AgriLife Extension agents earn honors for 4-H youth development
National, state associations recognize individuals for excellence in youth programming, communications and service
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service professionals from across the state were recognized for excellence in 4-H youth development programming, communications, leadership and service during the annual Texas Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals conference held Aug. 3-6 in Brownwood.
The conference brought AgriLife Extension professionals together for professional development, networking, idea sharing and recognition of outstanding work in 4-H youth development.
The awards recognize innovative programs, educational resources and accomplishments of AgriLife Extension professionals whose work strengthens 4-H programs and positively impacts youth, families and communities across Texas.
The following is a list of individual 4-H youth development agents and AgriLife Extension teams, unless otherwise noted, and the counties they represent, as well as information from their nominations about the programs they were recognized for:
National awards announced
In addition to the state honors, three AgriLife Extension 4-H youth development professionals earned Southern Region honors from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, recognizing outstanding achievements in youth programming and communications.
The regional awards will be presented during the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals conference to be held Oct. 26-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.
The regional award recipients are:
- Brittany Allen, Williamson County – Expanding the 4-H Audience: Creating Opportunities 4 All Award.
- Grace Henicke, District 12 program specialist – Periodical Publication, Individual.
- Steven Baringer, Denton County – Promotional Piece, Individual.
Specialty Award winners
AgriLife Extension professionals received numerous Texas Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals awards recognizing excellence in programming, communications and service.
Citizenship in 4-H Youth Development
Megan Rogers, Burleson County, and Ashleigh Sugg, Brazos County
The multi-county 4-H council officer training brought together youth from across District 9 to build leadership skills, officer readiness and collaboration. Interactive workshops, team-building activities and practical training in parliamentary procedure and strategic planning equipped participants to serve their county programs effectively. Led by Brazos and Burleson counties with support from surrounding counties, the event maximized resources, strengthened partnerships and created a supportive network of youth leaders.
Expanding the 4-H Audience: Creating Opportunities 4 All
Brittany Allen, Williamson County
The Cedar Park 4-H Gavel Club has expanded 4-H’s reach by using public speaking and leadership development to engage nontraditional audiences. Now one of the county’s largest and most diverse clubs, it serves more than 180 youth, 16 Clover Kids and 46 volunteers. Innovative programming, intentional mentorship and a welcoming environment have introduced hundreds of youth and families to the impact of 4-H.
Excellence in Agricultural Literacy Programming
Brittany Allen; Shelley Franklin, natural resources agent; Jennifer Powell, family and community health agent; and Gary Pastushok, horticulture agent, all of Williamson County
Farm to Fork is an agricultural literacy program developed by the AgriLife Extension team in Williamson County to help elementary students discover the journey of food from farm to table. Supported by all program areas, the program grew from 124 students in 2023 to more than 500 students across five school districts in 2025. The program highlights teamwork and community partnerships while connecting youth to the everyday importance of agriculture.
Excellence in Animal Science Programming
Amanda Parks, Collin County, and Sarah Brod, agriculture and natural resources agent, Franklin County
Parks and Brod worked together to plan, promote and implement a 4-H Veterinary Science Camp for students interested in animal science or veterinary careers. Youth participated in learning sessions involving reproduction, animal feeding, disease management, STEM and basic medical skills. Participants gained hands-on knowledge and earned veterinary hours toward their Texas Veterinary Medical Association certificate.
Excellence in Camping Award
Amanda Parks and Merritt Cloud, family and community health agent, Collin County
Parks and Cloud led a two-day youth entrepreneur camp in last summer using the 4-H Candy Company curriculum. Campers learned marketing, promotion and financing while gaining hands-on experience creating more than nine types of candy and packaging and selling their products to family members. The program built food and nutrition skills while providing practical business and financial education.
Excellence in Healthy Living Programming
Alyssa Sims, urban youth development agent, Montgomery County
Sims launched Food and Nutrition Nights, or FAN Nights, in fall 2024. Held monthly from September through February, the program targeted junior 4-H members in third through fifth grade with an interest in foods and nutrition. Each session included educational activities, an introduction to a related contest and preparation of a healthy seasonal snack. Since its start, FAN Nights has increased members’ contest awareness and kitchen skills, while county participation at the district level increased 20%.
Excellence in Natural Resources/Environmental Education
Jessica Hall, formerly of Fannin County, with Katie Capehart, apiarist
The Youth Beekeeping Series is a six-week program introducing youth to honeybee biology, beekeeping management and the role of pollinators in environmental sustainability. Funded by a $2,000 grant from the Texas Honey Bee Education Association, the program provided protective suits, bee colonies, hive boxes and pest management equipment. Youth experienced the full honey cycle, including harvesting, extracting, bottling and selling honey to raise funds to support and expand the program.
Excellence in Peer Professional Development
Caroline Cruz, family and community health agent, Montgomery County
The three-day professional development program equipped AgriLife Extension faculty with conservation education tools, including Project Learning Tree curriculum training and industry tours of a tree farm, logging site and plywood mill. The program focuses on career exploration, natural resources and local industry. Offered at no cost through a grant and partnership with the Texas Forestry Association and Texas A&M Forest Service, the training was completed by 32 AgriLife Extension faculty.
Jim Kahler Excellence in STEM Programming
Christy Lansford, agriculture and natural resources agent, McMullen County
The McMullen County 4-H Ag Mechanics program helps youth step outside their comfort zones, form meaningful relationships and develop a sense of accomplishment that carries into other areas of their lives. As members shared their part of the project story, they demonstrated ownership and pride while developing their communication skills.
Excellence in Shooting Sports Programming Award
Christy Lansford
Over the past seven years, through community support Lansford has brought $2.2 million in donations to the McMullen County 4-H Shooting Sports program. More than 30 youth participated in rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery under the guidance of 11 certified coaches. The program has also secured property for a new community shooting sports facility designed with 4-H needs at the forefront.
Excellence in Workforce Development Programming
Emilee DeForest, Calhoun County; Megan Glidden, family and community health agent, Aransas County; and Amy Nowlin, coastal marine resources agent, Matagorda County
Grit and Tide: Girls for the Texas Coast is a two-day leadership and career exploration program that empowers female 4-H members to pursue opportunities in marine science, conservation and coastal industries. The program addresses the underrepresentation of women in maritime careers by increasing confidence, career awareness and interest in STEM and coastal fields while encouraging responsible coastal stewardship.
Search for Excellence in Teen Programming
Eric Taylor, Karnes County
The Karnes County 4-H Summer Leadership Trip led by Taylor was developed to increase retention and involvement among senior 4-H members. Participants were required to be active in club and county council meetings, participate in district events and complete community service projects. In summer 2025, 12 Karnes County 4-H members traveled to Canada, where they visited Banff National Park and attended the Calgary Stampede.
Communications Award winners
- Educational Piece – Individual: Jordan Voges, Somervell County
- Educational Piece – Team: Elver Pardo, Khristal Oduwole, Sandra Means, Bannon, Lisa Paterson, Xiomara Diaz, Dallas County
- Exhibit: Rogers
- Feature Story: Kristy Titzman, Walker County
- Media Presentation: Courtney Mercer, Jackson County
- News Story: Becky Coward, Coryell County
- Periodical Publication – Individual: Henicke
- Periodical Publication – Team: Rogers, Kaydie Degella, Burleson County
- Promotional Package – Individual: Henicke
- Promotional Piece – Individual: Steven Baringer, Denton County
- Published Photo: Becky Coward, Coryell County
- Social Media Piece – Individual: Baringer
- Social Media Piece – Team: Voges and Ashley Cox, Somervell County
- Social Media Package/Campaign – Individual: Henicke
- Social Media Package/Campaign – Team: Cory Hundl, District 9 Extension program specialist, Rogers and Sims
Service Award winners
Golden Clover
Paige Bielamowicz, Kendall County
Bielamowicz began her AgriLife Extension career in 2023 as a 4-H youth development agent in Caldwell County, where she focused on developing youth programs and expanding membership. She now serves as Kendall County 4-H coordinator and continues to empower youth, engage volunteers, create positive experiences and develop community partnerships to strengthen the 4-H program.
Lara Isbell, 4-H program coordinator, Denton County
Isbell serves as the 4-H youth development program coordinator in Denton County and has been in the role for almost three years. Before joining AgriLife Extension, she worked for 29 years in public education as a teacher and librarian.
Megan Rogers
Rogers has served as the 4-H youth development agent in Burleson County since January 2023. She considers watching 4-H members succeed and grow into leaders while providing them with opportunities to develop among the most rewarding aspects of her AgriLife Extension career.
Natalie Snowden, family and community health agent, Floyd County
Snowden has served as the family and community health agent in Floyd County since January 2022. She has helped grow the county 4-H program through partnerships with local school districts and increased involvement in county activities.
Achievement in Service Award
Steven Baringer
Baringer has served as the 4-H youth development agent in Denton County since 2021. A former 10-year 4-H member, he is passionate about agricultural education, leadership development and creating meaningful opportunities for youth.
Angela Hemphill, Anderson County
Hemphill serves as the 4-H youth development agent in Anderson County. Her work focuses on building confidence, leadership and real-world skills through hands-on learning experiences. Her curriculum outreach also includes gardening, wildlife and hatching in the classroom.
Kaci Scott, family and community health agent, Lynn County
Scott has served as the family and community health agent in Lynn County since June 2022. She leads youth development initiatives in food and nutrition, fashion and interior design, and STEM while supporting hundreds of students through school enrichment and community programs.
Alyssa Sims
Sims has served AgriLife Extension in Montgomery County for four years and currently serves as the urban youth development agent. She finds promoting agriculture and 4-H through curriculum enrichment especially rewarding and credits her own 4-H experience with inspiring her passion for service.
Distinguished Service Awards
Cassie Ferguson-DeLeon, Leon County
Ferguson-DeLeon serves as the 4-H youth development agent in Leon County and works with more than 400 4-H members. Her favorite projects include community service and leadership, and she incorporates both into 4-H events and projects to provide youth opportunities to develop while serving their communities.
Jessica Hall
Hall served as a 4-H youth development agent in Fannin County. During her AgriLife Extension career, she developed and delivered educational programs promoting agricultural literacy, leadership development, life skills and STEM learning. Her work incorporated community partnerships, volunteer engagement and hands-on programming to empower youth and strengthen communities.
