The 2022 Milam County 4-H Banquet was held on Wed., September 14, at the Cameron ISD Performing Arts Center. The evening program gave recognition to 4-H’ers achieving success in their projects and contests. This week, we highlight our top award winners, with additional 4-H winners recognized in next week’s article.
The most recognized and highest award for 4-H is the Gold Star Award. This award was presented to two deserving 4-H members, Natalie Garcia and JW Hollas who received this award for 2021-2022 4-H year.
The f i r st Gold Star Recipient is Natalie Garcia with the Thorndale 4-H Club. Natalie is the daughter of Eric and Becky Garcia and is a senior in high school and has been a member of 4-H for over 11 years. Natalie’s projects include gardening and horticulture, global citizenship, theater and performing arts, leadership, food and nutrition, and community service. She has served as club Vice President and President for the past 2 years and has been a county council officer for the past three years. Natalie is an active student at Thorndale High School and plans to attend Texas A&M Corpus Christi and major in childhood development and psychology.
The second Gold Star Recipient is J.W. Hollas with the Cameron 4-H Club. J.W. is the son of Gery and Theresa Hollas and is a senior in high school and has been a member of 4-H for 10 years. J.W. has been a very active 4-H member serving as a club officer and county council officer for at least four years. J.W.’s main 4-H projects include poultry, plant and soil science, consumer education, leadership and community service. J.W. will graduate with top honors and top of his class and has many prospects for colleges.
Sponsors for the Gold Star award are Cameron Lion s Club, Cameron Chamber of Commerce and Ideal Poultry.
The I Dare You Award was presented to two outstanding 4-H’er s. The award is offered as recognition of excellence in character and well-balanced personal development, as well as a demonstration of leadership. Receiving this award for the 2021-2022 year were Marisol Hill with the Gause 4-H Club and Mason Leifeste with the Cameron 4-H Club. Marisol is the daughter of Marcus and Amy Hill and completed the 11th grade last year and has been a member of 4-H for 6 years. Marisol’s main projects include health and personal safety, consumer education, ag product ID and leadership. Mason Leifeste is the son of Alan and Samantha Leifeste. Mason just completed the 10th grade year in school this past year has been a member of 4-H for 4 years. Mason’s main projects include beef, leadership, community service and agricultural sciences. Sponsors for the award were Phil and Debbie Konarik.
The Silver Star award is for 4-H’ers ages 11-13. A record book is required to apply for this award. This award was won by Shawn Leifeste with the Cameron 4-H Club. Shawn is the son of Alan and Samantha Leifeste and just completed the 7th grade and has been a member of 4-H for four years. Shawn’s main projects include beef, leadership, community service and agricultural sciences. This award was sponsored by The Bling Box Boutique (Jeremy and Courtney Renaud).
The Bronze Star award is for 4-H’ers 8-10 years of age. Receiving this award was Landree Leifeste with the Cameron 4-H Club, and is the daughter of Alan and Samantha Leifeste. Landree was a third-grade student this past year and this was her first year as a 4-H member, but she has been a Cloverbud for three years. Her main project is beef. This award was also sponsored by The Bling Box Boutique (Jeremy and Courtney Renaud).
First Time State Winners earn a jacket for their first place ranking or above at a state show or contest. This year, we have nine 4-H members who have won first place for their first time. First time state winners included: Wylie Butler sponsored by Buddy and Marilyn Johnson, Kaylor Eschberger sponsored by Texas Propane, Kenzie Hobbs sponsored by Cameron Farm and Ranch Company, Luke Holcombe sponsored by Budget Host Inn and Suites, Emma McAnulty sponsored by Anderle Lumber Company, Adyson Parker sponsored by Anderle Lumber Company, Sierra Pilkey sponsored by Buddy and Marilyn Johnson, Aaron Ponnaiya sponsored by Rockdale Memorial Company, and Jason Ponnaiya sponsored by Rockdale Memorial Co.
SPOTLIGHT ON J.W. HOLLAS
Gold Star Recipient J.W. Hollas with Cameron 4-H Club is the son of Gery and Theresa Hollas. J.W. is a senior in high school and has been a member of 4-H for 10 years. J.W. has been a very active 4-H member serving as a club officer and county council officer for at least four years. J.W.’s main 4-H projects include poultry, plant and soil science, consumer education, leadership and community service. J.W. will graduate will top honors and the top of his class this year and has many prospects for colleges.
SPOTLIGHT ON NATALIE GARCIA
Gold Star Recipient Natalie Garcia with Thorndale 4-H Club is the daughter of Eric and Becky Garcia. Natalie is a senior in high school and has been a member of 4-H for over 11 years. Natalie’s projects include gardening and horticulture, global citizenship, theater and performing arts, leadership, food and nutrition, and community service. She has served as club vice president and president for the past two years, and a county council officer for the past three years. Natalie is a super active student at Thorndale High School and plans to attend Texas A&M Corpus Christi to major in childhood development and psychology.
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