State Capitol lit in green light for National 4-H Week
The Executive Tower was lit up to recognize the impact of the millions of youth members and adult alumni across the nation.
State Sen. Tim Dunn of Yuma arranged the event attended by dozens of 4-H members and leaders from around Arizona.
Brad Poole, Cooperative Extension
The State Capitol Executive Tower was bathed in green light this week to recognize National 4-H Week, which honors and celebrates the impact of millions of Americans who are either members or former members of the youth organization.
Ambassador Benna Sanders credits 4-H with helping her develop leadership skills.
Brad Poole, Cooperative Extension
State Senator Tim Dunn, a lifelong farmer from Yuma who was in 4-H from age 9 until he aged out at 18, arranged the event attended by about two dozen 4-Hers and leaders, one goat and one cavy.
Dunn’s involvement in 4-H helped him develop skills and values that stayed with him throughout his life, he told the gathering.
“As a farmer, I know what that means to have something that depends on you. You show up, you take responsibility, you do the work. You guys know these lessons too,” Dunn said. “Every project builds a skill, every challenge builds confidence, every act of service strengthens your community. These values shape character. They strengthen the fabric of our communities and they carry across generations.”
Dunn was joined at the event by Arizona 4-H ambassadors Benton Wilson of Navajo County, Benna Lee Sanders of Yavapai County, Addi Purcell of Pima County and Colt Nehrmeyer of Pinal County. Each offered brief comments about how 4-H shaped their lives.
Purcell credits 4-H shows and the mentors she encountered with making her a team player.
“Being a member of a team teaches youth to lend a helping hand when needed, lead when necessary, and no matter and no matter how the outcome goes, to shake your fellow showman's hand. You learn how to be a humble winner, a gracious loser … These experiences in teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship build a 4-H'er inside and out,” she said.
National 4-H Week celebrates the collective impact of the organization’s 6 million youth, 3,500 educators, 500,000 volunteers and 35 million alumni. In 2025, Arizona 4-H reached nearly 20,000 youth with more than 1,200 volunteers.
Check out the Cooperative Extension website to learn more and to find a 4-H club near you.