State 4-H Roundup always is an exciting time on the Oklahoma State University campus. This year’s celebration that took place July 28-30 was especially exciting as the delegates were part of the 100th Roundup.
Steve Beck, Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program leader, said it was great to have everyone back on the OSU campus this year and reported about 550 total participants.
“We were very excited to have the kids back on campus this year. Last year we did a virtual State 4-H Roundup because of the pandemic, and it was a great experience, but there’s nothing like being face to face on campus,” Beck said. “We allowed the kids a lot of time to socialize and reconnect with their friends from other counties.”
Serving as delegates from Washita County were Teia Lund, Rocky 4-H and Brance Barnett, Burn Flat-Dill City 4-H.
While most activities did take place on campus, the educational workshops and contests were virtual again this year. Lund placed 1st with her photography entry and Barnett placed 2nd with his digital presentation and 1st in job readiness.
Club members were awarded $140,000 worth of educational scholarships during the Honor Night Assembly when they were recognized as state record book winners and scholarship recipients.
Barnett, of Dill City, was named the state record book winner in the advanced fabrics and fashions project and was presented with a $1,200 educational scholarship sponsored by the Wilma Wendt Pattillo Endowment.
He has been an active 4-H’er for five years, he also participates in the leadership and agriculture projects. One of his favorite activities has been leading a workshop at Septemberfest where more than 200 youth made leather bookmarks. He also enjoys serving as a counselor at 4-H camp and volunteering at In His Hands food pantry, a community outreach through his church.
In addition, Barnett has led nearly 30 presentations and workshops that have reached more than 2,150 youth and adults. He said being a member of 4-H has had a positive influence on his life.
“I’ve learned about problem solving and that you first must recognize a problem before you can find a solution,” he said. “Also, 4-H inspires me to go out into the community and be a better example to others and be a stronger leader.”
Barnett also had an exciting closing Roundup Assembly when he was announced as a West District Representative to the 2021-2022 State 4-H Leadership Council. Other officers announced were Elizabeth Chambers, president, Osage County; Carolyn Greenfield, vice president, Payne County; Olivia Napier, secretary, Pushmataha County; Madison Nickels, reporter, Garfield County; Madelyn Murphy, recreation leader, Osage County; Colton Tripp, Northeast District representative, Kay County; Abby Logan, Northeast District representative, Payne County; Makayla Hunt, Northeast District representative, Lincoln County; Jenessa Dugger, Southeast District representative, Pittsburg County; Haven Hinton, Southeast District representative, Johnston County; Emma Taylor, West District representative, Grant County; Summer Prince, West District representative, Garfield County; and Murphy Peterson, Southeast District representative, Pittsburg County.