Hughes County 4-H alumni Jack and Beverly Chapman have deep roots in Oklahoma 4-H.
In 4-H, Jack’s main project area was swine, and Beverly participated in public speaking and clothing projects.
Into adulthood, the couple remained connected to 4-H. Beverly became a Hughes County 4-H leader in 1974 and spent 32 years molding her 4-H’ers into well-rounded individuals.
During her time as a 4-H leader, she led 4-H’ers on countless local, state and national trips. She also supported 4-H’ers at livestock shows, speech contests, fairs, judging contests and leadership conferences.
Through her leadership, she mentored several 4-H’ers as they obtained county, district and state leadership roles of their own.
“I still care for them,” Beverly said. “I even get Christmas cards from 4-H’ers who weren’t even in my club who I've met throughout the years.”
Beverly’s dedication to her 4-H’ers led her to be named the Hughes County 4-H Leader of the Year several times and the State 4-H Leader of the Year in 1998. Additionally, Beverly has received the Hughes County Partner in 4-H and the State 4-H Alumni awards in honor of her continued support.
The skill-building experiences and positive impact 4-H had in Jack and Beverly’s lives transitioned to their daughters Ronda McKown and Kristi Harvey. As soon as the girls were old enough, Beverly said she enrolled them in 4-H where they achieved successful 4-H careers of their own.
Both Ronda and Kristi were active in a variety of 4-H projects, including livestock, clothing, leadership, citizenship, agriculture and public speaking.
They were state project scholarship winners, Key Club and Blue Award Group members, and they were delegates to National 4-H Congress, the American Royal and 4-H Roundup.
Today, Jack and Beverly remain actively involved in Oklahoma 4-H. As charter members of the Circle of Champions, they have continued to provide monetary support and assistance to Foundation programs. Ronda and Kristi also are 4-H donors.
“Jack and Beverly Chapman are the epitome of what we look for in 4-H supporters,” said Jim Rutledge, former executive director for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. “Even after they raised two outstanding 4-H’ers, they continued to give back to the program at the county and state level.”
Through their family’s farming operation, Chapman Farms, The Chapmans also sponsor the Veterinary Science scholarship. Beverly said she and Jack will continue their involvement with the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation for as long as they can.
Photo provided by Jack and Beverly Chapman
Published 2016