On Thursday, Nov. 7, Okmulgee County 4-H held its annual banquet at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds, celebrating a year of accomplishments, leadership and community impact. Sponsored by Okmulgee Farm Bureau, MCN Ag Youth Development and Oklahoma Ag Credit, the event highlighted the dedication and hard work of 4-H members, leaders and supporters.

The banquet was hosted by the 2023-24 Okmulgee County 4-H Officers: President Madelyn Amador, Vice President Maggie Amador and Secretary Jake Cox. Attendees included Interim County Educational Director Brenda Miller and Jill Gibbons. The evening’s meal, prepared by the ladies of the Dripping Springs OHCE club, featured meats provided by Looped Squared Meats.

— Recognizing Excellence

Highlights of the evening included the presentation of numerous awards. Mrs. Lynda Shoemake awarded the prestigious Annual Shoemake Award to 2024 recipient Avery Smith.

Record Book Awards were presented to several outstanding 4-H members, including: Record Book Awards

• Ryan Show – Okmulgee 4-H

• Cooper Snow – Okmulgee 4-H

• Kyle Snow – Okmulgee 4-H

• Natalie Norem – Preston 4-H

• Dane Bonebrake – Twin Hills 4-H

• Gabe Bonebrake – Twin Hills 4-H

• JJ Bonebrake – Twin Hills 4-H

• Evie Bonebrake – Twin Hills 4-H

• Jake Cox – Twin Hills 4-H

• Michael Gryder – Wilson 4-H

• Markee Gryder – Wilson 4-H — Leader & Community Appreciation

The evening also recognized leaders and commu- 4-H

nity members who played pivotal roles in supporting 4-H initiatives: Leader Appreciation

• Tricia and Tim Buttram – Beggs 4-H

• Sheri Roberts – Beggs Cloverbuds

• Leslie Lewis

• Bobbie Bonebrake – Twin Hills

• Julie Norem – Preston

• Lorena Ballard – Preston Cloverbuds

• Billy Haltom – 4-H Archery

• Corley Snow – Okmulgee

• Brooklyn Cowan – Dewar

• Brooke Smith – Henryetta

• Brandon & Sammijo Gryder – Wilson — Special Appreciation

• Valerie Nauman

• Muriel Siegenthaler

• Jill Whitelock

• Ellen Schmeder

• Lorena Ballard

• Nancy McChesney

• Daniel Neely

• Cade Furer

• Okmulgee Master Gardeners

• Chris Azbell — Friends of 4-H

• Dr. Teresa Pinkston

• Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge — Honorary 4-H Member • Mrs. Lynda Shoemake — State & County Recognition

Brooklyn Cowan of Dewar and Billy Haltom of Okmulgee Archery 4-H received special recognition for their contributions, including Cowan’s nomination for State 4-H Leader of the Year and Haltom’s OSU Partner in 4-H Award. Madelyn and Maggie Amador of Preston 4-H were honored with the State Key Club award and received the first-ever Olive Branch Aquaponics Speech Award for their dedication to public speaking.

Preston 4-H was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award from the Okmulgee County Conservation District. Cash Stotler of Dewar 4-H earned special recognition for community service and his contributions to creating the OSU Okmulgee County sign holder.

— Outstanding Senior & New Officers

Jake Cox of Twin Hills 4-H was named the 2024 Outstanding 4-H Senior. The newly elected 20242025 officers include:

• Co-Presidents: Michael Gryder (Wilson) & Natalie Norem (Preston)

• Secretary: Cash Stotler (Dewar)

• Jr. Officer: Evie Oaks (Dewar)

• Co-Reporters: Aidyn Diamond & Eddie Taylor (Preston)

• Recreation Officer: Kaitlyn Alexander (Preston)

• Project Teen Leaders: Tucker King, Barron King & Lou Hicks (Beggs) — A Grateful Community

The Okmulgee County 4-H extended heartfelt thanks to the Okmulgee County Fair Board members and the OHCE for their unwavering support. “It takes a village to build a strong 4-H, and we are so grateful for our village!” they said.

The annual banquet served as a reminder of the vital role 4-H plays in shaping future leaders and fostering a spirit of community involvement across Okmulgee County.