When Rachel Gronwald introduced crochet to a group of students at Buffalo Ridge Academy, a local nonprofit after-school program she helped establish, she never expected one fifth-grade boy to become captivated by the craft. As he developed new skills and earned awards for his work, Gronwald witnessed firsthand the confidence and sense of purpose 4-H can inspire in young people.

Gronwald, of Pittsburg County, was named the Oklahoma 4-H Volunteer of the Year during the Oklahoma Conference on Volunteerism at Oklahoma State University. She was also recognized as the Southeast District 4-H Volunteer of the Year. The awards honor volunteers with fewer than 10 years of service to Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development.

Although she never participated in 4-H as a youth, Gronwald has become one of the program’s strongest advocates. After becoming a certified volunteer in 2022 to learn alongside her three children, she launched the Pittsburg County Pioneers 4-H Club in 2024 and quickly immersed herself in helping young people discover opportunities through 4-H.

“I have few regrets in my life, but not joining 4-H when I was younger is one of them,” Gronwald said. “Although I missed out on 4-H growing up, my biggest motivator is making sure my own children and their friends do not have the same story.”

Gronwald said she became convinced of the value of 4-H as she learned more about the organization and the opportunities it provides for youth.

“The more I learn about 4-H, the more ‘in’ I am — hook, line and sinker,” she said. “I believe wholeheartedly that 4-H is the best youth organization.”

In just a few years, Gronwald has made a significant impact on the Pittsburg County 4-H program. She chartered the Pioneers 4-H Club and grew its membership to more than 30 active 4-H’ers. Working with administrators and staff at McAlester Public Schools, she helped support the development of active 4-H clubs across all five campuses in the district.

As club leader, Gronwald encourages members to explore leadership opportunities, public speaking, project work and service. Her club includes county ambassadors, club officers and youth pursuing state leadership positions. Pioneers 4-H’ers have earned success in project work, record books, archery, Family and Consumer Sciences and county fair competitions.

“Rachel has already grown her 4-H club to 33 active members,” said Greg Owen, Pittsburg County Extension educator. “One of her most recent and impressive accomplishments was coaching the state champion FCS Skill-a-thon team and then coaching them at the national contest in San Antonio.”

Owen said Gronwald also worked to secure funding that covered travel, lodging and meals for the team’s national competition experience.

For Gronwald, however, some of the greatest successes are not measured by trophies or placings. She recalls the young student at Buffalo Ridge Academy who discovered an unexpected passion for crochet and earned recognition at the county, state and Tulsa State Fair levels.

“More important than the awards was the pride he carried,” Gronwald said. “4-H gave him an opportunity he would not have otherwise had and a sense of confidence during a difficult season of life.”

Her impact extends outside her own club. Fellow volunteers say Gronwald consistently looks for ways to support youth throughout the county, often working behind the scenes to ensure they have opportunities to succeed.

“She has driven extra miles so children — many not even in her own local club — could enter projects into the state fair,” said Bailee Hutchinson, 4-H co-leader. “She follows up with families, keeps our club informed and goes above and beyond to ensure every child can find a place where they belong.”

Gronwald also places a strong emphasis on helping young people develop leadership skills by connecting projects and service opportunities to their personal interests. She encourages 4-H’ers to pursue their passions while building confidence, communication skills and a commitment to serving others.

“What I’ve learned through 4-H is that we are most fulfilled when we are living in service to others,” Gronwald said. “Those who are truly loved and supported are the ones who grow up able to love and serve others and their community.”

Her ability to connect with young people has left a lasting impression on 4-H’ers across Pittsburg County.

“Rachel treats all 4-H’ers with respect and genuine kindness,” said Ember Duffy, Oklahoma 4-H Southeast District representative. “She has become a beloved volunteer to all.”

For more information about 4-H, contact an OSU Extension county office.

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.