Tom Green County 4‑H students and leaders recap a busy 2025–26 year to commissioners

Hailey Myers, who led the extension presentation, told the court the 4‑H program reached youth across local schools and reported substantial volunteer support. “We have, I believe, about 30 of them today,” Myers said as students took turns detailing program areas and accomplishments.

Student presenters quantified activities across five main project areas — agriculture and livestock; family and community health; leadership and citizenship; natural resources; and STEM — and described competition and travel highlights. Sarah Glass summarized participation and outreach: “This 4‑H year, we had nearly [several hundred] people enrolled, including . . . adult volunteers,” and reported the program’s social‑media reach and school‑based programming. Stratley Strube, the county’s livestock ambassador, said 81 youth competed in statewide livestock shows and that exhibitors generated premiums and awards across multiple shows.

Students also reported leadership and scholarship outcomes. Riley Barrett said graduating seniors earned about $105,000 in Texas 4‑H Opportunity Scholarships and other awards, with multiple seniors receiving $20,000 scholarships and additional support from local foundations and the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Lillian Wilson described a trip to Paris tied to a fashion‑contest opportunity and other students recounted district and national contests that qualified county teams for state or national competitions.

Presenters highlighted service work and community outreach: Linda Lewis described projects that distributed nearly $18,000 in gift cards to recent flood victims and multiple donation drives supporting nursing‑home residents, teachers and first responders. Commissioners and the presiding officer praised the students and leaders: “This is one of my favorite agenda items,” the presiding officer said, and commissioners invited a group photo to close the presentation.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed 4‑H as a county asset that develops workforce skills, awards scholarships, and contributes service to local residents. The program’s mix of competitive results, leadership development and community service informed the court’s praise and ongoing support.