What began as an idea to share art supplies with children during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a nationwide service project impacting thousands of lives. That passion for creativity, service and leadership has earned Dani McTague a place in the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame.

McTague, a member of the Metro-North 4-H Club in Oklahoma County, was honored during the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Honor Night assembly at the 105th State 4-H Roundup at Oklahoma State University. As a Hall of Fame inductee, she received a $7,500 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma.

Since joining 4-H as a Cloverbud, McTague has built a reputation as a leader and advocate for youth service. Her signature project, Dani’s Dream – Sharing the Love of Art, began during school closures in 2020.

“I started Dani’s Dream when I was 10 years old during COVID,” McTague said. “I realized not everybody had access to art supplies because schools were closed. I created a Facebook page and a project video explaining what I wanted to do, and donations started arriving from across the country.”

Since then, the project has expanded far beyond its original goal. McTague has distributed more than 3,700 art bags filled with creative supplies to children, hospital patients, seniors, veterans and others in need. Through grants, donations and community partnerships, the project has generated more than $30,000 in support.

“When I teach workshops, I get to see kids’ faces light up after they make a fun art project,” she said. “I really love doing that.”

McTague’s leadership extends beyond her signature project. She has served as a state 4-H Ambassador since age 13. She also serves on the State 4-H Leadership Council and has led more than 125 workshops across Oklahoma. Her efforts have earned numerous state and national honors, including the National 4-H Lead to Change Grant, the Prudential Spirit of Community Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the bronze level.

She said learning she had been selected for the Hall of Fame came as a surprise during a family vacation after receiving a call from Cathleen Taylor, Oklahoma 4-H youth development specialist.

“I was at the airport on my way to Hawaii, and I was on a plane when Cathleen called me,” McTague said. “When I got off, I had all these notifications. I called her back, and I was with all my family. It was really exciting because it’s been a goal of mine since seventh grade.”

Cody Yount, Oklahoma County 4-H educator, said McTague has distinguished herself for the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame through her work ethic and determination.

“It’s hard to just pinpoint it to one thing,” Yount said. “This is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, perseverance and her drive. That’s what has set her apart.”

Yount said McTague’s attention to detail and self-motivation have made her someone educators can always count on.

“She is always way ahead of schedule,” he said. “She’s checking in on deadlines herself. She’s always making sure everything is in tip-top shape and ready to go.”

Serena Woodard, Oklahoma County 4-H educator, said one of McTague’s greatest strengths is her willingness to help others succeed.

“One thing I really appreciate about Dani is that she has become a mentor for our younger leaders,” Woodard said. “We had an 11-year-old member who wanted to start his own service project, and Dani stepped into a mentor role and helped guide him through planning and carrying it out.”

Through her service projects, workshops and outreach efforts, McTague has impacted more than 135,000 people and logged more than 5,500 volunteer hours. She said one of her remaining goals is to help young 4-H’ers turn their service ideas into reality.

“I hope that I can be a mentor to younger 4-H’ers so they can start their own service projects and make an impact on their communities,” McTague said.

McTague plans to continue expanding Dani’s Dream and serving Oklahoma 4-H during her senior year. After graduation, she intends to major in biology at OSU with the goal of becoming a dermatologist.

The Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program provides experiential and hands-on learning opportunities to help youth learn valuable life skills they need to become leaders within their clubs, communities, state and world. Most programming is available at little to no cost. 4-H membership is open to youth in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, where OSU Extension educators are equipped with research-based information to help all residents solve local issues, promote leadership and manage resources.