Rep. Kitzman attends 4-H awards banquet

Colorado County 4-H wrapped up the 20232024 year with the annual awards banquet held on Sunday, Aug.11 at the Colorado County Fairgrounds. 4-H members were recognized for their hard work throughout the year based on their project area work, leadership, community service and citizenship. New 4-H Council Officers were also installed for the 20242025 4-H year.

4-H members were recognized for their participation in county, district and state 4-H activities. Activities members participated in this year included 4-H horse show, consumer decision making, food show food challenge, dairy judging, livestock judging, photography, shooting sports, public speaking, educational presentation and prestige leadership conference.

Each year 4-H members are encouraged to complete a record book in their prospective project area to track growth in their 4-H experiences, including leadership and community service. 4-H members were recognized for completion of a record book.

A select few 4-H members were awarded Star Awards at the annual banquet. These 4-Hers must have been active in the 4-H program, completed a record book, applied and completed an interview to be selected for these awards.

The Bronze Star award is presented to a Junior aged 4-H member. This year’s Bronze Star recipients were Caden Koy and Kelsey Wied.

The Silver Star award is presented to an Intermediate aged 4-H member. This year’s Silver Star recipients were Kensi Berger and Salah Berger.

The Gold Star award is the highest award given by the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program awarded at the county level. This year’s Gold Star recipient was Jack Dudensing.

Colorado County 4-H was also awarded the I Dare You Award. This award is given to senior age 4-H members who have an in-depth knowledge of the 4-H Program and are challenged to develop their skills for their future endeavors in life, and most importantly in service to others. This award recognizes 4-H youth that strive to be their best, lead balanced lives, and demonstrate a commitment to discovering and developing their personal best. This year’s recipient was Julie Ana Gobert.

Several graduating seniors from the class of 2024 received scholarships presented by Colorado County 4-H. Recipients of this year’s scholarship were Julie Ana Gobert, Brina Kent, Brooke Wanjura, and Kase Weishuhn.

Each year Colorado County 4-H selects a Friend of 4-H. The Friend of 4-H Award is presented to an individual, business, company or other group that has contributed to the success and/or educational endeavors of Colorado County 4-H. This year we are honored to award the HWY 71 Ranch the Friend of 4-H Award.

The last item of business for the annual banquet was turning over the leadership of the 4-H council to the new officer team. 2023-2024 Council Officers provided leadership during the 4-H year to both the county program and their local clubs. We want to thank them for their year of service: Chairperson – Julie Ana Gobert, 1st Vice Chairperson - Brooke Wanjura, 2nd Vice Chairperson Jack Dudensing, 3rd Vice Chairperson – Colten Koy, Secretary – Lana Potter, Treasurer – Jase Rau, Reporter – Brina Kent, Parliamentarian – Kase Weishuhn.

Our 2024-2025 Colorado County 4-H Council Officers are: Chairperson – Jack Dudensing, 1st Vice Chairperson – Lana Potter, 2nd Vice Chairperson – Colten Koy, 3rd Vice Chairperson – Mylee Moffett, Secretary – Emily Wied, Treasurer – Jase Rau, Reporter – Kelsey Wied, Parliamentarian – Hagen Nona.

We are looking forward to the 2024-2025 4-H Year! Enrollment begins September 1st. For more information about the Colorado County 4-H program please contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Colorado County at 979-732-2530.