Technology helps make 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 hands-on 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 July 22.

“I want to hand it to our Roundup committee of state specialists, county educators and 4-H youth who all worked hard to come up with ways to create a fun and engaging environment where youth could learn, compete, demonstrate leadership and build friendships,” said Steve Beck, state 4-H program leader for OSU Extension. “I have been very impressed with their ingenuity and determination.”

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.

Allie Powers and Zachary Wagner both participated in Oklahoma 4-H’s Next Top Chef Virtual Video Contest. Keaston Gonzalez and Zachary Wagner competed in the ATV Knowledge Test. Dylan Simon and Allie Powers submitted 4 photos for the Photography Communication Contest and then Zoomed with judges to discuss their photography. Dylan placed 3rd in the Landscape Division and Allie won her division with 4 photos of People, Animal, Plant and Scenery.

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, leading up to the highlight of the event: the announcement of two inductees into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame.

Zachary Wagner of Walters was selected to represent Cotton County 4-H at the 2020 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. Zachary, along with Walters 4-H’er Dylan Simon, Allie Powers and Hailey Franklin were also inducted into the Oklahoma 4-H Key Club which is Oklahoma 4-H’s Honor Society.

Allie Powers won her project area of Photography with a $1,200 scholarship. Zachary Wagner received a $1,200 scholarship for his work in Soil Health. Dylan Simon, Photography; Kynleigh Henson, Beef & Veterinary Science; and Pixley Harden, Swine; were all recognized for being top 3 in the state for their project area.

Cotton County 4-H had two 4-H’ers in the Blue Award Group for State 4-H Hall of Fame. The Blue Award Group consists of the Top 20 4-H’ers in the State of Oklahoma. Those representing Cotton County were Allie Powers and Zachary Wagner.

The Change for Change campaign, which benefits the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Foundation, raised $15,509.78, although activities that normally raise money were canceled in the last four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth also collected more than 1,300 pounds of pop tabs, which netted $607.62 for a donation to the Ronald McDonald House.

Jeff Sallee, professor with the Oklahoma 4-H STEM program in the State 4-H Office, said this year’s State 4-H Roundup definitely has been a learning experience.

“We’re excited to have been able to offer the 99th State 4-H Roundup online, but we do understand the disappointment of not being able to meet in person,” Sallee said. “However, this experience has proven to be a learning opportunity about how we can incorporate emerging technologies into a 100-yearold program.”

Beck said this year’s Roundup was a great event and everyone is looking forward to celebrating the centennial Roundup next year. The event formally concluded early July 23.

“While we fully plan to participate in person next year, we’ve learned a lot and probably will keep some aspects in a blended virtual/face-to-face environment,” Beck said.

If you would like to know more information about 4-H Programing, please contact Kimbreley Davis at the Cotton County OSU Extension Office at 580-875-3136.

Oklahoma State Univer-sity, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078- 1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies. Any person who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.