KENNEY — The Austin County 4-H hosted their annual awards banquet on Aug. 13 with over 200 in attendance. This year’s banquet was hosted by Stars & Stripes and Bellville 4-H Clubs at Kenney Agricultural Society Hall in Kenney and the meal was catered by Big Boys Catering.
Austin County 4-H was able to recognize members for their active involvement and achievements with their projects at the county, district, state, national and international levels. Unique this year, Austin County 4-H members were afforded an op- portunity to participate firsthand in both sides of the state’s 4-H International Exchange program. Austin County 4-H Council President Skye Youngblood, traveled to South Korea and enjoyed staying with a host family for a month as she shared the different cultures and customs of both South Korea and America.
The Lischka family, Grant, Lanthia, Grace, and Harper also welcomed Hayato Fukuda from Japan into their home and Austin County 4-H members were excited to have him join them during our 4-H banquet.
Austin County State Bank and Rebecca Luedke, Austin County 4-H Council Advisor, were recipients of The Friend of 4-H Award in appreciation of their dedication and service to the program. Janet Melnar, long-time 4-H volunteer and livestock quiz bowl coach was awarded the 4-H Leader of the Year Award.
The following Star Awards were also announced during the banquet: Gold Star Award – Highest level of achievement in the Texas 4-H program as well as a $1,000 Parents & Leaders Association Scholarship were Rhett Fromme and Katelyn Krenek; Silver Star Award — Grace Lischka and Sara Fromme; Bronze Star Award — Claire Schneider; and, Rising Star Award —Chloe Luedke.
