Wood County 4-H members, families and volunteers gathered Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman to recognize achievements in leadership, community service and agricultural education.
The annual awards banquet honored members, adult leaders and community supporters, along with achievements in competitions and 4-H projects.

TOP YOUTH HONORS
Robert Schuttler received the Gold Star Award, the highest county-level honor available to Texas 4-H members.
A seven-year member, Schuttler has participated in horse, food and nutrition, photography, public speaking and other projects. He has held several leadership positions and participated in community service activities, including Operation Christmas Child and trail cleanup projects.
Jacob Reed received the I Dare You Award, which recognizes leadership potential, character and service. A five-year member of Winnsboro 4-H, Reed has served as club president and county council first vice president. His community service includes projects benefiting nursing homes, animal shelters and the Child Advocacy Center.
Kynlee Fuller received the Silver Star Award for her leadership, project accomplishments and community involvement. Fuller has participated in livestock, fashion and interior design, photography, horse judging and Quilts of Valor. She also serves as a Texas 4-H fashion and interior design ambassador.
Bronze Star Awards went to Lucas DeGorostiza, Claire Groter and Khloie Stahn. Each was recognized for leadership, community service and participation in 4-H projects.
Karly Kernes received the Rising Star Award for her accomplishments in public speaking, leadership and involvement in the program.
Outstanding Intermediate Awards went to Luke Yeager and Gage Hink. Yeager was recognized for his work in food and nutrition, photography, outdoor education and community service. Hink was recognized for his involvement in meat judging, public speaking and leadership, including a top-five finish at the Houston Livestock Show meat judging competition.
Rookie of the Year honors went to Karly Davis, Jessica Moore, Brantley Keen and Jake Yeager for their achievements during their early years in 4-H.

VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS
Ashley Fuller was named 4-H Leader of the Year for her work with the county’s fashion and interior design program and Quilts of Valor projects.
Fuller helped members learn sewing, textiles and fashion skills while participating in community service projects honoring veterans.
Wood County Farm Bureau and Rusty Norris received Friend of 4-H Awards.
Farm Bureau was recognized for its support of agricultural education, youth development and use of its meeting facilities.
Norris was honored for establishing the Stephanie Norris Memorial Scholarship in memory of his daughter, Stephanie, a former Wood County 4-H Gold Star recipient.
Austin Fuller received this year’s scholarship for her leadership and service, including serving as president of the Wood County 4-H Council and Horse Club.

LIVESTOCK SHOW ACHIEVEMENTS
Several members were recognized for accomplishments at the Wood County Junior Livestock Show.
Caroline Anders earned grand champion market honors, while Brooklyn Campbell received reserve champion awards in market and breeding categories.
Karly Davis earned reserve champion intermediate floral design. Luke Yeager received reserve champion intermediate baked goods, while Jake Yeager earned honors in junior baked goods and photography.
Members were also recognized for their participation and achievements at county, district and state competitions, along with their 4-H record books.

NEW OFFICERS RECOGNIZED
The 2026-27 Wood County 4-H Council officers are President Claire Groter, First Vice President Robert Schuttler, Second Vice President Jacob Reed, Secretary Kynlee Fuller, Treasurer Karly Kernes, Reporter Khloie Stahn and Parliamentarian Lucas DeGorostiza.
Adult volunteer leaders recognized included President Ashley Fuller, Vice President Ketzie DeGorostiza, Secretary Lissa Groter, Treasurer Christina Schuttler and Reporter Tania Kernes.
The evening also included the presentation of 2023 Gold Star portraits to the families of Katie DeGorostiza and Megan Wallace Stefanian.
The banquet concluded with recognition of the families, businesses and volunteers who support Wood County 4-H activities.