Summer 2025

Happy Trails & New Horizons for Arizona 4-H

Let’s buy the “broke horse” this time, my husband surprised me by saying. We sold our place in N. Phoenix and were looking at homes in the Wickenburg area this summer. Decisively, we had narrowed it down to a piece of land that had great potential to build what we wanted, and a horse property that was already built, complete with a house! My husband, whose career has always revolved around agriculture, riding his horses and who is still an avid team roper has developed what I call “cowboyism’s” over his life that fit with most situations.

One such saying is, to “get one back between the bridle reins” means that someone is simply out of control and needs to collect themselves. Or, “never say whoa in a bog hole” means to persevere through a tough situation. In this case, he simply looked at where we were in life and decided it was okay to buy the place that would be easiest for us right now. And we NEVER pick the “easy thing”!

Anyone who has built a home knows what I’m talking about. For that matter, anyone who has taken a green horse and put the hours into him to make him a nice horse knows he is a few years out, much like a building project.

Sandra Germann

Executive Director

We are all at different stages in life. My husband and I are at the time where we are looking at scaling back debt and acquiring less “things”. We are looking towards retirement and setting something up for the grandkids, as well as causes we want to support. That time of always needing to build for the future is fading as we are more content with being satisfied with what we have. A friend recently asked me “how much do we need anyway?” as she was looking at downsizing her home.

I don’t know where you are in life, whether you are still grinding it out and building for the future, or cutting back and looking at potentially “giving back”; but I’m pretty certain that 4-H has been a part of your journey or you probably wouldn’t be taking the time to read this. Whatever life phase you are in, I want to tell you that 4-H is alive and growing in Arizona, and we are very much in the “building phase” and excited for what is to come. Our goal is to continue to offer more funding for projects in counties and provide more county and statewide opportunities to our young people. In dollars and cents, in the next three years we plan to increase dollars to 4-H from $200K to $300K. I hope this is something in which you see yourself playing a part.

You might be interested in supporting new fundraising events such as the 1st Inaugural Arizona 4-H Gala coming this fall or becoming a statewide sponsor for a favorite project or program area. OR, Maybe you have:

A RMD (required minimum distribution) coming up with your IRA and could designate it to AZ 4-H through the AZ 4-H Youth Foundation.
A ROTH IRA where you could make a gift tax free.
Interest in setting up an ENDOWMENT to fund scholarships or program support for statewide youth, or those in your county, for perpetuity.
The desire to include AZ 4-H in your will or estate plan. Just include our Tax ID #23-7083384 and the amount or percentage you want to give. If you have an intended area of support, include that too. Better yet, let me help you craft the wording, so it accomplishes what you want!

Whatever it is, I’d love to visit with you! I’m available to help you provide impact in the area/s in which you are most interested, in a way that works best for you. And as a famous singing cowboy and his renowned wife, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans used to say, “Happy Trails to You”, and I hope to meet you down the road.

Meet Our Team: Board Members, Staff, and Past Advisors

Executive Committee

President – Kari Petterson

Vice-President – Tom Peterson

Secretary – Staff

Treasurer – Gregg Brummer

Trustees 2024 - 2025

Kari Petterson

Tom Peterson

Gregg Brummer

Brett Benedict

Emily Cathy

Taylar Irvin

Cindy Webb Hanson

Advisors

Tim Bee, Tucson

Nick Pierson, Phoenix

Michelle Mixer, Tucson

Peter Hooper

Kristen Sharp

Ex-Offico Member

Todd Kesner

State 4-H Program Leader & Associate Director

(Incoming): Esther Turner, Pinal Co.

4-H/Extension

(Incoming): Jenna Mennetti, Maricopa Co. 4-H/Extension

4-H Foundation Staff

Sandra Germann, Executive Director

Donna Wertman, Bookkeeper

Christopher Rochester, Graphic Artist

Kimberly Alvarez, Student Talent; Newsletter Publisher

Arizona 4-H Staff

Todd Kesner, State 4-H Program Leader & Associate Director

Joe Corbett, Events & Projects Manager

Vacant, 4-H Curriculum Specialist

Margaret Carroll, James 4-H Camp Director

Ariana Dillard, Finance & Policy

Zane Campbell, Student Talent

Meet a Board Member: Brett Benedict, Pinal County

Brett Benedict

Foundation Board Member

For the past five years, Brett Benedict, current AZ 4-H Youth Foundation board member, has worked as a real estate agent, earning recognition for high sales and “finding joy in helping people through some of life’s most meaningful transactions.” Brett attributes the foundation of his success, however, to something that was built long before his career, through his time in 4-H. According to Brett, “4-H gave me amazing opportunities through leadership training and experiences that allowed me to hit the ground running when I stepped into the work world. My projects taught me about daily responsibility and the importance of always giving my best effort.

The only guarantee was knowing that I had done my best, regardless of the awards or recognition that might follow.” “As I went on to manage people and run companies,” says Brett, “I saw firsthand how valuable 4-H truly is. Time after time, the employees we had, who were former 4-H members, carried a strong work ethic and were always dependable and productive, no matter the task.” He goes on to say that “(his) own involvement in 4-H included project animals, junior leadership, camps and camp counseling, as well as leadership and citizenship training and trips. Each of these experiences shaped who I am today.

Further, “for those who may not be familiar with 4-H, I can honestly say that I know of no other program that develops youth into people who are fully prepared for work, citizenship, and leadership. The training and experiences I gained from 4-H have enriched my life, and seeing the same impact on others keeps my heart loyal to the program and inspires me to continue making the best better.” Brett is currently beginning his 3rd year on the Foundation board. He resides in Pinal County.

Words from Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader

Dr. Todd Kesner

Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader

We all know investing in the future is a smart strategy. Still, sometimes it's hard to commit time and energy to something that doesn’t show impact for years to come. It seems more rewarding when we see our efforts making a difference now and we witness immediate success. But great things take time to build. Things like character, compassion, work ethic, personal responsibility, teamwork, positive and effective communication, and all the life skills 4-H members gain throughout their club and project experience can take years. I want to thank every donor, 4-H volunteer, and supporter for your commitment over the long haul. A young person who carries Beyond Ready skills into adulthood is poised for success and, I believe, contributing to someone’s success is one of the most noble callings. It takes time, but positive youth development doesn’t happen any other way.

4-H Statewide Program Events & Activities

Summer 2025 International Exchange Program

Submitted by Joe Corbett

The International Exchange program was such a success this year! We had 13 delegates and 2 chaperones from Japan land in Phoenix, where they met at the Maricopa County Office for orientation, snacks, and to connect with their host families. From there, they headed off to different parts of the state to experience life in Arizona. Over their 3 ½ week stay, the delegates got to practice English every day while doing all kinds of fun things: horseback riding, fishing, swimming, boating, cooking, playing with animals, and just hanging out with their host siblings.

At the departure ceremony, the delegates got together and performed a play in both Japanese and English as a thank you to the host families. Even though the visit was short, saying goodbye was tough. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, which just shows how much of an impact was made both for the delegates and the host families in a short amount of time. It was amazing to see how quickly these deep bonds formed, and many left with lifelong friends. We’re looking forward to welcoming new delegates in the future and cannot wait to see the friendships and memories that will be made next time. If you are interested in being a host family, keep an eye out for emails about the requirements next year.

Arizona Teen Adventure Camp

Submitted by Joe Corbett

This summer we hosted the very first Arizona Teen Adventure Camp (AZTAC) and it was a blast! Teens from across the state came together for a week at James 4-H Camp, where they enjoyed a wide variety of activities. From challenge courses and a scenic hike to Geronimo’s cabin, to movie nights under the stars and western heritage workshops, campers had the chance to leather craft, felt, and even try their hand at shooting historical weapons. Along the way, they made new friends from across Arizona and enjoyed the cooler weather on beautiful Mingus Mountain.

AZTAC will return in 2027...and we’re already excited to make the next adventure even bigger and better!

2025 Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation Scholarship Recipients

The Arizona 4-H Foundation awarded over $32,000 in college scholarships to 4-H members and alumni for the 2025-2026 school year. We are proud to award 26 scholarships throughout the state of Arizona.

Caden Hooper - Cochise

Jimmy Accomazzo Scholarship

Maycee Michaels - Cochise

Cochise Co. Jr. Livestock Scholarship

Shaylynn Rhoton - Greenlee

Becker Baguley Scholarship

Santiago Caleros - Maricopa

Cheatham Scholarship

Teagan Steinmetz - Maricopa

CRSSS Merit Scholarship

Caden Metzger - Maricopa

Farm Credit Services SW/Carl Weiler Scholarship

Annie Andersen - Maricopa

Fitch Scholarship

Riley Wood - Maricopa

Fleming Scholarship

Robert Brackett - Mohave

Margory & Gene Bayless Scholarship

Colton Dunaway - Navajo

Farm Credit Services SW/ Jake Flake Memorial Scholarship

Lana Westover - Navajo

June Gibbs FCS

Memorial Scholarship

Shyann Torres -

Pima

Everett Grondin Memorial Scholarship

Rae Digmann -

Pima

Ralpha Hall Memorial Scholarship

Isabelle Sparlin - Pima

Pima Co. 4-H Horse Leaders Scholarship

Canyon Torres -

Pima

Pima Co. Jr. Livestock Sales Scholarship

Taylor Mack -

Pima

Pima Co. Jr. Livestock Sales Scholarship

Aiden Vimmerstedt - Pima

Don Landeen Memorial Scholarship

Asher Goncalves - Pinal
Faul Millstone Ranch & Faul College Fund Scholarship

Paden Dillard -

Pinal

Faul Millstone Ranch Scholarship

Hannah Skousen - Pinal

Faul Millstone Ranch Scholarship

Brayden Loghry - Yuma

Betty Accomazzo Scholarship

Tanner Loghry - Yuma

Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation

James Rodney -

Yuma

Hawthorne 4-H Scholarship

Carolyn Meade -

Yuma

Becker Baguley Scholarship

No Picture Available

Nalani Jimenez -

La Paz

Fitch Scholarship

No Picture Available

Abigail Freeman

Pima

Pima Co. 4-H Leaders Scholarship

The Arizona 4-H Gala

🎉 Tickets are ON SALE NOW!🎉

Join us for The Arizona 4-H Gala – an unforgettable night of celebration, community, and connection benefitting Arizona 4-H youth programs.

October 18, 2025 | 5:00 - 10:00 PM

El Conquistador Tucson

Dress Code: Cowboy to Couture

Get your tickets here: https://my.onecause.com/.../vevt:0401bb6e-a91b.../home/story

Support Arizona’s youth and explore table and sponsorship opportunities | Sponsorships accepted until September 25, 2025: https://drive.google.com/.../1GuwOCGVepz0l2207X3KsrH.../view