Oakman honored as outstanding 4-H agriculture volunteer
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EmailAngela Oakman of Washtenaw County was among five Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored in 2024.
Angela Oakman of Washtenaw County was among five Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recipients honored on Sept. 21 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration. The event was hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation in East Lansing.
The award recognizes the outstanding youth education and leadership development achievements of Michigan 4-H volunteers in the beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science project areas. Honorees receive $1,000 grants they can use for training, to buy supplies or curriculum, or to enhance local or statewide programming.
Oakman has already made a big impression on the Washtenaw County 4-H program in the five years she has been volunteering. As a volunteer for the Hooves and Paws 4-H Club, Oakman empowers club members to run meetings, organize clinics and workshops, and develop community service opportunities. While she is always available to provide support or offer sound advice, Oakman ensures that 4-H’ers take true ownership of the club and its decisions, giving them a real sense of value and of their abilities while building their self-esteem.
“My heart is happiest when I can help kids find their voice and advocate for themselves, learn more deeply about animals they love and cherish, and find a sense of community and trust in the people around them,” said Oakman.
Oakman’s can-do, positive attitude and commitment to service have led the club members to develop a remarkable commitment to community service. Members have volunteered and raised money for Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor, Starry Skies Equine Rescue in Ann Arbor, Gleaner’s Food Bank in Detroit, Trinity Church food distribution in Ann Arbor, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals, and the Ann Arbor Area Humane Society. Thanks to Oakman’s leadership, members enjoy the experience, learning the power of teamwork and the joy of helping others.
Outside her community club, Oakman has also served as the Washtenaw County hippology coach for the past three years. In this role, she hosts weekly study sessions in her home, brings in equine professionals to teach and work with the team, and continually promotes and recruits new members. Oakman’s club members and teams have done well, some even qualifying for national competitions. She also donates countless hours at the Washtenaw County 4-H Fair, working in the announcer’s box and with the county horse board.
The other 2024 recipients of the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Awards are Donna Budd of Wayne County, Rick Gould and Kevin Yeager of St. Joseph County, Charity Hackett of Berrien County and Mandy Rogers of Washtenaw County. The award is supported by an endowment with the Michigan 4-H Foundation that was established by Michigan Farm Bureau. To learn more about the 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award and awardees visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/4-h-emerald-awards/michigan-farm-bureau-4-h-excellence-in-agriculture-award/.
Other honorees recognized at the 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the Michigan 4-H Citation Award, inductees into the 2024 class of the 4-H Emerald Clover Society, volunteers awarded the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers, winners of the MSU 4-H Scholarship, and retiring 4-H staff.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development. For more information about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org. Michigan 4-H Youth Development is the youth-serving program of MSU Extension. Nearly 135,000 youth are involved in 4-H with the support of 8,000 adult volunteers. For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit www.4h.msue.msu.edu.
