San Marcos — The Hays County 4-H program honored its members and volunteer adult leaders at its annual awards dinner held recently at the Buda Vocational Agriculture Building in Buda.

While many young people were recognized for their accomplishments, the highlight of the evening came with the presentation of the 4-H Star Awards. The Star Awards are the highest awards that Hays County 4-H members can receive. Applicants for these awards are required to turn in a completed 4-H record book and an application. A panel of judges interviews each participant. They base their decision on the record book, application and personal interview.

The Bronze Star Award is the highest county level award a Junior 4-H member can receive. Junior 4-H members are in the 8-10 age range. Recipients must meet determined criteria in the areas of leadership, community involvement, overall active 4-H involvement, and have completed a 4-H record book.

The Hays County 4-H Bronze Star recipient was Michelle Hargrove, a member of the West San Marcos 4-H Club. In her brief 4-H career, she has participated in the food and nutrition, rabbits, clothing and textiles, photography and horticulture projects as well as competing with her Share the Fun presentations on the county and district levels.

She says that her food and nutrition project has been her most outstanding project because she has learned so many interesting things about vitamins and minerals essential for healthy living. She considers her fellow 4-H members as part of her family, assisting her with her 4-H projects.

The 4-H Gold Star Award is the highest county level award that a 4-H member can receive. Recipients must meet state determined criteria in the areas of leadership, community involvement, and overall active 4-H involvement. Gold Star recipients must be at least 15 years of age.

The first Gold Star recipient recognized was Caresse McGee. Caresse is a Junior in her home school program and an eight-year member of the Wimberley 4-H Club. Her projects include Horse, Citizenship, Goat, Sheep and Poultry. Some of her awards include numerous horse awards and the Silver and Bronze Star awards. Caresse would like to have a career in the equine industry, either by managing a top horse barn or by becoming a veterinary technician and working with horses with lameness issues. To achieve this goal, she plans on attending either Texas A&M; or Texas Tech University.

The second Gold Star recipient recognized was Raquel Niño. Raquel will be a Junior at San Marcos High School and is an eight-year member of the East San Marcos 4-H Club. Her projects include Beef, Goat, Rabbit, Sheep, Food and Nutrition and Leadership. Some of her awards include numerous livestock awards and third high point individual at the Star of Texas Livestock Show Livestock Judging Contest, which won her a $1,000 scramble certificate.

Raquel is a member of the San Marcos High School Band and a volunteer at the San Marcos Animal Clinic. She plans on attending Texas A&M; University and studying veterinary medicine.

In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of 4-H members and leaders, community members were also recognized for the support that they give to the Hays County 4-H Program. The Friend of 4-H Award is presented to an individual outside the 4-H organization who has made a very special contribution to 4-H through his or her time, influence or special support.

This year’s Hays County Friend of 4-H was Bobby Wyatt. Wyatt is a long-time 4-H volunteer from the Buda area. He serves as the Chairman for the Hays County Livestock Exposition, through which Hays County 4-H and FFA members have an opportunity to exhibit their project work.

The Honorary 4-H Member award is presented to a person or persons who have served 4-H with loyalty, leadership and support and who work or has worked directly with the 4-H program. This year’s Honorary 4-H member was Dr. Glen Rydl. Dr. Rydl is another long-time supporter of the Hays County 4-H program. He is responsible for sponsoring the Queen’s Contest that is associated with the Hays County Livestock Exposition.

The Meritorious Service Award is presented to a business or organization that has given outstanding support to the 4-H program. This year, the Hays County 4-H program honored McCoy’s Building Supply with the Meritorious Service Award.

McCoy’s Building Supply has provided extensive support to the Hays County 4-H program through its support of the building of livestock facilities for Hays County 4-H members. They also have shown their support to the young people of the Hays County 4-H and FFA programs as buyers of projects at the auction of the Hays County Livestock Exposition.

The 4-H Alumni Award is presented to a former 4-H member that has been involved as a 4-H leader, taught 4-H projects or given assistance to the program in some manner. Exemplary leadership, citizenship and concern for youth are further qualifications.

This year’s honoree was Dan Winters. Winters, now living in Hays County, is an award-winning photographer whose work is internationally known. A former 4-H member from California, he credits 4-H with introducing him to his chosen career field of photography.

He has since given back to the Hays County 4-H program by working with the Photography Project. He has used his knowledge and experiences to inspire young people to look inside themselves and aspire to achieve their goals.