Lavaca County 4-H honors outstanding Junior and Teen Leaders

  • Lavaca County 4-H Award recipients: left to right, Ryan Janak (I Dare You); Macey Pustka (Gold Star), and Keely Knesek (Gold Star).
    Lavaca County 4-H Award recipients: left to right, Ryan Janak (I Dare You); Macey Pustka (Gold Star), and Keely Knesek (Gold Star).
  • Lavaca County 4-H Recordbook participants: front row, left to right, Jake Good, Ryan Janak, Amanda Janak, Ashlyn Pustka, Callie Chrismon, Keely Knesek, Tanner Pustka, Annabelle Ischy, and Elsie Dietz; back row, left to right, Clayton Haas, Brady Haas, Zachary Henke, Nathan Henke, Elliott Peters, Lani Pilat, Macey Pustka, Sophia Etzler, and Lexie Ischy.
    Lavaca County 4-H Recordbook participants: front row, left to right, Jake Good, Ryan Janak, Amanda Janak, Ashlyn Pustka, Callie Chrismon, Keely Knesek, Tanner Pustka, Annabelle Ischy, and Elsie Dietz; back row, left to right, Clayton Haas, Brady Haas, Zachary Henke, Nathan Henke, Elliott Peters, Lani Pilat, Macey Pustka, Sophia Etzler, and Lexie Ischy.

The annual Awards Banquet for Lavaca County 4-H was held on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the Lillie Appelt Johnson Youth Center. Hosted by Hope 4-H, eighty-eight members, adults, and guests attended the evening celebration.
The Honorable Keith Mudd, Lavaca County Judge, was present to present all awards. The program was led by the Lavaca County Council, with Chair, Zachary Henke presiding.  Other officers for 2023-2024 are Macey Pustka, First Vice Chair;  Keely Knesek, 2nd Vice Chair; Callie Chrismon, Secretary; Amanda Janak, Treasurer; Rylan Jalufka, Reporter; and Nathan Henke, Parliamentarian.
The evening began with a meal catered by Ben’s Chuck Wagon. Talent showcase contest participants, Annabelle Ischy and Keely Knesek, provided entertainment by sharing their Talent Showcase Poetry entries. Adult volunteer leaders Cheryl Pilat and Christy Brosch recognized this year’s record book participants and the junior and teen leaders honored by their clubs. Quinn DeLaRosa and Tanner Pustka spoke about the Bronze Star and Ashlyn Pustka spoke about the Silver Star.
The I Dare You Award is presented to one member who shows potential to continue to grow in their leadership abilities.  This year’s recipient was Ryan Janak. Ryan is the son of Mark and Karen Janak and a seven year member of Green Leaves 4-H.
The Gold Star Award is the highest honor awarded in Texas 4-H. The number of Gold Star Awards the county is allotted each year is based on the total number of high school aged members enrolled.  This year the county was allotted two Gold Stars.  
Macey Pustka and Keely Knesek were the recipients.  Macey is the daughter of Scott and Angela Pustka and an eight year member of Green Leaves 4-H.  Her project involvement has included Beef Cattle, Dairy Judging, and Gardening and Horticulture, and Photography. Macey will be a junior at Hallettsville High School this fall.
Keely Knesek is the daughter of Tim and Natalie Knesek.  She has been a member for eight years and is in Half Moon 4-H.  Keely’s project involvement has included Visual and Performance Arts, Photography, Food and Nutrition, and Fashion and Interior Design. Keely will be a junior at Shiner High School this fall.
The Lavaca County Council awards scholarships each year to graduating seniors. This year’s recipients were Brenden Henke, Lani Pilat, and Elliott Peters.  Georgie Herman, President of the Lavaca Extension Education Association presented a scholarship to Lani Pilat.
4-H is open to all youth who are at least eight years old and in the third grade through eighteen years of age and twelfth grade. The new 4-H year begins on Sept. 1.  
For more information about 4-H, call the Lavaca County Extension Office at 361-798-2221.