DAIRY

HALL OF FAME

Kunc Family Farms Morgan Meyer

ALL OTHER PROJECTS AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association & Dr. Gary and Becky Stone Brance Barnett

Charles and Betty Smith Bailey Hoeltzel

ALL OTHER PROJECTS SMALL ANIMALS Hesser Memorial Endowment Taylor Neely

Kathy Rutledge Memorial Rachel Mitchell

Gene and Judy McKown Endowment Reed Marcum

Mary Sue Sanders Elizabeth Perdue

Southwest Dairy Museum Clarissa Smith

OERB Ben Martin

Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Ethan Matt

Harold and Jeanne Gibson Memorial Endowment Erin Slagell

Griffith Family Kyla Langstraat

Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma Tori Booker, Erin Slagell

25

HEALTH & FITNESS Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Hunter Haxton

HORSE

Shawnee Milling Company Jacob Miller

HORTICULTURE & PLANT SCIENCE

Oklahoma Horticultural Society Madison Goeppinger

IRA HOLLAR ADVANCED LEADERSHIP Bill Doenges Tori Booker

JAKIE JONES

Jakie Jones Endowment Elizabeth Perdue

OKLAHOMA FAIRS & FESTIVALS Oklahoma Fairs and Festivals Association Rachel Eggleston

OKLAHOMA YOUTH EXPO Oklahoma Youth Expo Makayla Hamilton, Catherine Stangl

PERFORMING ARTS Edwin and Winona Presley Memorial Endowment Tamika Jones

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tracy Family Endowment Allie Powers

PUBLIC SPEAKING Fred Stanley Emilee Coxsey

KEY CLUB

R.D. FARMER

LARRY D. ANDERSON MEMORIAL

RECREATION & LEISURE ARTS

Oklahoma 4-H Key Club Mia Mitchell

Larry D. Anderson Memorial Endowment Jentri Rayburn

LEADERSHIP

Jerry and Julie Kiefer Endowment Jentri Rayburn

LINDSAY AND LINDSEY SHERRER Lindsay and Lindsey Sherrer DJ Kurtenbach

MARJORIE MOESEL

Marjorie Moesel Endowment Madison Deeds

MODELLE PATTILLO & HUGO GRAUMANN

Pattillo/Graumann Memorial Endowments DJ Kurtenbach, Audrey Ochsner

NOBRO FARMS Nobro Farms Conrad Moffat

OKLAHOMA 4-H AMBASSADOR ALUMNI

Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador Alumni Karen Weckler

R.D. Farmer Endowment Abigail Richardson

Ray Parker Memorial Endowment Ellise Barcum

RETTA MILLER

Retta Miller Endowment Cale Gallagher

RULE OF LAW 4-H ALUMNI Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Taelor Brown, Karina Feng, Brandi Moore, Nathan Ratcliff, Emily Taylor

RULE OF LAW GRADUATING SENIORS

Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Sarah Walker, Tori Booker, Austin Rankin, Conrad Moffatt, Ally Angelly, Tyler Munson, Nora Gayler, Raphael Wall, Zoe Boatright, Maggie Bellew

SAFETY

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Cole Stepp

SHAW FAMILY

Shaw Family Endowment Erin Slagell, Raphael Wall, Jimmy Vich

SHEEP

Melinda Boatwright Claire Criner

24 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

SHOOTING SPORTS Oklahoma City Gun Club Lucy Wilson

SIDWELL AGRIBUSINESS Melinda Boatwright Morgan Meyer

SOIL HEALTH

Soil Carbon Coalition Zachary Wagner

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT 4-H Friends of Southeast District 4-H Olivia Napier

STOWERS FAMILY LEADERS OF TOMORROW Stowers Family Endowment Audrey Ochsner

STOWERS NATURAL RESOURCES Stowers Family Endowment David Wall

SWINE

Oklahoma Pork Council Summer Prince

TRACEY COX MEMORIAL Tracey Cox Memorial Endowment Brianna Deeds

VETERINARY SCIENCE Chapman Farms Kaytie Cash

WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES Rule of Law Scholarship Fund Hayden Deeds

AWARDS NEWS & EAGLE

Enid Publishing Company Madison Nickels, Ethan Haggard

SHOLAR ESSAY CONTEST

Dr. Ron and Linda Sholar 1st Place – Sarah Taylor 2nd Place – Jazmine Walker 3rd Place – Wesley Hurst

ORDER OF THE CLOVER EMERALD CLOVER

GOLD CLOVER

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Lloyd and Peggy Stephens Foundation Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma

Leeland and Diana Alexander Kevin and Cathy Allen Andrew Anderson Marla and Joe Barnes Katie Christensen DASNR – Vice President’s Office Clifford L. Knight Foundation John Cothren Charles and Natalie Cox William Docking Sheila and Dan Forbes Kent Gardner James Hall Lynda Harriman Virginia Hellwege Robert J. Herman Orthodontics Milford and Peggy Jenkins Kunc Family Farms, Inc. Melissa and Roy Lee Lindsey, Jr. McConnell Plumbing National 4-H Council OERB Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Oklahoma City Gun Club Oklahoma Horticultural Society Oklahoma Vegetation Management Assoc.

Caryl Parker David Parker John and Gaye Pfeiffer Prudential Jim Rutledge and Pat McNally Mary Sue and Carl Sanders John and Julie Schurman Gwen Shaw Gary and Joyce Sherrer Ron and Linda Sholar Brenda Sidwell Fred Stanley Stilwell Kiwanis Club Stockmans Bank Dwight Stoddard Cathleen Taylor The Bomhoff Family Foundation The Nix Foundation The Public Finance Law Group, PLLC The Tom J. and Edna Mae Carson Foundation Dixie and Gregory Thomas Becky Walker Women in Agriculture Committee Noble County

($20,000+)

RUBY CLOVER ($10,000+)

Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization Betty Smith Oklahoma AgCredit Olzawski Family

DIAMOND CLOVER ($5,000+)

American Farmers & Ranchers American Plant Products & Services, Inc. Anthem, Inc. Bent Arrow Veterinary Hospital, PLLC Burns & Stowers PC Jered and Lindsey Davidson Enel Green Power NA, Inc. Flint Lodge No. 11 AF and AM David Hessel Hille Family Foundation HoganTaylor LLP Vernon and Ronda McKown Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Oklahoma Pork Council Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation

PLATINUM CLOVER ($2,500+)

AgVantis, Inc BancFirst Emmett and Linda Carter Jack and Beverly Chapman FIRST Ronald and Darlene Justice SuzAnn Hertzler and Nate Luman Jerry and Julie Kiefer Michael Landoll Oklahoma Rural Water Association Oklahoma Youth Expo Shawnee Milling Co. Southwest Dairy Museum, Inc. The Sirloin Club of Oklahoma Wynnewood Refining Company LLC

($1,000+)

SILVER CLOVER

($500+)

4‑H Ambassadors Bill and Karen Anderson

Gene and Ann Benson Lionel K. Bentley Blue and Gold Sausage Melinda Bookout Ross Carrie Carter County Home & Community Education ConocoPhillips Company Dockrey Land & Cattle Mary L. Fields Great Plains Bank Barbara and Pete Hatfield Kris Hiney Houck Agency Real Estate & Insurance Indian Electric Cooperative Karla Knoepfli Longacre, Inc. McClain County OSU Extension McHenry Forestry Tracy McKaughan Monsanto Company Jack Murray Susan and Kent Murray Oklahoma Cattlewomen Inc. Oklahoma Soybean Board ONEOK Foundation, Inc. Terry Pannell Louise Ratcliff Shockey Land & Cattle Co., Inc. Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline Vernon Stevens The Oklahoma Land Lady Nancy and Richard Warden Gary Wedel Joseph and Sue Williams

BRONZE CLOVER ($100+)

Ag Youth Bart Alexander Allen Giblet Insurance Agency Susan and Russ Allen Ameristate Bank Pam Arden Kelly Arrington Kaye and Jim Aulgur Richard and Cindy Bailey Steven Ball Gerri and Glenn Ballard Bank of Western Oklahoma Terry Baransy Patti Barker Pat Barnes Susan Barrett Battles Forestry LLC Bayer Crop Science – WestBred Keith and Lynne Beam Deborah Bell Bennington Alumni Association

27

Mike Bomhoff Misty Bowie Mary Ann Briggs Larry and Becky Brooks Eldon Bruce Randal and Gayla Burris Karen Buzzard Jamie Cameron Cathy and Chad Carr Kristi Chapman Nancy Chipukites Marguerite Christman Civilian Marksmanship Program Thomas and Rhonda Coon Mark and Debra Conkling Cindy and Lewis Conner Dorlana Crowell Custer County OSU Extension Ann Decoster Department of Animal and Food Science Charles Dickenson Joanne Diehl Ann and Jerry Dillon Joe Dorman Damon Doye Kim Duckworth Carolyn Dudley Melanie Duke Nancy Dunlap Donna Dunkerson Wayne and Susie Edgar Donald England Kathy Enyart Valeri Evans Exchange Bank Farmers Co‑Operative Exchange Eldon and Dixie Ferrell Judy Ferrell First National Bank & Trust Garber Cooperative Association Gilbert Insurance Agency Leo Goeringer Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital Bobby and Margaret Goss Mark and Beth Gregory John and Janice Grundmann Greg Gulich Carl and Kathleen Hamby John Hancock Jeffrey Hand Nancy Harbuck Guy Harlow John Harp Marc Hatton Richard Herron Timothy Holzhueter Paul and Kim Jackson Sandy and Ron Johnson Ray Paul and Betty Jones Bonnie Gail Kadavy Karen and Patrick Keith Keith’s Butcher Shop, LLC Janna and Bryant Kelley Dell Kerbs Killhoffer Propane, Inc.

E.R. and Delores Kimsey Melinda and John Kinney King Lindsey Leasing, LLC Phil Kliewer Stephen Lark David A. Leavitt Daniel Lewia Gary Loeffelholz John Logan Donny Longest Sarah Maass Thomas Mapel John Maxwell McCalla Brown Patel LLP Virginia McCarthick Donna McDaniel Sharon McKay Steve McKinley Skye McNiel Jimmie and Beverly Meeks Messer‑Bowers Insurance Billy and Brenda Miller Merl Miller Janet Mitchell Janet Moore Darrell and Janie Morrow Nationwide Environmental Services, Inc. Cheryl Newberry NOC Sheep Center Lucia and John O’Connor Arthur and Rosemarie Ochsner Oklahoma Forestry Association Carl Olzawski P & K Equipment Inc. Amy Parks Pearces Southside Grocery Merrileta Periard Harold and Sue Peyton Pfeiffer Stock Farms, LLC Beth Phillippi Gaylon Pinc Public Service Company of Oklahoma Garvin Quinn Larry and Christine Quinn Dea Rash David Ratcliff Henry Reeves Kristin Regier Karen Richardson Stephen Richardson James and Linda Riley Matt Ritz Shari and Melvin Roebuck Jamie Rogers John Roush Pam Roush Kristen Runyan Jeffrey and Stephanie Sallee Marilyn and Ed Seagraves Mary Selk Arlene Sellers Virginia Semrad Debbie Sharp Scott Sheaffer Jayme and Sarah Shelton

26 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

Kathleen Shelts Janelle Shepherd Don and Pam Sherrer Jim and Billie Shields Simmons Bank Jim and Mary Sims DaLacy Sleeper Glenn Smith John Smith Derek Smithee Doris and Ronny Smithee Snowder’s Alignment & Tires, LLC Paula and Carlos Squires Margaret Stangl Mike Steele Brian and Michelle Stephens CE Stonecipher David and Judy Sturgeon Kristina Summers Mary Taggart Gatti Elizabeth Taylor Teal Insurance Agency Paul and Lola Thompson Dale and Judy Tracy J.A. Trumbly Denise Tulloh Tulsa County Farm Bureau Tulsa County Farmers Union Local 543, Inc. Ray Washam Martha Waters Randy Waters Chad and Tammy Webb Madison Williams Brian Wilson Ryan and Elizabeth Witt Mike Woods William Wynn JeAnnette Yokley

The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is an integral partner of 4-H, serving as a catalyst in a unified effort to create partnerships, acquire resources and focus collective energies for the betterment of Oklahoma youth.

To learn more about how you can support the mission of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, please contact Milford H. Jenkins at 405-744-8884 or milford.jenkins@okstate.edu

HONORARY & MEMORIAL GIFTS IN HONOR OF SUSAN BARRETT

by Patti Barker

ZOE BOATRIGHT

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

TORI BOOKER

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

KALLIE CLIFTON

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

SARAH DUNN

by Shannon Lemmons

JOHN HARP

by Dixie and Gregory Thomas

SHIRLEY HASTINGS

by Harold and Sue Peyton

NANCY JOHNSON

by Eldon and Dixie Ferrell

JAYLYNN LAMB

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

RANEL LASLEY

by Susan and Kent Murray

DANNY MACKEY

by Sharon Callahan

JORDAN MASON

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

TRACY McKAUGHAN

by Susan and Kent Murray

MIA MITCHELL

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

MARJORIE MOESEL

by Virginia Hellwege

OCHSNER GRANDCHILDREN

by Arthur and Rosemarie Ochsner

K. VINCE OLZAWSKI

by Susan Barrett

LOIS OLZAWSKI

by Susan Barrett, Carl and Michelle Olzawski, Victoria Robinson, Carol Olzawski, Fred Gosiewski, Julie and Steve York, Jamie Rogers

AUSTIN RANKIN

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

SALLY RICHARDSON

by Kayce Arrington

VICKI ROBINSON

by Carl Olzawski

JOHN ROUSH

by Dixie and Gregory Thomas

GWEN SHAW

by Dixie and Gregory Thomas

ERIN SLAGELL

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

MADISON STEPHENS

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

DIXIE SHAW THOMAS

by John and Necia Harp

JIMMY VICH

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

SARAH WALKER

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

RAPHAEL WALL

by Carl and Mary Sue Sanders

RON WRIGHT

by Susan and Kent Murray

IN MEMORY OF BARBARA ANDERSON

by Susan and Kent Murray

KENNETH D. ANDERSON

by Susan and Kent Murray

REGGIE BATES

by Charles Cox

BRADY BENSON

by David A. Leavitt

THERESA DELL

by Beatrice Paul, Carolyn Schoeb, Anette and Ken Liley

DON & LANORA DONAHOO

by Tracy McKaughan

WILMA FURLONG

by Gene and Ann Benson, Lynn and Rose Gathers, Mary and Orson Cordis

MAYRA HARMS

by Charles Cox

FLORENCE HELLWEGE

by Bonnie Gail Kadavy

DEBORAH HIX

by Denise Tulloh Family

ANN KNOPFEL

by Susan and Kent Murray

FLOYD “JAY” LARK

by Stephen Lark

LOVELL MACKEY

by Karen Wynn, Jeffrey Hand, Sharon Callahan, Nancy Blocker, Kristina Summers, Betty Satterfield

JOE & MARY ANNE MAYER

by Rene Bagley

JOE MAYER

by Katie Christensen, William Docking

DATHA MORRISON

by Scott and Barbara Sheaffer, Grand Bay Construction, JanEtte D. Jungers

ARDATH MURRAY

by Thomas and Cheryl Matthews, Don and Dorothy Crumbaker, Guy Sutherland, Floyd and Ruthanna Ball, Carol Adolph, Julie A Owens, Marlene Verbrugge, Terry and Terri Ward, Timothy and Elisa Hulzhueter, William Brian Hickey, Janet Mitchell, Nannette Pope Tresner, Stephen and Connie Bietau, Ann and John Decoster, HoganTaylor LLP, Ben Ball, Karen Ririe, Rose Davis, Jack Murray 29

TRESA OSBORN

by Donna McDaniel, Robert and Jackie Gooch, William Gooch, Nathan Gooch, Bobbie Dunlap, Steve and Glenda Richardson, Billy and Tracie Shelburne, Clint and April Richardson, G.A. Smith and Children, Kevin and Sue McComas, Shirley Browning, Lonnie and Debby Robertson, McCalla Brown Patel LLP, Ann and Gene Benson, David and Gail St. John, John and Suzann Smith

MARILYN OVERHOLT

by Charles Cox

PAT PARSONS

by Denise Tulloh Family

KAREN RICHARDSON

by Tony and Sandra Howell, Susan and Kent Murray,

Oklahoma Bank and Trust Company, Madison Stephens, Michelle Stephens, Pete and Barbara Hatfield, Custer County OSU Extension, Walter and Elaine Stow, Gina Williams, William Aneshansley, Mackenzie Jantsch, Kridea Murley, Nancy Harbuck, Jennifer Hammack, Deann Elliott, Caren Denney, Chris and Kenli Miller, Kim and Jacota Hyman, Betty Day, Madison Williams, Meriruth Cohenour, Shelby Cole, John Kitchens, Kristen Runyan, Allison Bichsel Ledford, Janelle Shepherd, Mary Taggart Gatti, Joanne Diehl, Jared Howell, Cathy Baker, Kerri Kirby, Pam Roush, Megan Coit, Kim Duckworth, Melanie Duke, Jo Elder, Lindy McCain, Kelly Roberts, Jill Weedon, Valerie Millier,

Lisa Waxman, Debra and Mark Conkling, Shelby Cole

AMITY RITZE

by Tracy and Cary McKaughan

PHYLLIS SAMS

by Anonymous

LINDSEY VARNER

by Jill Murr, Susan and Kent Murray

ROBERT WESTERMAN

by Charles Cox

MARVIN WYATT

by Arthur and Rosemarie Ochsner

SKEETZ YATES

by Ann and Gene Benson

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 who give on behalf of others. Your care and generosity are appreciated by every party involved.

28 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Additional Non-Audit Information Note 1: Oklahoma 4-H youth and related programs benefit from charitable gifts to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Oklahoma State University Foundation (OSUF), located at Stillwater, Oklahoma. Two primary gift types held by the Foundation benefit the Oklahoma 4-H program and/or 4-H members.

Pickens Legacy Scholarship Match: The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation was instrumental in soliciting these charitable gifts, as well as being a donor of matching funds totaling $625,000. As of December 31, 2020, these assets and charitable interests permanently owned and administered by Oklahoma State University Foundation in adherence to formal agreements by and between donor(s) and Oklahoma State University Foundation were valued at $1,277,895. Actual amount(s) of funds annually available for support of 4-H youth and related programs is determined by the agreements and Oklahoma State University Foundation’s fiscal policies; this amount was $50,056 in 2020. Several of the above donors, including the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, participated in programs which included contractual provisions for additional matches to be received at a future date (including the expected receipt of matching funds from the Pickens Estate) totaling $1,607,383.

Oklahoma State Professorships: The Oklahoma 4-H program benefits from staff support provided by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Professorship endowment, with a value of $256,654 as of December 31, 2020, and the Centennial Professorship endowment, with a value of $262,089 as of December 31, 2020.

Note 2: The Foundation has entered into a support services MOU with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, for those entities to provide salary and benefits for certain Foundation administrative (1.0 FTE) and accounting (0.5 FTE) support, as consideration for the services and support provided to those entities by the Foundation.

Independent Auditor’s Report To the Board of Directors The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Incorporated Stillwater, Oklahoma We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Incorporated, (the “Foundation”) (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statements of financial position as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related statements of activities, functional expenses and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Incorporated, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America..

Correction of Error As discussed in Note 10, net assets as of June 30, 2018 have been restated to correct the classification of net assets. Our opinion is not modified with respect to that matter.

HSPG & Assocates, P.C. April 9, 2021 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

31

THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

2020

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Sponsorships receivable Grants receivable Certificates of deposit Investments Beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others Property and equipment TOTAL ASSETS

$

464,008 19,863 2,023 724,378 7,524,314 2,899,475 477,230

2019

$

213,477 21,850 2,023 661,580 6,995,459 2,743,284 501,292

$ 12,111,291

$ 11,138,965

$

$

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts payable Scholarships payable Contributions payable TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions: Undesignated Designated by the Board for endowment With donor restrictions TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

See notes tonotes financial Seeaccompanying accompanying tostatements. financial

statements.

30 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

37,747 191,600 165,073

117,236 157,950 195,000

394,420

470,186

341,229 635,059 976,288 10,740,583

114,332 598,851 713,183 9,955,596

11,716,871

10,668,779

$ 12,111,291

$ 11,138,965

THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 (with comparative totals for 2019)

REVENUES AND SUPPORT Contributions Grants Sponsorships Special event revenues: Golf tournament Registration income Merchandise sales Royalty income Interest and dividend income Unrealized and realized gains (losses) Change in value of beneficial interest In-kind donations Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan Net assets released from restrictions

Without Donor Restrictions

$

57,170 53,013

2019

2020

With Donor Restrictions

$

425,919 84,105 -

Total

$

483,089 84,105 53,013

Total

$

451,287 59,500 21,850

35,120 46,113 128,112

21,937 8,488 6,132 100,469 465,599

35,120 21,937 8,488 6,132 146,582 593,711

19,394 113,528 40,870 10,296 167,746 872,646

23,966 24,300 618,866

291,204 (618,866)

291,204 23,966 24,300 -

438,170 23,400 -

986,660

784,987

1,771,647

2,218,687

483,408 84,492 11,306 144,349

-

483,408 84,492 11,306 144,349

787,733 57,679 19,427 145,941

723,555

-

723,555

1,010,780

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

263,105

784,987

1,048,092

1,207,907

NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

713,183

9,955,596

10,668,779

9,460,872

976,288

$ 10,740,583

$ 11,716,871

$ 10,668,779

Total revenues and support EXPENSES Program Fundraising Costs of direct benefits to donors Management and general Total expenses

NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR

$

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

33

THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

REVENUES AND SUPPORT Contributions Grants Sponsorships Special event revenues: Golf tournament Registration income Merchandise sales Royalty income Interest and dividend income Unrealized and realized gains (losses) Change in value of beneficial interest In-kind donations Net assets released from restrictions and change in donor restrictions

Without Donor Restrictions

$

48,230 21,850

Total revenues and support

With Donor Restrictions

$

Total

403,057 59,500 -

$

451,287 59,500 21,850

19,394 50,966 159,834

113,528 40,870 10,296 116,780 712,812

19,394 113,528 40,870 10,296 167,746 872,646

23,400

438,170 -

438,170 23,400

707,125

(707,125)

-

1,030,799

1,187,888

2,218,687

787,733 57,679 19,427 145,941

-

787,733 57,679 19,427 145,941

1,010,780

-

1,010,780

20,019

1,187,888

1,207,907

693,164

8,767,708

9,460,872

9,955,596

$ 10,668,779

EXPENSES Program Fundraising Costs of direct benefits to donors Management and general Total expenses CHANGE IN NET ASSETS NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR

$

713,183

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

32 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

$

THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED

STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 (with comparative totals for 2019)

2020

Program Services

Grant expenses Scholarships Programmatic expenses Salary and benefits Accounting and legal fees Supplies and postage Information technology Gift-in-kind used Registration and travel Administration Fundraising Clover classic golf event Insurance Depreciation Other Total

Management and General

2019

Costs of Direct Benefits to Donors

Fundraising

Total

Total

$

111,590 111,850 203,086 30,717 2,103 24,062 -

$

46,076 30,700 2,717 11,595 23,966 3,155 11,807 2,238 12,095

$

11,306 -

$

76,793 1,164 5,258 1,277 -

$

111,590 111,850 203,086 153,586 30,700 3,881 11,595 23,966 10,516 11,807 1,277 11,306 2,238 24,062 12,095

$

102,057 74,000 580,362 102,172 17,367 2,773 9,863 23,400 4,270 45,108 3,626 19,427 3,732 10,026 12,597

$

483,408

$

144,349

$

11,306

$

84,492

$

723,555

$ 1,010,780

THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

Program Services

Management and General

Grant expenses $ 102,057 $ Scholarships 74,000 Programmatic expenses 580,362 Salary and benefits 20,434 30,652 Accounting and legal fees 17,367 Supplies and postage 1,941 Information technology 9,863 Gift-in-kind used notes are an integral part of these- financial statements.

23,400 The accompanying Registration and travel 854 1,281 Administration 45,108 Fundraising Clover classic golf event 5 Insurance 3,732 Depreciation 10,026 Other 12,597 Total

$

787,733

$

145,941

Costs of Direct Benefits to Donors

Fundraising

$

19,427 -

$

51,086 832 2,135 3,626 -

$

$

19,427

$

57,679

$ 1,010,780

Total

102,057 74,000 580,362 102,172 17,367 2,773 9,863 23,400 4,270 45,108 3,626 19,427 3,732 10,026 12,597

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

35

THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Change in net assets Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Change in value of beneficial asset Net realized and unrealized investment (gains) losses Reinvestment of interest and dividends Forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan Change in operating assets and liabilities: Sponsorships receivable Grants receivable Accounts payable Scholarships payable Contributions payable Net cash used in operating activities

2020

$

1,048,092

2019

$

24,062 (291,204) (593,711) (145,174)

10,026 (438,170) (872,646) (167,374)

(24,300)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of investments Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments Proceeds from beneficial assets Purchases of certificates of deposit Net cash provided by investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan

1,207,907

-

1,987 (79,489) 33,650 (29,927) (56,014)

(21,850) 4,188 45,190 (14,300) 195,000 (52,029)

(163,254)

(45,595)

362,859 135,013 (52,373) 282,245

1,132 141,619 97,156

24,300

-

24,300

-

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

250,531

45,127

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of year

213,477

168,350

Net cash provided by financing activities

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of year See accompanying notes to financial statements.

7 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

34 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

$

464,008

$

213,477

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019 1. NATURE OF ACTIVITIES AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of activities – The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, Incorporated (the “Foundation”) operates as a nonprofit corporation located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It was organized to support youth development by functioning as the primary vehicle for private fund development to support scholarships, awards and activities. It also strives to increase public awareness of 4-H. The Foundation is an integral partner of 4-H, serving as a catalyst in a unified effort to create partnerships, acquire resources, and focus collective energies for the betterment of Oklahoma youth. The Foundation receives and manages endowment funds that are used for programs, scholarships and other 4-H related activities throughout the state.

Relationship with Oklahoma State University (“OSU”) – The Foundation has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with OSU. Through the MOU, the Foundation’s personnel are employed by OSU providing the Foundation with trained human resource administration and access to OSU’s benefits system. Personnel employed by OSU and allocated to the Foundation include an executive director, accountant, and support assistant. The Executive Director is employed under the direction of the Foundation’s board of directors. OSU is reimbursed for any incurred costs including payroll and fringe benefits for the Executive Director.

Compensation costs incurred by OSU for the accountant and support assistant are considered in-kind donations to the Foundation. The Foundation is also provided use of office space, including certain furniture and equipment, from OSU as an in-kind donation.

Basis of Accounting – The accompanying financial statements of the Foundation have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and, accordingly, reflect all significant receivables, payables, and other assets and liabilities.

Basis of Presentation – Net assets, revenues, and gains and losses are classified based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Financial statement presentation reports information regarding the Foundation’s financial position and activities as follows: Net assets without donor restrictions – Net assets available for use in general operations and not subject to donor restrictions.

Net assets with donor restrictions – Net assets subject to donor-imposed restrictions. Some donor-imposed restrictions are temporary in nature, such as those that will be met by the passage of time or other events specified by the donor. Other donor-imposed restrictions are perpetual in nature, where the donor stipulates that resources be maintained in perpetuity. Donor-imposed restrictions are released when a restriction expires, that is, when the stipulated time has elapsed, when the stipulated purpose for which the resource was restricted has been fulfilled, or both.

Cash and cash equivalents – For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Foundation considers all highly liquid

investments available for current use with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Revenue recognition and other support – Revenues that have characteristics of exchange transactions, such as certain sponsorships, are not recognized until earned. Fees received prior to services being provided are recorded as deferred revenues. Contributions are recognized as support in the period unconditional promises to give are received and are reported as net assets with or without donor restrictions depending on the existence or nature of any donor restrictions. The standards also provide that if the governing body of an organization has the right to remove a donor restriction, the contributions should be classified as without donor restriction. Conditional contributions – that is, those with a measurable performance or other barrier and a right of return - are not recognized until the conditions on which they depend have been met.

The Foundation’s revenue and other support during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily included the following: Contributions and in-kind donations – Contributions received are reported as with or without donor restricted support depending on the existence or nature of any donor restrictions. The Foundation reports gifts of cash and other assets as restricted contributions if they are received with donor stipulations that limit the use of the donated assets. Volunteers contribute significant amounts of time to the Foundation’s program services, administration, and fundraising and developing activities; however, the financial statements do not reflect the value of these contributed services because they do not meet recognition criteria prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles.

Donated services are recognized by the Foundation if they create or enhance nonfinancial assets or require specialized skills, are provided by individuals possessing those skills, and would typically be purchased if not provided by donation. In-kind donations of goods and services are recorded in the financial statements at the estimated value of such goods or services. Donations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $18,000 each year for rent of the Foundation’s main office space and $5,966 and $5,400, respectively, of other materials, labor, and professional services.

Grants – A portion of the Foundation’s grant revenue is derived from cost-reimbursable contracts and grants, which are conditioned upon certain performance requirements and/or the incurrence of allowable qualifying expenses.

Amounts received are recognized as revenue when the Foundation has incurred expenditures in compliance with specific contract or grant provisions. Amounts received prior to incurring qualifying expenditures are reported as refundable advances in the statement of financial position. Grant revenues which are not derived from cost-reimbursable agreements are recorded similar to contributions.

Sponsorships – Sponsorships included in the accompanying financial statements are for naming rights associated with the Foundation’s ATV safety facility (see Note 6) entered into in 2019. These revenues have been determined to be a contract with a customer with a single performance obligation which is earned ratably over time. There was no

37

deferred revenue and sponsorships receivable associated with this contract were as follows as of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

Sponsorships receivable

2020

2019

$ 19,863

$ 21,850

Foundation by the trustee.

Property and equipment – Property and equipment are carried at cost or, if donated, at the approximate fair value at the date of donation. The Foundation reports gifts of property and equipment as without donor restriction support unless explicit donor restrictions specify how the donated assets must be used. Gifts of long-lived assets with explicit restrictions that specify how the assets are to be used and gifts of cash or other assets that must be used to acquire long-lived assets are reported as restricted support. Absent explicit donor restrictions about how long those long-lived assets must be maintained, the Foundation reports expirations of donor restrictions when the donated or acquired long-lived assets are placed in service. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

2018 $

-

Special event revenues – Special events, other than the golf tournament, are generally held by various third parties to support a specific County 4-H club. Proceeds from those special events are contributed to the Foundation which are recorded similar to contributions as described above.

Proceeds from the golf tournament include both revenues equal to the fair value of direct benefits to donors which are earned at a point in time as well as contribution income for the excess received when the event takes place. There were no deferred revenues or unrecognized conditional contributions associated with special event revenues as of December 31, 2020 or 2019.

Fair value measurements – The Foundation reports certain assets at fair value in the financial statements. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction in the principal, or most advantageous, market at the measurement date under current market conditions regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique. Inputs used to determine fair value refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity.

Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available.

Certificates of deposit – Certificates of deposit are recorded at cost plus accrued interest.

Investments – Investments consist of cash and money market funds and equity and fixed income mutual funds.

Mutual funds are stated at fair value as determined by the fund and/or investment manager. Cash and money market funds held within investment accounts are held at cost which approximates fair market value. Fair values are based on quoted market prices as provided by the financial institution.

Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are computed based on specific identification. Net investment return (loss) is reported in the statement of activities and consists of interest and dividend income and unrealized and realized gains and losses.

Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such change could materially affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements.

Beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others – The Foundation has been named as an irrevocable beneficiary of a charitable trust (R.D. Farmer Trust) which is held and administered by an independent trustee (BancFirst). This trust was created independently by a donor and is administered by outside agents designated by the donor. Therefore, the Foundation does not have either possession nor control over the assets of the trust. At the date the Foundation is notified of a beneficial interest, a contribution with donor restrictions is recorded in the statement of activities, and a beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others is recorded in the statement of financial position at fair value. Thereafter, beneficial interests in the trusts are reported at fair value in the statement of financial position, with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of activities. Upon receipt of trust distributions or expenditures, in satisfaction of the donorrestricted purpose, if any, net assets with donor-imposed time or purpose restrictions are released to net assets without donor restrictions.

In accordance with the R.D. Farmer Trust, the Foundation is an income beneficiary receiving five percent (5%) of the trust’s year-end fair market value as of April 30 each year through June 2028. In approximately June 2028, the remaining assets of the trust will transfer to the Foundation. As such, the Foundation records its beneficial interest based on the underlying investments in the trust as reported to the

36 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

A three-tier hierarchy categorizes the inputs as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Foundation can access at the measurement date.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and market-corroborated inputs.

Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. In these situations, the Foundation develops inputs using the best information available in the circumstances.

In some cases, the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those cases, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the entire measurement requires judgment, taking into account factors specific to the asset or liability. The categorization of an asset within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the asset and does not necessarily correspond to our assessment of the quality, risk, or liquidity profile of the asset or liability.

Financial assets subject to fair value measurement disclosure requirements include investments and beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others (see Note 3). The Foundation

has no liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis and no assets or liabilities carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2020 or 2019.

Concentration of Credit Risk – The Foundation maintains cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Foundation’s balance with financial institutions subject to FDIC coverage exceeded such coverage by $192,237 and $-0, respectively. The Foundation has not experienced any losses in such accounts and does not believe that it is exposed to any significant credit risk on cash.

Expense allocation – The costs of providing various programs and other activities have been summarized on a functional basis in the statements of activities. The statements of functional expenses present the natural classification detail of expenses by function. Accordingly, certain costs are allocated between program, fundraising, costs of direct benefit to donors, and management and general based on evaluations of the related activities. Management and general expenses include those expenses that are not directly identifiable with any other specific function, but provide for the overall support and direction of the Foundation.

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates, and those differences could be material.

Income taxes – The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization exempt from income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and classified by the Internal Revenue Code as other than a private foundation. The Foundation is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions. Management believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2017.

Subsequent events – The Foundation has evaluated subsequent events through April 9, 2021, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. There are no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the 2020 financial statements.

Recent accounting pronouncements – In September 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-07 “Presentation and Disclosures by Not-for-Profit Entities for Contributed Nonfinancial Assets” which increases transparency around contributed nonfinancial assets (also known as “gifts-in-kind”) received by not-for-profit (“NFP”) organizations including transparency on how those assets are used and how they are valued. The ASU requires an NFP to present contributed nonfinancial assets as a separate line item in the statement of activities, apart from contributions of cash or other financial assets. It also requires an NFP to disclose certain information related to the types of contributed nonfinancial assets received, whether they were utilized or monetized, the NFP’s policy, if any, about monetizing rather than utilizing such assets, and valuation techniques used to determine the valuation of such contributed assets. The amendments for this ASU are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for annual periods beginning after June 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted.

2. LIQUIDITY AND AVAILABILITY Financial assets available for general expenditure, that is, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, within one year of the statement of financial position date, comprise the following:

$

Cash and cash equivalents Sponsorships receivable Grants receivable Operating investments Distributions from beneficial interests in assets held by others

2020 464,008 19,863 2,023 550,027

144,974 $ 1,180,895

$

2019 213,477 21,850 2,023 616,942 137,164 991,456

$

Income from donor-restricted endowment funds is restricted for specific purposes and is not available for general expenditures.

The details of the beneficial interest in assets held by others are further discussed in Note 1. As part of the Foundation’s liquidity management plan, cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in short-term investments, CDs, and money market funds.

3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of assets reported at fair market value in the accompanying financial statements.

Investments: Investments are stated at fair value, and are based on quoted market prices, when available, or the best estimate of fair value as determined by the fund and/or investment manager. Generally, quoted market prices are available for mutual funds and, as such, are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others: The fair value of the Foundation’s beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others is based on the fair value of trust assets as reported by the trustee. The investments are directed

by BancFirst and consist of various mutual funds and cash equivalent funds which are designated to achieve endowment returns consistent with their investment policies. These are considered to be Level 3 measurements.

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, except those measured at cost.

Carrying Value ASSETS Investments: Cash and money market funds (at cost) Mutual Funds: Equity Fixed Income Total Investments Beneficial interest in assets held by others

$

99,312 $

As of December 31, 2020 Total Fair Fair Value Measurements Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

-

$

-

$

- $

-

4,297,905 3,127,097

4,297,905 3,127,097

4,297,905 3,127,097

-

-

7,524,314

7,425,002

7,425,002

-

-

2,899,475

2,899,475

-

-

2,899,475

$ 10,423,789 $ 10,324,477 $ 7,425,002 $

- $ 2,899,475

Management is currently evaluating the impact that adopting the above recent accounting pronouncement will have on the Foundation’s financial statements in future reporting periods.

39

Carrying Value ASSETS Investments: Cash and money market funds (at cost) Mutual Funds: Equity Fixed Income Total Investments Beneficial interest in assets held by others

$

As of December 31, 2019 Total Fair Fair Value Measurements Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

34,572 $

-

$

-

$

- $

-

3,832,562 3,128,325

3,832,562 3,128,325

3,832,562 3,128,325

-

-

6,995,459

6,960,887

6,960,887

-

-

2,743,284

2,743,284

-

-

2,743,284

$ 9,738,743 $ 9,704,171 $ 6,960,887 $

- $ 2,743,284

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Beneficial Interest in Charitable Trusts Held by Others 2020

2019

Balance at beginning of year Purchases / contributions of investments Investment return, net Distributions

$ 2,743,284 291,204 (135,013)

$ 2,446,733 438,170 (141,619)

Balance at end of year

$ 2,899,475

$ 2,743,284

The summary of changes in fair value of level 3 assets has been prepared to reflect the activity in the same categories as those provided by the trustee. Investment return, net includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, interest and dividend income, and administrative fees and is included in change in beneficial interest in the accompanying statements of activities. Typically, distributions decrease the Foundation’s respective financial asset and increase cash at the time of distribution.

consistent with the standard of prudence in UPMIFA. In accordance with UPMIFA, the following factors are considered in making a determination to appropriate or accumulate donor-restricted endowment funds held for the benefit of the Foundation.

(1) The duration and preservation of the fund; (2) The purposes of the Foundation and the donorrestricted endowment fund; (3) General economic conditions; (4) The possible effect of inflation and deflation; (5) The expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments; (6) Other resources of the Foundation; and (7) The investment policies of the Foundation.

Endowment net asset composition by type of fund as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:

Donor-restricted endowment funds Board-designated endowment funds

Without Donor Restrictions $ 635,059

With Donor Restrictions $ 5,252,333 -

$

$

635,059

5,252,333

$

Total 5,252,333 635,059

$

5,887,392

Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 are as follows:

Endowment net assets, beginning of year Investment return, net Contributions Appropriation of endowment assets for expenditure Endowment net assets, end of year

Without Donor Restrictions $ 598,851 61,947 -

With Donor Restrictions $ 4,877,977 518,792 160,444

(25,739)

(304,880)

$

635,059

$

5,252,333

$

Total 5,476,828 580,739 160,444 (330,619)

$

5,887,392

Endowment net asset composition by type of fund as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

4. ENDOWMENT DISCLOSURES The Foundation’s endowment consists of approximately 68 funds established by donors and two funds established by the board of directors to provide annual funding for specific activities and general operations. Net assets associated with endowment funds are classified and reported based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions.

Interpretation of Relevant Law – The Foundation follows the Accounting Standards Codification’s guidance on the net asset classification of donor-restricted endowment funds for a not-for-profit Foundation that is subject to an enacted version of the Oklahoma Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (“UPMIFA”). The Board of Directors of the Foundation has interpreted UPMIFA as requiring the preservation of the fair value of the original gift as of the gift date of the donor-restricted endowment funds absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary. As a result of this interpretation, the Foundation retains in perpetuity (a) the original value of initial and subsequent gift amounts donated to the endowment and (b) any accumulations to the endowment made in accordance with the direction of the applicable donor gift instrument at the time the accumulation is added. Donorrestricted amounts not retained in perpetuity are subject to appropriation for expenditure by the Foundation in a manner

38 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

` Donor-restricted endowment funds Board-designated endowment funds

Without Donor Restrictions $ 598,851

With Donor Restrictions $ 4,877,977 -

$

$

598,851

4,877,977

$

Total 4,877,977 598,851

$

5,476,828

Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows:

Endowment net assets, beginning of year Investment return, net Contributions Appropriation of endowment assets for expenditure Endowment net assets, end of year

Without Donor Restrictions $ 505,661 93,190 -

With Donor Restrictions $ 4,084,595 755,887 37,495

-

-

$

598,851

$

4,877,977

$

Total 4,590,256 849,077 37,495 -

$

5,476,828

Funds with Deficiencies – From time to time, certain donorrestricted endowment funds may have fair values less than the amount required to be maintained by donors or by law (underwater endowments). The Foundation interprets

UPMIFA to permit spending from underwater endowments in accordance with prudent measures required under law.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019 there were no underwater endowments.

Return Objectives and Risk Parameters – The Foundation has adopted investment and spending policies for endowment assets that attempt to provide a predictable stream of funding to programs supported by its endowment while seeking to maintain the purchasing power of the endowment assets.

Endowment assets include those assets of donor-restricted funds that the Foundation must hold in perpetuity or for a donor-specified period. Under this policy, as approved by the Board of Directors, the endowment assets are invested with investment policies which emphasize preservation of capital, protection against inflation and a continuing source of income.

The Board has authorized investments in equity securities up to 60% of the portfolio, fixed income securities up to 100% of the portfolio, alternative investments up to 10% of the portfolio with Investment Committee authorization and no speculative investments. The target minimum rate of return is five percent (5%) (net of fees).

Spending Policy and How the Investment Objectives Relate to Spending Policy – The endowment earnings are distributed based on a distribution polThe endowment earnings are distributed based on a distribution policy whereby the Foundation receives four percent (4%) of the average market value of the endowment fund, which is calculated on a rolling quarterly average of the previous twelve quarters.

Distributions are typically not approved when funds are underwater. The Foundation allocates distributions received to be used in accordance with donor restrictions or for the overall operations of the Foundation in the absence of donor restrictions.

5. NET ASSETS WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS Net assets with donor restrictions are restricted for the following purposes or periods.

2020 Subject to expenditure for specified purposes: Foundation events Foundation programs Scholarships County programs Associated accounts Managed accounts Subject to the passage of time: Beneficial interest in charitable trusts held by others Endowments: Subject to appropriation and expenditure when a specified event occurs: Scholarship endowments Program endowments County endowments Associated endowments Subject to endowment spending policy and appropriation: Scholarship endowments Program endowments County endowments Associated endowments Total net assets with donor restrictions

$

271,195 831,997 241,016 632,051 117,897 494,619 2,588,775

2019 $

221,124 830,041 118,742 582,015 104,026 478,387 2,334,335

2,899,475

2,743,284

1,032,859 341,445 287,938 42,344 1,704,586

933,412 283,600 233,568 37,700 1,488,280

2,172,981 808,027 479,654 87,085 3,547,747

2,135,431 701,527 465,654 87,085 3,389,697

$ 10,740,583

$ 9,955,596

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Grant funding of $350,000 was awarded to the Foundation in 2015 to be used to create an ATV safety facility. The Foundation is required to use the facility in accordance with the grant requirements for a minimum of 25 years. Noncompliance with the grant requirements could result in the Foundation being required to repay funds received.

This project has been developed in conjunction with the Logan County Fairgrounds, City of Guthrie and the Logan County Economic Development Council in Guthrie to address a critical statewide and community need and public purpose. The facility was constructed on the Logan County Fairgrounds.

To ensure the long-term availability of the land for this facility, the Foundation has entered into a 25-year land lease with Logan County of which the initial term expires on October 31, 2040 and includes five renewal options for five years each.

The annual rent for the land lease is $1. Logan County may continue to utilize the land for other, secondary purposes so long as those purposes are not inconsistent with the primary purpose during the term of the lease.

In August 2019, the Foundation entered into a memorandum of understanding with Oklahoma State University (“OSU”) under which OSU has assumed the Logan County land lease from the Foundation and OSU will operate the ATV Safety Facility.

To ensure compliance with the grant funding received to build the ATV Safety Facility, if OSU does not continue to operate the facility for its primary purpose, the Foundation has the right to reassume the Logan County land lease and related operations of the ATV Safety Facility.

7. SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED BUT NOT DISBURSED The Foundation awards scholarships to prospective college students throughout the nation. Many of the scholarships are awarded while the student is still in middle school or high school. Once the student is in college, they must meet certain requirements for hours and grades in order to receive the proceeds. Scholarship liabilities expected to be paid in the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter

$ 93,900 36,550 28,150 12,050 9,450 11,500 $ 191,600

8. FUNCTIONALIZED EXPENSES The financial statements report certain categories of expenses that are attributed to more than one program or supporting function. Therefore, expenses require allocation on a reasonable basis that is consistently applied. The expenses that are allocated include salary and benefits, supplies and postage, and registration and travel which are allocated based on time and effort.

41

9. COVID-19 In the first quarter of 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic related to the proliferation of the COVID-19 virus. Significant uncertainty about the duration and effects of the pandemic created uncertainty with federal, state, and local governments recommending significant decreases in person-to-person interactions in addition to changes in other common business practices during the duration of the pandemic including the temporary closures of all non-essential businesses. The Foundation’s management believes they have been able to adjust to the temporary change in normal operations in a manner to minimize the impact to their financial position.

10. RESTATEMENT The Foundation’s financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 have been restated to correct the error noted below.

Net assets as of December 31, 2018, as previously reported

Net Assets

Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

Total

$

$ 9,273,369

$ 9,460,872

187,503

Restatement: Reclassifying two endowment funds from donor restricted to without donor restrictions - board designated

505,661

Net assets as of December 31, 2018, restated

693,164

8,767,708

9,460,872

Change in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2019, as previously reported

(73,171)

1,281,078

1,207,907

Restatement: Reclassification of endowment earnings for reclassified funds for the year ended December 31, 2019 Net assets as of December 31, 2019, restated

(505,661)

93,190 $

713,183

-

(93,190)

-

$ 9,955,596

$ 10,668,779

11. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of the following:

2020 Building Less: accumulated depreciation

$ $

511,318 (34,088) 477,230

2019 $ $

* * * * * *

40 | 2020 OKLAHOMA 4-H ANNUAL REPORT

511,318 (10,026) 501,292

4-H FAST FACTS O K L A H O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y E X T E N S I O N

71,612

SCHOOL AGE Grades K-2: 23.2% Grades 3-5: 26.9% Grades 6-8: 14.9% Grades 9-12: 12.8% Post High School: 1.8% Homeschool/Other: 20.4%

Participants DIVERSITY White: 70.7% Black or African American: 6.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native: 14.9% More than One Race: 7% Asian: 0.9% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.3% Other: 0.1%

RESIDENCE

ETHNICITY Hispanic: 8.6% Non-Hispanic: 91.4%

INVOLVEMENT 45,810 youth participate in STEM programs

Rural Communities: 28% Central Cities: 8.6% Towns/Small Cities: 41.9% Farms: 15.4% Suburban Communities: 6.1%

VOLUNTEERISM 1,981 Adult Volunteers 581 Youth Volunteers

43,356 youth participate in civic engagement programs 22,744 youth participate in healthy living programs

Oklahoma4h

Oklahoma4h

Oklahoma4h

4h.okstate.edu

Oklahoma 4-H Foundation 205 4-H Youth Development Bldg.

Stillwater, OK 74078

Save the Date S av e the Dat e 24th Annual Clover Classic 24th Clover Classic Golf Annual Tournament

Golf Tournament

October 21, 2021

October 21, 2021

New Location: Oak Tree Country Edmond, Oklahoma Oak Tree Country ClubClubEdmond, Oklahoma OKLAHOMA 4-H FOUNDATION