Rep. Cody Maynard
The Oklahoma Youth Expo was held March 8-20 at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. This is billed as the largest junior livestock show in the world. It brings more than 7,500 4-H and FFA exhibitors from all 77 counties to compete at the state championship for the Junior Livestock Program.
OYE raises scholarships for its youth participants to support them in their efforts to pursue higher education after they graduate high school. What I love about programs such as this is they teach youth the value of hard work and leadership skills. It takes hours of dedication and hands-on work to raise an animal that is ready for this kind of show. It takes leadership ability and thinking outside of the box.
Agriculture is a key driver in Oklahoma’s economy, and many of the youth that participate in 4-H, FFA and OYE go on to pursue agriculture careers. Events like this are important for our students and our state.
Part of OYE is the Annual Legislative & Celebrity Showmanship Contest. This pairs legislators and other statewide dignitaries with 4-H and FFA students from our districts so that we get to show their animals for them during this one event. It’s fun and a bit crazy. This year’s MC was Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur.
For this 22nd Annual show, I showed a goat owned by Spencer Lewis with Silo FFA. Spencer was a great sport in letting me show her animal, giving me some pointers along the way. I appreciate her hard work and am glad I got to participate.
This week was a short one in the House of Representatives. We met in session Monday and Tuesday, considering 29 measures. We’re taking a few days to spend back home in our districts, then we’ll return for next week’s third-reading deadline for measures in their chamber of origin.
I introduced the Nurse of the Day for the House on Tuesday. Stephanie Cooper is a first-generation high school and college graduate with more than 25 years of nursing experience, the majority of which has been spent in the emergency department. She began her nursing career as a nurse technician and progressed through roles as a licensed practical nurse, associate degree nurse, and bachelor of science in nursing–prepared nurse. She currently is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education, with plans to graduate in August.
Throughout Stephanie’s career, she has served in a variety of leadership and clinical roles, including staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse manager and emergency department director. She is a certified emergency nurse and has developed a strong passion for mentoring and professional development. Recently, she discovered her true calling in nursing education while teaching American Heart Association courses.
Stephanie lives in Mead with her husband on 120 acres. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They have one son and two grandchildren. Currently, she teaches, works at Baylor and attends school full time. It was great to have her serve in the House.