Courtesy Photo 2008-2009 Henderson County 4-H Council Officers: Front row, L-R, Chad Tindel, Olivia Wise, Emily Tidwell and Caleb Wise. Back row, L-R: Presley Sanderson, Brady Tindel, Dustin Leopard, and Nathan Thornton. Henderson County 4-H celebrated its outstanding youth, volunteers, donors, and achievements on Sunday, September 14th at the Henderson County Senior Citizens Building. This year's annual awards banquet was themed as "Aloha, 4-H Texas Style" by the Henderson County 4-H Council Officers. The officers set the tone for the afternoon in Aloha print shirts from Hawaii and shorts to create an exciting and relaxed atmosphere for this banquet. Senior 4-Her and Council Chairman Emily Tidwell of La Rue served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Other speakers at the banquet included the Council Officers and Record Book Award winners. The awards banquet saw 4- Hers, Volunteers, and Donors/ Sponsors receiving three hundred and fifty awards in a short two hour period. Youth and volunteers received awards for the following activities: past Council Officers, last year's club leaders, Adult Leaders and Parents Association, Food Show, Fashion Show, Horse Show, Roundup, and much more.

All of the awards winners at the 4-H Awards Banquet held recently. Special Awards were presented to the "Friend of 4-H". This award is presented to an individual, business, or organization not directly connected with the 4-H Program and who has been of service to the 4-H members in Henderson County. This year's recipient was Heritage Landbank. They continually supports the Henderson County 4-H Program financially, in addition to educational support of 4-H events, programs, and activities with the Henderson County Livestock Show activities, which reaches youth from all of Henderson County. A special thanks is extended to branch manager, Matt Tyler for his assistance and work with the 4-H Program.

Another special award was presented to Extension Staff Member Angela Hemphill. Mrs. Hemphill received the "Honorary 4-Her" award which is presented to an individual not directly associated with the 4- H, yet shows dedication to the 4-Her's achievements. It was the 4-H council's privilege to offer this award to Mrs. Hemphill for her work at the office and attitude towards the 4-H program and the 4-Hers. She has been a great asset to the Extension office and the 4-H Program of Henderson County

The Adult Leaders and Parents Association (ALPA) annually award an outstanding volunteer on the local and District Level. This year they awarded the local achievement award to Johnny and Milli Tennison. Mr. and Mrs. Tennison started a 4- H Archery Project this past year for the youth of Henderson County. Their continued efforts have paid off as our fastest growing project with our youth placing at the top of each division in the State Postal League. ALPA has also submitted to the District 5 4-H Program an outstanding volunteer for continued dedication to the 4-H program and programs that is works with, Mrs. Alisha Mikkelsen. Mrs. Mikkelsen will be honored in October at the District 5 Gold Star and Award of Excellence Banquet for her support and work with Henderson County 4-H.

Clubs from within Henderson County are encouraged each year to recognize those individuals that help their club in special and unique ways. This year three clubs took the opportunity to present the "Partner in 4-H" award. Henderson County Clover Kids recognized Kathryn and James Jordan for their support of this special group of future 4-Hers. The East Texas Young Riders recognized Wayne Carrell of the Henderson County Fair Park for his countless hours of dedication and favors to the Horse Project and club. Finally, the Cedar Creek Homeschooler's club presented Mrs. Betty Murry the "Partner in 4-H" award for her efforts as past club manager and founder of their 4-H Club. The Henderson County 4-H program is built on the strong backs and helping hands of so many outstanding volunteers and community members.

The most anticipated part of every awards banquet is the Team Jacket presentation to the 4-H Teams. This year team awards were presented to the 4- H Horse Judging Team, Rifle Team, Shotgun Sports Team, Consumer Decision Making Team, Show Team, and Archery Team. These awards could not be provided without the generous donations from many sponsors: Henderson County Wildlife Committee, Henderson County Beef Cattle Committee, Henderson County Horse Committee, Heritage Landbank, First State Bank of Athens, Citizens State Bank of Athens, Citizens National Bank of Athens and new sponsors for 2008 McDonalds of Athens, Athens Steel Buildings, Johnny and Milli Tennison, and Gulf Shore Tel- Com., Inc. We are so proud to have you support our youth in their team activities. This year youth received a pullover jacket with the 4-H Logo and their team name. The Monogram Shop once again provided excellent work and attention to our special order,

thank you.

The highlight of the Awards

Banquet is the presentation of the outstanding 4-Hers in Community Service, Rookie of the Year, Bronze Star, I Dare you, and Gold Star Awards. These youth must complete a 4-H record book, excel in project opportunities and complete an interview with a panel about their 4-H year. This year it was a great honor to present the following youth for outstanding achievements. (Special awards were selected for the youth by Athens Trophy). The Community Service awards were presented to a 4-Her in each age division: Junior- Chad Tindel of Eustace 4-H, Carli Tennison of Cedar Creek 4-H, and Olivia Wise of Cedar Creek 4-H. Rookie of the year, which is simply excellence in a first year member and attitude for future 4-H success, was presented to Haley Henson of Cedar Creek 4-H. The Bronze Star award is presented to youth that are moving to the senior category next year, but have shown an outstanding effort and dedication to the 4-H Program , recipients were: Brady Tindel of Eustace 4-H and Caleb Wise of Cedar Creek 4-H. Each year we present the Danforth "I Dare You" award to a senior 4- Her that shows personal integrity, balanced living, and potential for Leadership. This year was no different as we awarded Nathan Thornton of All American 4-H the "I Dare You" award.

The highest award that can be presented in any county 4- H program in the State of Texas is the Gold Star Award. Each year Henderson County 4-H is allowed to present two 4-Hers the Gold Star award for an outstanding 4-H Career. These youth must have completed at least three years of 4-H projects, programs, and competed in a variety of 4-H opportunities. The award recipients will also be recognized for their efforts at the District Gold Star Banquet at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches in October.

This year Henderson County 4-H is proud to award two outstanding senior 4-hers with the Gold Star award: Maria Murry of Cedar Creek 4-H and Dustin Leopard of Cross Roads 4-H. Henderson County 4-H would like to again thank its special sponsors for the annual awards banquet and Henderson County United Way for the funds that support us year round. If you would like more information about the Henderson County 4- H program please contact the Texas AgriLife Extension office at (903)675-6130.