Wise County 4-H Banquet

            Wise County 4-H families gathered together Monday, August 11 to recognize the accomplishments of the youth in the 4-H program. It was an excellent evening with catering provided by Wise County Electric Co-op and speaker Currey Cook, former Georgia 4-H state officer, sharing the message that through dedication, hard work and the support from adults, a 4-H member can achieve anything they put their mind to.

            The banquet’s theme was “All Around 4-H” and table decorations were designed by 4-H members which featured various 4-H projects. At the beginning of the night, 4-H leaders and volunteers were recognized for their years of dedication and service to the 4-H program.

            The Greenwood Extension Education Club was named the ‘Friend of 4-H’ for 2013-2014 and we greatly appreciate all they do to help support our 4-H youth with scholarships and donations throughout the year.

            The Leader of the Year was Kelly Martin. She serves as the Club Manager for the Chico 4-H club and offers support to the dairy goat program in Wise County.

            The Club of the Year was the Slidell/Greenwood 4-H. Their hard work and commitment to improving their community has not gone unrecognized. 

            The Farm Bureau Leadership award was presented to Olivia Bettesworth of the Paradise 4-H Club by Wise County Farm Bureau Board President Herb Williams. Texas Farm Bureau recognizes youth each year that exemplify leadership and knowledge in agriculture.

            William H. Danforth believed that each person had special gifts. He regularly threw out the challenge, “Be your own self and at your very best all the time.” The Danforth ‘I Dare You’ award winners were Caitlin Pruett of the Slidell/Greenwood 4-H Club and Lyndi Luttrull of the Decatur 4-H Club.

            The Bronze Star award goes to the top two Junior 4-H members, ages 8-10, that complete a recordbook and interview. Though relatively new to the 4-H program, these 4-H members have learned a lot about their projects and are becoming involved in their communities. This year’s winners are Clayton Myers of the Alvord 4-H Club and Easton Vanover of the Slidell/Greenwood 4-H Club.

            The Silver Star award goes to the top two Intermediate 4-H members, ages 11-13 that complete a recordbook and interview. These 4-H members are starting to find their niche in 4-H and are not only shining in the livestock arena but in the public speaking project as well. This year’s winners are Clint Demmitt of the Chico 4-H Club and Cassady Craddock of the Bridgeport 4-H Club.

            The Gold Star award is the highest recognition for a 4-H member. It is awarded to Senior 4-H members that go above and beyond in their clubs and community, and continuously strive to ‘Make the Best Better’. This year’s Gold Star recipients were Logan Moore of the Boyd 4-H Club and Morgan Barnes of the Slidell/Greenwood 4-H Club.

            I personally would like to thank everyone that came out to recognize the youth, volunteers, and leaders in 4-H. Without them the Wise County 4-H program would not be possible!