Passion and partnership proved to be the winning combination for both Sierra 4-H and Oakdale High School as each were named recipients of the Stanislaus County Fair John Thurman Award this summer.
The Thurman award is presented to the 4-H Club and FFA Chapter representing the most diversity of projects within their program. The five components include: Chapter Group, Showmanship, Clean Barn, Still Exhibits and Outstanding Exhibitor.
“We had a group last year. We’ve had a group every year,” OHS Ag Leader and teacher Isaac Robles shared. “One thing that we did, that a lot of people didn’t realize was when everything got shut down and every one was at home, we weren’t at home. We were out at the school farm.”
Maintaining involvement with the kids during the pandemic proved to be a piece of the winning recipe for Sierra 4-H as well.
“It was a struggle, but as a whole we never stopped,” Sierra 4-H Leader Gina Bruederle shared. She and husband Cavan have been active with the club for 19 years. Close to 14 of those years they’ve served as leaders.
“We’re here to help the kids,” Bruederle continued of their commitment to stay connected to the kids the first year of the pandemic. “We kept our meetings going and we did what we could do”
The success of the two groups can indeed be largely attributed to the dedication and commitment from the adult leaders of both Oakdale winners. It has been reported that many areas limited their involvement or simply stopped altogether during the pandemic. Options which clearly weren’t entertained by these two groups.
“A lot of schools did nothing,” Robles confirmed. “We had just as many kids last year as we’ve had in the past. It’s been good for us because our numbers are strong. Our kids have been really successful and other programs you see the damage it did.”
Bruederle echoed Robles’ sentiments sharing the commitment by their kids ranging in age from six to 19. Some of them continue to participate in Sierra 4-H as well as in the OHS FFA.
“We get a lot of 4-H kids and it’s nice because they get it. There might be less parent involvement at this level, which is a good thing. We want those kids to grow up and mature,” Robles said. “A lot of the time those 4-H kids are our easiest to work with because we don’t have to put so much into them. A lot of times, I get out of their way.”
The Sierra 4-H Leader agreed, noting that often times they work together supporting the kids, as well as educating them. A partnership which is clearly effective as both groups have won the Thurman on multiple occasions prior to this year. OHS FFA took over 200 students to fair this year, while Sierra 4-H took 55 exhibitors.
“The program would not run if it wasn’t for having good parents, good kids and no drama. We’re very family based,” Bruederle said. “We wouldn’t still be doing what we’re doing if we did not enjoy and love what we do. It’s just having good people; I just can’t stress that enough.”
Robles said a strong work ethic and a love for the program has helped contribute to Oakdale’s FFA successes during his tenure.
“As a staff the four of us have put our butts in gear,” Robles said of the OHS Ag Department team. “We’ve done all we can to make these kids successful as a team, as the four of us. That hasn’t happened for a long time.”
Robles continued to state he feels Oakdale has always had great kids, yet not always a great ag department. The current success he attributes to the leadership of the staff, as well as its support.
“Really the willingness to let us, as four people run the program, that has been the biggest thing,” Robles said of the administration. “Our administration up to this point has been very good and not standing in our way. Not micromanaging the program.”
As for the win, both groups were proud of the accomplishment, as well as excited.
“It felt good just to have some sort of victory again. It felt good this year. It was good. The kids had a lot of pride and a lot of excitement,” Robles stated.
“The kids were ecstatic,” Bruederle added of the 4-H club. “They ran up there and got the trophy I think before the bigger kids could. They were overjoyed. It’s cute to see them because they haven’t had that experience in a few years.”
