FAMILY NIGHT HONORS OUTSTANDING WASHINGTON CO. 4-H MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS
Youth in Washington County 4-H were honored for their accomplishments Friday night at the annual 4-H Family Night and Awards Banquet at the Washington County Expo.
The theme was Rooted in America – Growing in 4-H, a patriotic theme in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, with a presentation of colors by the Brenham High School MCJROTC and recognition of veterans.
4-Hers were commended for their participation in project areas and received scholarships and special awards, while volunteer leaders were recognized for their contributions, senior 4-Hers gave retiring remarks, and new officers were installed.
Awards presented on Friday include:
- Friend of 4-H Award: KWHI
- 4-H Family of the Year Award: the Merten Family
- 4-H Alumni of the Year Award: Megan Fridye
- Rookie of the Year Award: Cassidy Bilski
- Bronze Star Award: Blaine Winkelmann, Dallas Fuchs, Clara Fehrle
- Silver Star Award: Gretchen Merten, Khloe Leasure, Lonna Wunderlich
- Gold Star Award: Calvin Wunderlich, Matthew Philips
- Rising Star Award: Knowles Koehler, Colt Niemeyer, Madison Fridye
- Workhorse Award: Brooke Mulder, Ali Tiemann, Teagan Courade
- I Dare You Award: Colton Bilski, Kinleigh Guidry, Mallory Winkelmann
Scholarship recipients include:
- 4-H Opportunity Scholarship: Calvin Wunderlich, Colin Schomburg, McKenzie Tiemann, Taylor Groce
- Bluebonnet Master Gardener Scholarship: Paige Fritsch
- Washington Extension Education Association Scholarship: McKenzie Tiemann, Calvin Wunderlich
- LaNell Seeker Memorial Scholarship: McKenzie Tiemann
- Washington County 4-H Scholarship: Colin Schomburg, Taylor Groce, McKenzie Tiemann, Calvin Wunderlich, Teagan Thompson, Kylie Chalmers, Hagen Frank, Paige Fritsch, Kinley Kroll, Caleb Landry, Haileigh Lange, Paige Marth, Caleb Mauer, Matthew Philips, Carter Poehlmann, Cooper Swor
The 2025-26 Washington County Council Officers were recognized for their service: Mallory Winkelmann, McKenzie Tiemann, Hailey Rudloff, Dawson Moran, Kinleigh Guidry, Bailee Wilson, Ali Tiemann, Calvin Wunderlich, Matthew Philips and Colton Bilski.
The newly installed 2026-27 county council officers are: Colton Bilski, Ali Tiemann, Hailey Rudloff, Mallory Winkelmann, Brooke Mulder, Lane Damron, Bailee Wilson, Kinleigh Guidry, Dawson Moran and Barrett Merten.
All photos courtesy Christy Moran:
(not pictured are Kylie Chalmers, Hagen Frank, Paige Fritsch, Kinley Kroll, Caleb Landry, Haileigh Lange, Paige Marth, Caleb Mauer, Matthew Philips, Carter Poehlmann and Cooper Swor)