Eighteen Runnels County 4-H members participated in the 75th Texas 4-H Rally in College Station, Texas, June 8-10. Texas 4-H Roundup, the flagship event for all of Texas 4-H, hosted approximately 1,300 young people to compete in approximately 50 diverse competitions throughout the week.
The contests included both qualifying events, where 4-H members qualified at their county and district contests to compete at the state level, and invitational events. Texas 4-H Roundup was open to senior or high school age 4-H members only this year. Additionally, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation awarded more than $2.7 million in scholarships to 232 youth.
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead throughout their lives. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Texas 4-H’s mission is to provide all young people with meaningful opportunities to have fun, learn, explore and discover. By participating in 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and develop positive attitudes that help them be capable, responsible and caring members of society. Texas 4-H, as part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, also aims, through the application of scientific knowledge, to create relevant, high-quality continuing education that encourages lasting and effective change.
The Runnels 4-H program is proud of the following youth and teams for their participation and success in the Texas 4-H Roundup:
Mason Cave – Ballinger 4-H – Food Fair
Kameryn Schwertner – Miles 4-H – Sharing the Fun – Vocals
Payton Branham – Miles 4-H – Healthy Living Invitational – 7th Place
Food Challenge Team
Team Members – Seth Michalewicz – Miles 4-H, Colin Steward – Miles 4-H, Kinsley Riddle – Miles 4-H
Skillathon Breeding Team – State Champion Team and National Contest Qualifier
Team Members: Avery Flanagan – Ballinger 4-H, Ben Flanagan – Ballinger 4-H, Allie Kalina – Miles 4-H and Carly Taubert – Miles 4-H
Individual investments
Ben Flanagan – High Point Individual
Avery Flanagan – 4th individual level
Carly Taubert – 7th High Individual
Qualifying Livestock Judging Team – 7th top team overall, 5th place for grounds, 2nd – sheep and goats
Team Members: Avery Flanagan – Ballinger 4-H, Trevor Gibbs – Ballinger 4-H, Regan Smithwick – Miles 4-H and Kyle Vahlenkamp – Miles 4-H
Individual investments
Regan Smithwick – 8th High Individual, 3rd Sheep and Goats, 6th Reasons,
Invitational Cattle Judging Team – Champion Team Overall, 1st Cattle, 3rd – Sheep and Goats
Team Members: Ben Flanagan – Ballinger 4-H, Allie Kalina – Miles 4-H and Carly Taubert – Miles 4-H
Individual investments
Allie Kalina – 1st overall individual, 1st bovine, 4th porcine
Ben Flanagan – 4th overall individual
Duds to Dazzle Team – 3rd place in the team props category
Team Members: Keni Drennan – Ballinger 4-H, Emma Rutledge – Ballinger 4-H, Emma Harrison – Rowena 4-H, Kendall Smith – Ballinger 4-H, Kyleigh Andrews – Ballinger 4-H
In addition to the all-around, Runnels County 4-H competed at Kyle Vahlenkamp completed his year of service with the Texas 4-H Council. Last year, he served as a state health and safety officer.
One of the highlights of the week was the recognition of Avery Flanagan and Kyle Vahlenkamp at the scholarship banquet. Each will receive $20,000 Texas 4-H Opportunities Scholarships sponsored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for their outstanding 4-H careers.
The Texas 4-H Roundup has been held on the campus of Texas A&M University since 1946, making this event the 75th year of the Texas 4-H Roundup.
For more information on what all of Runnels County 4-H has to offer, you can contact the office at 325-365-2219
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