Steven Baringer
Texas 4-H Youth Development Program
Denton County 4-H filled the 2020 Room of the Denton County Administrative Courthouse on Aug. 8, as 4-H members, families, volunteers, and community supporters came together for the annual Gold Star Banquet.
The banquet is one of the biggest celebrations of the Denton County 4-H year, providing an opportunity to recognize youth for their achievements in leadership, citizenship, service, and project work, while also thanking the volunteers and families who make the program possible.
This year’s banquet followed the theme “Passport to Discovery,” highlighting the experiences, skills, and opportunities youth gain as they find their own path through 4-H.
The evening’s highest honors included the Gold Star Awards presented to Campbell Real and Christiana Davis. The Gold Star is the highest county-level achievement award available to Texas 4-H members and recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership, and involvement in the program.
Other major award recipients included Kimberly Rudder, who received the Bronze Star Award, and Janiyah Wilburn and Brody Hurley, who received Silver Star Awards.
Will Haass and Noah Rivera were presented with the Danforth “I Dare You” Award, recognizing youth who have demonstrated leadership, character, and the potential to continue making a positive impact.
The Farm Bureau Citizenship Award was presented to Sydney Haass and Maven Nymeyer, recognizing their outstanding citizenship and commitment to serving their communities.
Two graduating 4-H members, Blakely Bland and Adisyn Johnson, were selected as recipients of the Al Petty Scholarship. The scholarship honors the legacy of Al Petty, who served Denton County for nearly 30 years as a County Extension Agent, and helps support 4-H members as they continue their education.
In addition to the county’s major awards, the banquet celebrated the accomplishments of numerous 4-H members and recognized adult volunteers for the time and dedication they give to youth throughout Denton County.
For Denton County 4-H, the evening was about more than handing out awards. It was an opportunity to celebrate another year of young people stepping outside their comfort zones, developing new skills, serving their communities, and building relationships through 4-H.
Denton County 4-H offers opportunities in agriculture, STEM, leadership, food and nutrition, shooting sports, community service, and many other areas. Youth participate through community clubs, project groups, competitions, camps, leadership opportunities, and educational programs throughout the year.
As one 4-H year comes to a close, Denton County 4-H is already preparing to welcome new and returning families for 2026–27.
Denton County 4-H is a program of Texas A and M AgriLife Extension Service. For more information about Denton County 4-H and opportunities to get involved, contact the Denton County AgriLife Extension Office at 940-349-2884.
About Texas 4-H
Texas 4-H is the youth development program of the Texas A and M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A and M System, supported locally by the Denton County Commissioners Court. Through hands-on learning experiences, 4-H helps youth develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills that prepare them to be Beyond Ready for college, careers, and life. Programs are available to youth in all 254 Texas counties and focus on project-based learning in areas such as agriculture, STEM, health, and civic engagement.
Thank you for supporting Denton County AgriLife Extension!