When Kate Wardlaw joined 4-H as a young member, she discovered a place where she could explore her curiosity, develop leadership skills and share her love of learning with others. Nearly a decade later, that journey culminated in her induction into the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame.

Wardlaw, a member of the Heritage 4-H Club in Payne 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.

A 10-year member of 4-H, Wardlaw built a record of achievement in recreation and leisure arts, science and technology, leadership, citizenship and public speaking. She served as a state 4-H Ambassador, state 4-H STEM Innovator, Northeast District representative and state 4-H vice president. She was also selected to serve on the National 4-H Conference Youth Leadership Team.

Wardlaw said she initially thought the news of her Hall of Fame selection wasn’t real when she received a call from Cathleen Taylor, Oklahoma 4-H youth development specialist.

“I had applied two years before and hadn’t gotten it. It was my third year applying, and when Cathleen called, I was ecstatic,” she said. “I’d worked so hard, and it had been a dream for so long. For it to actually happen was truly incredible.”

Wardlaw found success in STEM education throughout her 4-H career, designing and teaching workshops on topics ranging from Morse code and binary bracelets to astronomy, Mars exploration and electricity. As a STEM Innovator, she helped organize and lead the statewide STEM for Y’all event for two consecutive years and represented Oklahoma 4-H at national leadership events, including Ignite and National 4-H Conference.

With all of her accomplishments, Wardlaw said the work she is most proud of was creating Payne County’s first countywide Cloverbud club.

“Through 4-H, I found a love for teaching others, and that really came out in the Cloverbud club,” she said. “I loved watching those kids find a sense of wonder and awe and seeing the curiosity in their eyes. Watching them grow as they start their 4-H careers and instilling in them the love that I have for the program has been incredibly rewarding.”

Community service has also been a defining part of Wardlaw’s 4-H experience. Inspired by her father’s military service, she organized statewide “Red, White and Blue” projects supporting military members overseas and participated in Wreaths Across America. Throughout her 4-H career, she donated more than 22,000 items and logged more than 2,100 volunteer hours.

Summer Leister, Payne County 4-H educator, said Wardlaw’s leadership is defined by her commitment to others.

“Kate is incredibly deserving of the Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame because she exemplifies what it means to be a true 4-H leader,” Leister said. “Throughout her 4-H career, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and a genuine passion for serving others.”

Leister recalled a county event where Wardlaw stepped away from her own activities to help a younger member who was feeling nervous and unsure of themselves.

“Without hesitation, she sat beside them, answered their questions, offered encouragement and helped them build the confidence to participate,” Leister said. “She didn’t do it for recognition. She did it because that’s who she is.”

Outside of 4-H, Wardlaw is a second-degree black belt, accomplished flutist and member of several academic and service organizations. She has performed with concert bands, marching bands and orchestras while also serving as a junior martial arts instructor.

Wardlaw graduated from Stillwater High School and plans to attend OSU to major in early childhood education.

As she reflects on her Hall of Fame recognition, Wardlaw said she hopes her influence will continue through the members she has mentored.

“I don’t necessarily want them to remember me,” she said. “I want them to remember how I helped them, and I want them to continue to help others the way I helped them.”

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.