4-H students converge on State Capitol
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 students 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 LeFlore County at the State Capitol were Hannah Reed and Zoey Chaplin. They met with District 3 State Rep. Rick West in his Capitol offices. West was the recipient of the LeFlore County 4-H “Friend of 4-H” award at the yearly awards ceremony in 2021.
The group visited both the House and Senate chambers and had an opportunity for a photograph 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.”
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 student, addressed Oklahoma’s senators on the Senate floor.
“It was great being back in the State Capitol so our club members could have this hands-on 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.
Editor’s Note: Look for a story about OSU Extension Office Agriculture/4-H Educator Liana Jones’ visit to the Poteau Kiwanis Club in a later edition.