Technology Makes State 4-H Roundup A Big Success

State 4-H Roundup has developed many traditions over nearly a century, but this year’s event – a celebration of its 99th anniversary – was anything but traditional.

For years, Oklahoma 4-H’ers have gathered on the Oklahoma State University campus, participated in spirit contests and handson learning opportunities, made new friends and walked across the stage in Gallagher-Iba Arena to collect well-deserved awards. Youth still participated in contests this year, held campaign rallies and were recognized as record book and scholarship winners, but the event was all done virtually, even the Honors Night Assembly on July 22.

Tradition broke in another way as well: Instead of the usual three-day event, Roundup contests and activities took place throughout most of July, which allowed delegates to take part in more events than previous years. Despite the different format this year, Washita County 4-H’er Brance Barnett had a good time.

“I attended several workshops, and entered four contests,” said Barnett. “I’ve never attended Roundup before, so I was so excited to get to experience so many things because of this year’s format.”

Gallagher-Iba Arena on the OSU campus typically is a rowdy venue as 4-H’ers take part in the Honors Night Assembly, the culmination of Roundup. This year the site was silent as club members participated from their home counties. However, their achievements were still recognized.

Burns Flat-Dill City High School Senior, Jordan Mason, was a top-3 finalist in the Leadership award category. She also was acknowledged for her effort as a State 4-H Ambassador. Madison Church, Canute 4-H, was recognized as a top-3 finalist in the Goat division. Brance Barnett, Burns Flat-Dill City 4-H, was awarded the top honor in the state for the All Other Projects – Agriculture and Natural Resources division and received a Mar S. 203 $1,200 college scholarship. Cordell, Oklahom 580-832-53 The scholarship was sponsored by the Oklahoma Vegetation Management Association and Dr. Gary & Becky Stone.

Mason and Barnett entered the Roundup Communications Contest. Barnett won first in Graphic Arts (corn hole flyer and hydroponics electronic slide document). Mason won first with her speech over famous person Temple Zonelle Page 2 Grandin. Barnett also entered 4-H has Talent with his card tricks. He didn’t get the popular vote, but it was still fun. He also was on the state winning Cloverbowl Team with Pushmataha County, was top individual in the Family Consumer Science Skillathon and was the 6th place winner in the Natural Resources contest.

Washita County 4-H Extension Educator, Dana Church said, “I am extremely proud of Washita County’s three State 4-H Roundup standouts.” Dana said there is a lot of hard work and years of planning and recordkeeping for 4-Hers to be recognized at this level. When asked about the future of Washita County 4-H, Church allows that the older members set the benchmark in the program.

“Thank you to Jordan for her leadership and character shown throughout her 4-H career,” Church said. “We will miss her and her smile, but her example will have lasting effects on our program because she has set the benchmark high.”