LA GRANGE — The annual Fayette County 4-H Banquet was held on Aug. 9 at the Historic Casino Hall in La Grange. The 4-H banquet is the ultimate highlight and culmination of the year’s activities for each member, as we see one year close and another begin.
4-H awards were awarded to the following: Fayette County 4-H Scholarship: Jaden Melton, Hope Michalke, Tori Newton, Logan Poncik, Kole Schmitt, Jack Schley, Jaley Stork and Elena Supak.
4-H Opportunity Scholarships: $20,000 – Tori Newton $20,000 – Elena Supak $10,000 – Logan Poncik $1,000 – Hope Michalke
Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association Scholarship: Avery Nelius.
Netti Mae Scholarship: Logan Poncik.
South Central Cow Calf Clinic Scholarship: Logan Poncik.
Emily Fritsch 4-H Scholarships: Jaden Melton, Hope Michalke, Tori Newton, Kole Schmitt, Jack Schley, Jaley Stork and Elena Supak.
Friend of 4-H: Doug Bishop. 4-H Club Display Booth: Schulenburg 4-H Club.
The Fayette County 4-H Livestock Judging Team was presented with banners as they wrapped up a historical year, winning the District 11 4-H Sweepstakes Award.
The Texas Cup is awarded to the top 10 livestock judgers in the State. Abraham McBride was the Overall High Point Junior, Kaisley Janecka was second overall, Adalyn Carrales was sixth overall, and Tate Fritsch was 10th overall.
The outstanding member awards are selected based on excellence in club, county, and district 4-H activities, and on growth and excellence within individual projects.
The Outstanding Juniors are members in the third - fifth grade.
The Outstanding Intermediates are members in the sixth - eighth grade. Both intermediates and juniors complete an application and go through an interview process.
This year’s Outstanding Juniors are Stockton Emshoff, Fayetteville 4-H Club; Hudson Holub, Schulenburg 4-H Club; and Rowdy Guenther, Schulenburg 4-H Club.
This year’s Outstanding Intermediates are Kaisley Janecka, Flatonia 4-H Club; Rilan Karisch, Pure Country 4-H Club; and Tate Fritsch, Fayetteville 4-H Club The “I Dare You” Award is presented to youth who excel in character, well-balanced personal development, and leadership.
This year’s I Dare You Award winners are Brealey Nieto, Flatonia 4-H Club; and Kandon Kaspar, Fayetteville 4-H Club.
The Silver Star Award is a stepping stone to the Gold Star Award. This award signifies ex cellence, hard work, and good communication skills.
Silver Star winners are Teagan Kallus, Fayette 4-H Horse Club; and Rheagan Karisch, Pure Country 4-H Club.
The Gold Star is the highest award that can be presented at the county level.
This year’s Gold Star winners are Logan Poncik, Fayetteville 4-H Club; and Peter Kieke, Round Top-Carmine 4-H Club.
Commissioners Harvey Berckenhoff, Jason McBroom and Clint Sternadel presented the outstanding intermediate and junior awards as well as the senior awards.
New County Council Offi cers for 2026-2027 are President Rheagan Karisch, Vice President Tatum Fritsch, Secretary Crockett Guenther, Treasurer Brealey Nieto, Reporter Kaisley Janecka and Parliamentarian Tate Fritsch.
