Quintero takes top honor at State 4-H Roundup
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
When Conner Quintero joined the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program eight years ago, he knew he had big shoes to fill. His mom and uncle both had successful 4-H careers in their youth, culminating with induction into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame.
Quintero, a Payne County Livestock Club member, fulfilled his family’s legacy when he was recognized as a new Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame member at the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Honor Night Assembly during the 103rd State 4-H Roundup at Oklahoma State University. As a 4-H Hall of Fame inductee, Quintero received a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma. He was also selected for the Blue Award Group and 4-H Key Club.
Public speaking is one aspect of 4-H that Quintero said has had a positive effect in all areas of his life, and a speech he gave in fourth grade remains one of many highlights of his 4-H career.
“Public speaking has always been important to me, not just in 4-H, but with other activities I do,” he said. “I remember that speech focused on having a positive attitude, which helped get my message across. I was nervous during that speech, but that moment made me a better public speaker to this day.”
Community service is a cornerstone of the 4-H Youth Development program and Quintero takes that to heart. He began his community service work early in his 4-H career with 4R-Kids, a nonprofit organization in Enid, Oklahoma, that works with youth and adults with special needs. He began as an assistant by leading crafts and other activities but for the past four years has taken the lead in planning entire days of summer camp, including crafts, activities and snacks.
“As an athlete, I know the importance of fitness and healthy snacking, so I wanted to incorporate that into the agenda for each day of camp,” he said. “I also help at the monthly Sensory Friendly Play events for children with special needs. I lead them in different stretching activities, fitness games and dancing. I’ve learned that volunteering with kids and adults with special needs not only helps them be included and treated the same as everyone else, but it also puts a smile on my face, knowing that I can make a big difference in their lives.”
Summer Leister, OSU Extension 4-H educator in Payne County, said Quintero demonstrates the qualities of a Hall of Fame inductee and has a passion for helping others.
“Conner always goes above and beyond, no matter the situation, and handles any leadership role like a professional,” Leister said. “He maintains a positive attitude and exudes confidence, inspiring others wherever he goes. As an active athlete, he seamlessly integrates the lessons learned in 4-H into his sports endeavors, using his leadership skills to guide his team to success. His leadership both on and off the field makes him an exceptional role model.”
With his interest in health and fitness, Quintero started the 4-H FUN Club. FUN stands for Fitness, U (personal development) and Nutrition. He presents monthly fitness activities tied to lessons in personal development and ends each meeting with a healthy snack.
“Leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about physical health. Mental health challenges in youth and young adults are real,” Quintero said. “I was honored to be asked to serve on the national panel developing the Positive Youth Development Virtual Academy on Youth Mental Health and discuss how 4-H can better support the needs of our mental health.”
Quintero continues to hone his skills by serving in various leadership roles, including State 4-H Ambassador, West District officer and a multitude of local and county positions.
He was named the state record book winner in the citizenship project in 2023, and in 2022 was recognized as the State Moran Kidizenship Award winner by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. Other accolades include state 4-H communications contest winner, the Catalyst for Change award, the Danforth “I Dare You” award and "Enid News and Eagle" Outstanding 4-H’er recipient.
“I’m a firm believer that it takes a village to accomplish great things. My parents; my grandma, Cindy Conner; and Jim Rhodes, West District 4-H program specialist, have all been by my side throughout my 4-H career,” Quintero said. “They’ve helped me accomplish my goals no matter what it took.”
He is the son of Josh and Missy Quintero and will be a junior at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City this fall.