Wapiti Mefford has served as a leader in Arkansas 4-H
JASPER, ARK. – In 2022, Newton County Arkansas 4-H welcomed its’ first state 4-H officer. Newton County is a small county in Arkansas with just more than 7,000 residents. There is no single stop light in the county, only two incorporated cities, and it is 62 percent owned by the government. This county is also among one of the poorest counties in the state of Arkansas, but do not let that fool you.
At the time, 16-year-old Wapiti Mefford was elected the 2022-2023 Arkansas State 4-H reporter. As a kid from a small, rural county in the Ozarks, this is no ordinary feat.
Wapiti shared a little bit about himself. He says, “I live just south of Jasper on a farm that has passed down from generation to generation. I live with my father, Jamie, mother, Kimberly, and older sister, Violet. Together with my family, we work hard on our little farm. We raise beef cows, chickens, and pigs. I look forward to receiving my poultry chain chicks each year and take pride in raising them. In addition, we have shown goats starting in April each year. However, my main project and passion has been citizenship. I love being in 4-H. It has given me a sense of purpose and direction.”
At age 5, Wapiti joined the Newton County 4-H Cloverbud club. He was most often, and still is, known for his outspoken personality and willingness to lead. During his time as a Cloverbud, he often found himself leading the 4-H pledge, participating in O’Ramas (Arkansas’s 4-H competitions), and even the occasional speech. Wapiti shared, “I have always been able to connect with people, and I have never met a stranger. I am always excited about any opportunity to lead and grow.”
As Wapiti’s 4-H journey continued, he began to do more. He soon was a member of the Pirate Pride Teen Leaders Club. “I often found myself involved in everything I could get myself into. I did public speaking competitions and civic engagement, showed animals, and attended District and State O’Ramas, State Camps, Teen Star, and Ambassador. You name it, I most likely have done it.” Throughout the years, Wapiti became more than just a 4-H’er. He began to elevate himself and rise further than he ever expected. “My sister was big into 4-H. At first, it was, in my mind, about me trying to outdo her. But I soon realized it was not about being better than someone else. It was about trying to make my best better.”
In 2021, Wapiti decided to run for a state office position. To qualify for a state officer position in Arkansas, one must be a Teen Star and then a State Ambassador for one year. After that, they can apply for a state officer position where the individual is elected by their peers. “This is a difficult process,” says Wapiti. “It requires a lot of time and motivation even to have a shot at becoming a state officer. I had to start campaigning and making connections very early to get the support of the bigger counties in the state. That is why it is so tough for a small-town kid like me to become a state officer.”
As time went on, he continued to campaign. During his campaign, Wapiti adopted the slogan “Get-R-Done,” carrying his way to a landslide victory. Not only does this slogan tell a little bit about him, but also his ability to connect and engage with others.
“Every officer candidate has to give a speech during O’Rama,” Wapiti says. When asked about his campaign speech, he eagerly shared it. “Hey, Arkansas 4-H. How are you all doing today? Real quick, I want to share some fun facts with you. Fun fact number 1: In 1981, the Arkansas Game and Fish reintroduced Elk back into Arkansas along the Buffalo River in Newton County, a place I love to call home. But it gets even better, you all. Fun Fact number 2: 16 years ago, Arkansas got another kind of Wapiti. And this unique species of Wapiti happens to be standing in front of you today. Yes, my name is Wapiti, Wapiti Mefford from Newton County. I am ready to “Get-R-Done” again and focus on the future of Arkansas 4-H.”
On July 28, 2022, Wapiti was elected a new 2022-2023 Arkansas 4-H State Officer. “It was so exciting I cried,” said Wapiti. “I could not believe this was happening.” As a new officer, this only added to his project of focus, citizenship. “I have always been interested in citizenship and helping others. I especially love the political aspects. From my local government to the state of Arkansas, I have always enjoyed learning about government and how it operates. Becoming a state officer for my favorite organization is the most exciting opportunity ever. It has taught me even more about politics. My dad is a Justice of the Peace in Newton County, which has only fueled my interest in politics. Discussing politics with him has greatly inspired my citizenship story and what government can do for my community.” He also mentioned that he was a Senate Page for Senator Brian King.
During Wapiti’s one-year term, he had many unforgettable experiences and opportunities of a lifetime. “I have been able to learn and grow with some fantastic people. My state officer team became like a second family, and I would not trade those experiences for the world. Through 4-H, I received the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., three times last year and was elected to the National 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Not to mention, I gained many fun memories and connected with many wonderful people from diverse backgrounds.” Wapiti also mentioned he has served on many civic engagement boards, such as Three Wishes for Ruby’s Residents and The Newton County Home Town Health Coalition.
While not everyone gets the opportunity to become a state officer for an organization such as 4-H, Wapiti’s experience is a testament to anybody that even a small-town kid like him can do it. “As the first state 4-H officer from Newton County, I am paving the way for others in my county to “make the best better.” I want to make a difference in my community and positively impact those around me. Just because you are from a small community does not mean that you cannot do great things in your life.”
