4-H Youth Development

The culmination of the closing assembly at State 4-H Roundup each year is the announcement of the new state leadership council. Fourteen motivated and excited club members took their place on stage as their name was called – ready to take on the leadership roles for which the 4-H Roundup delegates cast their votes.

 

Cathleen Taylor, state leadership and civic engagement specialist with the state 4-H office at Oklahoma State University, said each new officer team meets shortly after State 4-H Roundup to develop their plan of action for the year.

 

“The officer team sets goals for our service projects early in their officer tenure,” Taylor said. “The team meets quarterly, and this year they decided they wanted an educational component to each meeting. We’ll be doing a lesson that the officers can take back to their 4-H clubs in their counties.”

 

This year, the team wants to increase donations for Change for Change. Oklahoma 4-H’ers have raised nearly $170,000 and donated to the Children’s Health Foundation. The officer team set a goal of $21,000 this year. The donations help bring researchers and doctors to treat Oklahoma youth, so families don’t have to leave the state to seek specialized treatment.

 

The leadership team will continue the Pull for Kids service project that raises funds for the Ronald McDonald Charities of Oklahoma. This year’s goal is 4,444 pounds of pull tabs.

 

Taylor said she challenges each officer to set their personal goals along with the state goals.

 

“This is important because the skills they learn as they set goals and put their plan into action will carry over into all aspects of their lives,” she said. “They’ll use these skills in high school, college, trade school and whatever professional career they choose.”

 

In addition to the state service projects, the leadership council is also a driving force behind the 2026 State 4-H Roundup planning.

 

“This officer team has participated in Roundup for several years, but as an officer, they get to see the other side of Roundup – the side that plans workshops and works out all of the details that make each Roundup a success,” Taylor said. “They’re working on strategies now that will help increase participation in Roundup next year.”

 

Kate Sherrill, Pawnee County, was elected to serve as the 2025-2026 president of the leadership council. She said she’s enjoying getting to know her fellow officers better and traveling the state while representing 4-H.

 

Taylor reminds the leadership team that they are role models for all 4-H’ers in Oklahoma and beyond, and Sherrill has some advice for younger 4-H’ers who hope to become state officers down the road.

 

“Don’t be scared to run for office. Even if you don’t get elected, you’ll meet some of the most amazing people,” Sherrill said. “Take every opportunity you possibly can, because with those opportunities you’ll make some of the greatest memories. Oklahoma 4-H has truly shaped me into the person I am today. I would still be a timid girl who didn’t want to take a chance, but now I want to be involved in as much as I possibly can.”

 

Sherrill also said the officer team hopes to visit all 77 counties throughout their year as state officers.

 

Taylor said in addition to working hard to plan events, community service projects and serve as role models, the officer team has opportunities to meet many new people.

 

“These youth are the face of Oklahoma 4-H, and that comes with opportunities not afforded to everyone,” Taylor said. “Just recently, some team members met with Brook Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come along every day. Plus, they’re interacting with business leaders on behalf of 4-H to help spread the word on the positive impact 4-H has on its members and communities across the state.”

 

While this officer team may still be getting their bearings as leaders, they’re off to a great start to help ensure all 4-H’ers across the state continue to make the best better.