Spring 2025

My Time With Mary ...

We had to say good-bye this past winter to a wonderful lady and friend of Arizona 4-H, Mrs. Mary Faul. I felt privileged to be at her 101st Birthday party in December and it was an honor to know her.

The first time I met Mary I remember being a bit scared that she might not like me and that I’d be “thrown off the porch”, as the tale goes, for those who don’t “cut the mustard” with Mary. She took one look at me when I came in and must have found me harmless because she handed me a spoonful of her beet and cottage cheese salad, which I promptly ate, and we were fast friends after that. I enjoyed many a visit in Mary’s kitchen, getting updates on the corn fields, memories of her and Jim and their life together – their special time in San Francisco, and one time I was even the proud recipient of a box of lemons from her lemon tree. She said they made the best homemade lemonade!

In Mary’s home, she had a wall lined with plaques and certificates from 4-H and other organizations thanking her and her late husband Jim for their generous support. In an article published during the Arizona 4-H Centennial in 2013, the author thanked Mary and Jim for over 70 years of support to 4-H. Twelve years later, Mary was still actively involved with the programs she loved, whether by helping fund a special project or activity at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, “Big MAC”, or reading thank-you letters from students who benefited from one of her scholarships. Mary really enjoyed simple things such as reading the letters from the youth, and she loved the tradition of buying the eggs for the annual Faul Breakfast, the kick-off to the Pinal County Fair, held in the Faul 4-H Learning Center at the fairgrounds.

Sandra Germann

Executive Director

Sandra Germann, Victor Jimenez, and Mary Faul reflect on her longtime support of Arizona 4-H. The Foundation gifted Mary a scrapbook in December 2023 to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Jim and Mary’s support to 4-H, and those involved in it, will live on through the endowments they established. In 1989 Jim and Mary opened the Faul Millstone Ranch Scholarship Endowment Fund with the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation. In 2007, in memory of Jim, the Mary Faul Memorial Book Fund was established, which provided assistance to freshman to purchase their increasingly expensive college books. Mary’s generosity expounded, as she also funded the Faul Ag Ventures Endowment, which had its beginning in 2004 with her husband. This endowment supports agricultural literacy in Arizona through 4-H Ag Ventures program at the “Big MAC”. This program allows students from around the state to participate in various educational programs surrounding agriculture.

The records show that from 2008-2023, the three Faul endowment accounts held at the AZ 4-H Youth Foundation have funded over $273,160 in scholarships and support, including $50,200 to the “Big MAC” for agriculture education.

The Mary I knew was witty and often had me busting out in laughter. She was inquisitive and well-read (her hearing had left her, but she loved to read and keep up with things), and sharp as a tack right up to the end. Mary lived a good long life and will be missed. I miss her. Thank you, Mary for being a friend and for all you’ve done for thousands of 4-Hers and young people in Pinal County, across the reaches of the state, and beyond.

“A life well-lived, a tapestry of time,

Where laughter weaves with moments sublime.

A story told, a legacy bright,

A soul that was touched with guiding light.”

- Author unknown

Jim & Mary A. Faul together holding the Outstanding Support of Arizona 4-H Youth plaque they both received.

Meet Our Team: Board Members, Staff, and Advisors

Executive Committee

President – Kari Petterson

Vice-President – Tom Peterson

Secretary – Staff

Treasurer – Gregg Brummer

Trustees 2023 - 2024

Kari Petterson

Gregg Brummer

Taylar Irvin

Tom Peterson

Brett Benedict

Emily Cathy

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

4-H Foundation Staff

Sandra Germann, Executive Director

Donna Wertman, Bookkeeper

Christopher Rochester, Graphic Artist

Reese Urton, Student Talent

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

Vacant, Finance & Policy

Zane Campbell, Student Talent

Meet a Board Member: Cindy Hanson, Pima County

Cindy Hanson

NEW Foundation Board Member

I grew up in Northeast Ohio and moved to the beautiful desert of Tucson in 2006. I came with my husband, Bert, who had recently retired, our daughter, Ava, who was in first grade, and just the clothes on our backs. We settled on the northwest side of Tucson, where I worked in the financial industry, and Bert became a stay-at-home dad. Neither of us had grown up with animals, so when Ava decided she wanted to learn to ride horses, I thought she was a bit crazy! Bert found a barn where she could take weekly lessons and even joined a 4-H Horse Club here in Pima County. That was the beginning of it all—we were hooked! We quickly realized that the 4-H community helped shape Ava into the strong, successful, and confident woman she is today. (May 3rd she will be 25/2000 4-H Alumni)

As a board member, I’m excited to continue learning about 4-H, beyond just the Horse project I’m involved with. I’m committed to sharing my experience, offering support, and playing an active role in helping the foundation grow.

"When you support 4-H, you're not just donating to a youth program; you're investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community members. From raising animals to building robots or participating in local service projects, 4-H teaches kids real-world skills that set them up for success. With support, we can continue providing life-changing opportunities that have a lasting impact on both individual youth and entire communities."

I’m deeply grateful to 4-H for allowing me to spend quality time with my family while watching Ava grow up with purpose and direction.

Words from Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader

Dr. Todd Kesner

Associate Director & State 4-H Program Leader

I want to thank everyone of you for your support of Arizona 4-H. Through all the changes of new university presidents, new deans, new 4-H program leaders, and shifting policies, one thing is constant, and that’s your dedication to 4-H Youth Development. I know I’m biased, but 4-H is the best education a young person can receive to prepare for a successful adulthood.

The ability to communicate, work together on a committee, plan an event, participate in judged interviews, improve with constructive input, and take personal responsibility are recognized as not only life skills but also as employable skills. They are skills that benefit each 4-H graduate, families, employers, community organizations, and the future of all of us. My hope in the coming months is to help those outside of 4-H recognize the positive influence the 4-H program, that is you, has on our society. 4-H doesn’t happen at the state office. It happens at the community level, and I thank you for answering the call.

Events & Activities

Nine outstanding youth from Arizona 4-H proudly represented our state at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado! Their hard work and dedication exemplify the excellence of Arizona 4-H youth.

Here’s how they shined in their competitions:

Impromptu Speaking
Abby Herrera (Maricopa County)
Teagan Steinmitz (Maricopa County)
Ellyn Peterson (Yavapai County)

Prepared Speaking
Victoria Apodaca (Maricopa County)

Livestock Judging
Tim Lunt (Greenlee County)
Grace Youngker (Maricopa County)
Gracie Elquest (Maricopa County)
Arlett Flores (Coconino County)

Horse Prepared Speaking
Taylor Mac (Pima County)
Francesca Duran (Pima County)
Special congratulations to Taylor Mack, who placed 2nd in the Horse Prepared Speaking contest!

Arizona 4-H made a strong showing at the National 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences event in San Antonio, TX!

Quiz Bowl: 3rd overall, 3rd in scores, 5th in the written test.
Consumer Decision Making: 2nd in team reasons, 4th in group think.

A huge congratulations to the talented youth who represented Arizona: Abby Herrera, Teagan Steinmetz, Zoey Regnier, and Grace Youngker from Maricopa County. Your hard work and dedication truly paid off!

On January 25, State Communications Day was a huge success, with more participants than ever before! Last year, we had 40 participants—and this year, that number jumped to 63, making it our largest turnout to date. Arizona 4-H youth showcased their talents in public speaking, art, writing, photography, and more, all while building essential communication skills. Plus, some competitors earned the chance to qualify for national competitions!

In the beginning of February, our Arizona 4-H State Ambassadors, alongside the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation, had an amazing time visiting Kimes Ranch in Scottsdale. They toured the facilities, connected with the Kimes team, and learned about the brand's rich history. A huge thank you to Kimes Ranch for sponsoring our ambassadors with stylish outfits, reflecting a shared commitment to building community, youth leadership, and Western heritage! We were thrilled to strengthen this fantastic partnership.

From February 14–16, the Arizona 4-H Stock Show and Roundup was a fantastic showcase of youth in agriculture! We welcomed participants from 11 counties, with just over 400 kids and nearly 700 entries across various livestock categories. It was an incredible weekend full of hard work, learning, and 4-H spirit!

Engaged Citizen Event at the Capitol

Arizona 4-H youth took the Capitol by storm for the Engaged Citizen’s Event on National Agriculture Day! On March 17th and 18th, 20 Arizona 4-H youth from across the state explored advocacy, leadership, and the legislative process while gaining skills to shape the future of agriculture. From delivering 90 Ag Bags to engaging in leadership seminars and legislative discussions, these young leaders made their voices heard! A huge thank you to the Arizona Farm Bureau for partnering with the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation to make this incredible event possible!

Want to here all about what Arizona Youth who attended Engaged Citizen's Event at the Capitol have to say about their experiences, now you can! Click the box below! ⬇️

Engaged Citizen's Event : Day at the Capitol

Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports is currently fundraising to support 21 outstanding youth representing Arizona at the 2025 National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska. These young leaders, competing in nine different disciplines, are part of a statewide program that teaches firearm safety, marksmanship, and community values to over 700 youth ages 8–18. To help these kids go to Nationals, contact a Shooting Sports Youth member or the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation today! (Picture above is the 2024 Arizona National Shooting Sports Participants.)