Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year named

Christina Collins was named the Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer of the Year during the 4-H Parent/Volunteer Leader Conference at Oklahoma State University in June.

Collings was recognized for her leadership skills and dedication to the 4-H program. She was also recognized as the Southeast District and the Pottawatomie County 4-H Volunteer of the Year.

Collins was a member of 4-H herself, and she continued her passion for the program through volunteering. Her 4-H legacy lives on in her children, both involved members of the program.

“I joined 4-H when I was 9 years old and spent 10 years doing all sorts of things in 4-H,” Collins said. “I was interested in sewing, fashions and fabrics, citizenship and leadership. I went on trips to Denver, Nashville and Washington, D.C. When I had kids, it was automatic that they’d be involved in 4-H, too.”

When Collins enrolled her 9-year-old daughter, Emma, in the Dale 4-H Club in Pottawatomie County, Collins decided to sign up as a volunteer. She enrolled her son, Andrew, soon after.

Collins has been involved with Pottawatomie County 4-H events for eight years and after her daughter’s leader stepped down, Collins became a certified volunteer. Her husband, Brad, serves as coleader of the club as well.

“I use the skills I learned in 4-H in both my personal and professional life. It’s a lot of work to juggle family, career and all of our other activities, but it’s worth it,” Collins said. “I know what 4-H does for club members, and I want to stay involved and make these opportunities available to youth.”

Collins emphasizes to club members and nonclub members that 4-H is for everyone. 4-H is not the stereotype people believe it is, it offers so much more.

“No matter what a child’s interests are, there’s a way to plug that into a 4-H project,” she said. “4-H is so much more than showing animals. 4-H offers public speaking, STEM, citizenship and so much more. It truly is a youth organization that teaches kids how to be good citizens and leave the world a better place.”

Dale 4-H Club member Morely Griffith said Collins is an excellent and inspiring leader who meets the needs of her club members.

“She’s consistently inspiring the youth of our community and innovating youth development practices to reach more kids,” Griffith said. “She is a shining example of a volunteer who knows how to guide kids with positive direction and a loving spirit.”

Collins shared that one of her greatest success stories was a club member who was involved, but shy.

“Last year he decided to apply for 4-H camp counselor, so I took him to camp counselor training,” she said. “It has been so fun to see him become so active and involved and truly come out of his shell. I love having a front-row seat and watching these club members grow.”

Kacie Jasper, Pottawatomie County 4-H educator, said Collins does a great job of leading 4-H activities and club members.

“Christina has been instrumental in helping Pottawatomie County 4-H develop programs and initiatives to better serve our community,” Jasper said. “She has a unique ability to connect with youth and their families to create a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her passion is contagious, and she has inspired many youth to reach their full potential.”

For Collins, serving her community is a large task, but every club member she makes an impact on makes her time worthwhile.

“I don’t do this for recognition, but if I stop and think about it, it helps me realize I’m making a difference – and that feels good,” Collins said. news.ed@ocolly.com