Oklahoma 4-H’ers were in the fast lane during the 103rd State 4-H Roundup as they raced from workshops to contests to district rallies and more. More than 600 club members and adults were on the Oklahoma State University campus for the biggest 4-H event of the year. This year’s theme was The Fast Lane to Your Future.
“State 4-H Roundup is a little bit like the Daytona 500. We bring our best and brightest to campus and provide them with opportunities to shine,” said Steve Beck, state 4-H program leader. “Some delegates were honored for their achievements over the past year, but the great thing about Roundup is that all those who attend go back to their local clubs with a renewed excitement for all that 4-H has to offer.”
Attending from Washita County were Brance Barnett, Braxton Barnett, Evie Denny, Addisson McKee, Joey Mooney, Heather Raleigh, Abby Sirmon, Kathryn Sirmon, Lylianne Smith, Rowdy Waugh, Larissa Mason, Lori Barnett, Paige Brittain, and Kristy Spalding.
While on campus, delegates participated in educational workshops, contests, dances and other events. Workshop topics covered a range of interests, including leadership, renewable natural resources, technology safety, smartphone photography, diagnosing plant diseases of horticulture crops, native Oklahoma fish anatomy and identification, team building and healthy living, to name a few.
Rowdy Waugh received fourth place in the tractor competition. Rowdy completed a written test, drove and backed up a tractor, as well as found things wrong with the tractor. Evie Denney and Kathryn Sirmon received a blue ribbon for their Heart Pillow Project Team Speech. Abby Sirmon participated in the music competition playing a song on the piano while singing. And, as a 4-H Ambassador, Brance Barnett lead the 4-H Clover Quiz Bowl.
The most exciting event for our county 4-H Members was to see Brance Barnett elected as the 2024-2025 State 4-H Vice President.
Roundup delegates also had opportunities to learn more about the OSU campus through various tours, including the athletics facilities, OSU Student Farm and The Botanic Garden at OSU. Pete’s Pit Stop picnic gave club members a chance to learn more about what OSU offers for higher education. Representatives from the various colleges were on hand to share information regarding what majors are available for prospective students, as well as other college information.
In keeping with a century-old tradition, State 4-H Roundup is a time to not only learn new things and make lifelong friends, but it’s also a time to recognize the hard work and achievements of club members. Record book and scholarship winners were announced at the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Honor Night Assembly for their exceptional 4-H activities, and 4-H’ers were awarded $167,800 in scholarships thanks to the generous donors and supporters of 4-H youth development.
During the Honor’s Night Assembly, Kathryn Sirmon was recognized as Top 3 in Citizenship and Korben Gossen as Top 3 in Agriculture. Brance Barnett was recognized for being in the Blue Group for the State Hall of Fame, as well as received a scholarship and represented as a State 4-H Ambassador.
Delegates took to the polls to elect the new slate of officers for the state leadership team. Serving on the executive team for the 2024-2025 year are Bridger Arrington, Logan County, president; Brance Barnett, Washita County, vice president; Lily Nease, Cotton County, secretary; Keaston Gonzales, Cotton County, reporter; and Megan Mitchell, Tillman County, recreation leader. Northeast District representatives are Jasper McClendon, Mayes County; Kate Sherrill, Pawnee County; and Kate Wardlaw, Payne County. Southeast District representatives are Karson Potter, Oklahoma County; and Ember Duffy and Natalie Hollingshead, both of Pittsburg County. West District representatives are Lillian Roush, Custer County; Joe Sharp, Garfield County; and Jake Vulgamore, Canadian County.
“Our county delegates always have a great time at State 4-H Roundup. The workshops, the contests and meeting new people are highlights that will inspire them to continue their involvement and become even better role models for the younger members,” said Paige Brittain, Ag/4-H Extension Educator.
ABOVE: BACK ROW, L-R: Paige Brittain, Abby Sirmon, Joey Mooney, Brance Barnett, Rowdy Waugh, Kristy Spalding FRONT ROW, L-R: Braxton Barnett, Addisson McKee, Heather Raleigh, Evie Denny, Lylianne Smith, Kathryn Sirmon, and Larissa Mason BELOW: Washita County 4-H’er Brance Barnett, bottom row, second from left, sits with the newly installed State Leadership Team