Denton County honors Mary Bridges for 50 years of 4‑H volunteer service

Denton County Commissioners Court on June 9 honored Mary Bridges with a proclamation and plaque marking 50 years of volunteer service to the county's 4‑H program and the Pilot Point 4‑H Club.

Steven Behringer introduced the recognition and said Bridges is retiring as a 4‑H volunteer after a half century of service. "I've been trying to think about how to explain Mary's impact and there's really just no way possible in words to explain the impact," Behringer said. Marissa Pel, who said she was once a shy nine‑year‑old mentored by Bridges, said Bridges "saw something in me before I could see it in myself" and credited Bridges with encouraging generations of young people to lead and participate.

Commissioners recounted personal memories of Bridges coordinating county youth contests, bringing cinnamon rolls to events and building long‑term relationships with families. "Every kid should have a Mary Bridges in their life," one commissioner said. Bridges told the court she was grateful for the support from commissioners, extension agents and families and that she will remain available to help when asked.

The court moved and seconded the proclamation and voted unanimously to adopt it. The presentation included comments from multiple commissioners and a group photograph; the court also accepted a club‑presented plaque honoring Bridges' service.