4-H’ers Converge On State Capitol

STILLWATER, Okla. – For the first time since 2019, the halls of the Oklahoma State Capitol were filled green on April 12 as more than 100 4-H’ers from across the state, as well as Langston University, took part in the 23rd annual State 4-H Day at the Capitol.

“It was such an amazing day for our youth to have this opportunity to meet with our state legislators,” said Steve Beck, state 4-H program leader for the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program. “I think our club members and our state senators and representatives appreciate this opportunity to come together and learn from one another. The kids got to tell their 4-H story and the state leaders were able to share about the legislative process.”

Representing Cotton County at the State Capitol were Kynleigh Henson & Dylan Simon.

“I learned a lot about how our government works and that our legislators are interested in what today’s youth are doing,” Henson said. “It was fun to have lunch with the legislators representing my district and be able to share the positive impact 4-H has in my community. I’m glad I had the opportunity to participate in this learning experience.”

The group visited both the House and Senate Chambers and had an opportunity for a photo with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur.

“It’s important for you to engage in civic activities because your voice can make a difference,” Pinnell said. “The opportunities are there through 4-H for you to continue to build your leadership skills.”

An active 4-H’er throughout his youth in Logan County, Rep. John Pfeiffer said it’s a great opportunity for both 4-H’ers and legislators to take part in 4-H Day at the Capitol.

“They’re able to teach us about 4-H, which is beneficial because not all of our legislators were as fortunate as I was to be involved in 4-H growing up,” Pfeiffer said. “I hope these club members learn that their senators and representatives are here for them.”

Rep. Jadine Nollan said it was an educational learning experience for the state’s leaders.

“I got a better understanding of how bright, talented and confident today’s youth are. We were able to share important information with each other,” Nollan said. “It’s reassurance that our state will be in good hands in the future.”

A proclamation declaring April 12 as 4-H Day at the Capitol was read in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Elizabeth Chambers, state 4-H president, and Makayla Gilbert, Langston 4-H’er, addressed Oklahoma’s senators on the Senate floor.

“It was great being back in the State Capitol so our club members could have this handson learning opportunity, as well as to show our state leaders the wonderful things our youth are doing in all 77 counties across the state,” said Cathleen Taylor, state leadership and civic engagement specialist with the state 4-H office at Oklahoma State University.

For more information about 4-H, contact your OSU Extension county office.