Sara Deakin is a third-year student studying community leadership with a specialization in community and extension education. She is from Columbus, Ohio – Franklin County, where she was an active member of the K-9 Wonderdogs and Fantastic Futures 4-H Club for 7 years.

During your time in 4-H, what projects did you complete?

Dog project, veterinary science, shooting sports, market hogs, market goat, market rabbit, and beef feeder. I learned how to take care of many different animals along with public speaking skills, and leadership skills.

Why did you turn Green & White into Scarlet & Gray?

4-H is the reason I am studying extension education and I hope to one day be an Ohio 4-H extension educator.

Jasmine Mabry is a second-year agriscience education student from Camden, Ohio – Preble County, where she was an active member of the Just Horsin’ Around 4-H Club for 10 years. 

During your time in 4-H, what projects did you complete?

I completed several different projects and learned many valuable life skills. Through my horse project, I learned the value of patience, determination, and independence. Through my goat project – the importance of hard work and persistence. With my various miscellaneous projects, I learned many new skills that are applicable to adulthood.

Why did you turn Green & White into Scarlet & Gray?

4-H is what began my passion for agriculture. It is what fueled my love for serving others and inspired me to go the distance. I am pursuing a career as an educator because my 4-H advisors, senior fair board members, and extension educator all inspired me with their willingness to help students be successful in all aspects of life.

DaVonti’ Haynes is a Ph.D. student studying agricultural communication, education, and leadership with a focus in community and extension education. 

He is from Cleveland, Ohio – Cuyahoga County, where he was an active member of the Youth Advisory Committee of Cuyahoga County.

During your time in 4-H, what projects did you complete?

All of our projects were related to leadership and service; such as the Cuyahoga County Annual Youth Summit. My involvement with 4-H was really the prelude to me discovering my passion of advocating for, empowering, and uplifting others and communities. 

What did you learn through your involvement in 4-H?

4-H helped prepare me for my academic and professional career in ways that I could not have expected. It instilled in me a love for giving back and servant leadership and helped equip me for success after high school by providing me with the necessary supports, environment, and network of friends, educators, and mentors to grow. 4-H introduced me to life-long leadership skills such as resilience, facilitation, communication, and advocacy, among many others. The experiences, skills, and knowledge that I gained during my time in Cuyahoga County 4-H have (and will continue to) directly contribute to my personal, professional, and academic growth and success.

Emma Newell is a fourth-year studying agricultural communication at Ohio State. She is from Pickerington, Ohio – Fairfield County, where she was an active member of the Unleashed 4-H Club for 11 years and has served as an advisor for 3 years. 

During your time in 4-H, what projects did you complete?

Dogs, Alpacas, Pigs, Chickens, various Leadership projects, numerous Community Service projects, PetPALS (certified therapy animals visiting those in need). I also served on the following leadership boards: Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council, Ohio 4-H Foundation Board, National 4-H Young Alumni Advisory Committee, Fairfield County Junior Leaders, Fairfield County Junior Fair Board, National 4-H Conference (Roundtable Facilitator)  

Why did you turn Green & White into Scarlet & Gray?

I always knew I would one day turn from a clover into a Buckeye. The active participation of the college within the youth development program solidified my desire to attend The Ohio State University at a very young age. I grew up admiring the professors and learning from them at workshops and sessions. There is always more to learn and people within this network who are willing to share their knowledge.

Lindsey Okuley is a first-year studying agricultural communication at Ohio State. She is from Wapakoneta, Ohio – Auglaize County, where she was an active member of the Fryburg Happy Farmers 4-H Club for 7 years. 

During your time in 4-H, what projects did you complete?

I completed various poultry projects and was also a member of the junior fair board. 

What did you learn through your involvement in 4-H?

I learned the value of responsibility, how to lose, and how to effectively work to solve issues as a team member and leader.

Why did you turn Green & White into Scarlet & Gray?

4-H helped flame the fire of the love I had for agriculture. It helped guide me to Ohio State and CFAES due to connections I made through my show days and experiences unique to 4-H through OSU.