WALLIS — The Wallis 4-H Club and Frydek 4-H Club hosted the annual 4-H awards banquet Aug. 9 in Wallis. Approximately 160 guests were present to celebrate 4-Hers on every avenue of participation.
Here are a few highlights of the evening:
4-H Leader of the Year - Craig Melton, livestock judging coach.
Friends of 4-H - Austin County State Bank, Ricky Canik, Real Deal Catering – Robert Winkel- mann, & Crawfish Outlet to Geaux.
Texas 4-H Congress participants - Kiley Krueger, Paisley Miller and Grace Lischka.
District 11 Vice Chair -
man - Paisley Miller.
Austin County 4-H Fair Queen Candidate -
Teaghan Eckelberg.
•2026 National Qual- ifying Team - Livestock Quiz Bowl team Kinley Kokemor, Luke Schumann, Claire Schneider and Presley Jacob heading to Louisville, KY.
Star Awards are presented each year to outstanding 4-Hers in Austin County based on personal development, leadership, outstanding achievement in 4-H projects and activities, and contributions to the overall 4-H program. This award is calculated as 2% of the eligible group of 4-Hers. These outstanding individuals were involved with 4-H for at least three years, participated in three main project areas, completed an application, entered the interview process, and submitted a record for consideration.
The following were the recipients of the 2025-2026 Star Awards: Rising Star Peyton Blezinger.
Bronze Star Hannah Henderson and Liam Villarreal.
Silver Star Catalea Castro and Quinna Parker.
Gold Star Grace Lischka and Layne Malinowski .
