The Gillespie County Spirit of 4-H Award was established in 2013 to honor  Jacob Krebs, a Gillespie County 4-H member. Jacob lived his life in such a way that shows all of us what steadfast determination, unbreakable commitment, genuine faith, and true passion is. This award recognizes 4-H members who are humble and serve others with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to the 4-H program. John Maxwell once said that “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.

The Gold Star Award is the highest county achievement award and will be awarded only once in a member’s 4-H career. Counties have award quotas based on the number of senior 4-H members. The award is presented to the most deserving young people without regard to gender.  In addition to other requirements, the 4-Her must submit a record book in the year he or she applies for the award and must have completed projects in at least three project areas.

These requirements must be met in order to be eligible to receive the award:

• The member must have at least completed, or be completing their 9th grade school year at the time of application, and must have completed at least 3 years in 4-H, including the current year.

• The Texas 4-H Gold Star Award can only be awarded once in a member’s 4-H career.

• The 4-H member must have completed projects in at least three different project areas, submitted appropriate record forms, and have participated in one or more activities in at least three of the following areas:

• Projects and/or Project Exhibits

  • Participation in Leadership Experiences such as Leadership Labs, Texas 4-H Congress, or National Leadership Events such as National 4-H Congress/Conference, and any county, district, or state leadership group.

  • Competitive Events (judging, educational presentation, public speaking, food show, quiz bowls, etc ).

  • Citizenship activities

  • Camps at the county, district, or state level.

  • 4-H Promotion (speeches, poster displays, radio, TV, newspapers)

  • Other (includes exchange programs, fund raising)

Note: The requirements for projects and activities do not all have to be completed in the current year. They may have been accomplished over the entire period of time the person has been in the program.

• The member must have exhibited leadership skills by serving as a 4-H officer or committee chair (club, county, district or state), and/or as a junior or teen leader in an activity or project with or under the supervision of an adult volunteer leader.

• The 4-H member must have participated in one or more community service activities. Examples include providing leadership to a One Day 4-H project, working with or counseling junior 4-H members; participating in community service projects (individual, group or club); and motivating other 4-H members through participation in demonstrations, projects and/or exhibits.

• The 4-H member MUST SUBMIT A TEXAS 4-H RECORDBOOK in the year they are to be considered for the award

Award Applications Due: July 1, 2025 by 5:00PM
Applications must be submitted in person at the Gillespie County Extension Office or via email to gillespie4h@gmail.com

The Tori Eckhardt Memorial award was established in remembrance of Tori Eckhardt for Tori’s outstanding leadership and dedication to the 4-H program. Tori was a very active and loved 4-Her; her life suddenly ended before her senior year in high school. Every year, Gillespie County recognizes the County 4-H Council President with this award, for that was Tori’s last title to hold before the end of her young life. We hope that each one will appreciate life even more to know that it could end so quickly. We should do our best in everything we do; never take things for granted, and exert ourselves even when life is difficult. We should always be grateful to be alive and have the ability to be involved in such a great leadership-oriented organization that has such a positive impact on our lives. Each year the name of our Gillespie County Council President will be added to the plaque in recognition for their hard work and leadership. This memorial plaque hangs in the Gillespie County 4-H meeting room for all to see. 

The Farm Bureau Leadership Award is the second highest award that an individual can receive on the county level. The Gillespie County Farm Bureau honors 4-H members who have exhibited leadership skills throughout their active 4-H careers. The Farm Bureau believes in developing future leaders through the 4-H Program and demonstrates this support by donating this award. 

The 4-H program in Gillespie County, like all other counties in Texas, has several components that make it work. There are the County Extension Agents that provide organizational and subject matter resource support. The 4-H members, themselves, that make the program, and last but certainly not least are the volunteer adult leaders. This group of people are the glue that hold the 4-H program together. There a very few times and opportunities that we have the chance to say thank you and recognize these leaders for their work and dedication. Gillespie County has more than 100 registered volunteer leaders that work with the youth.

Each year, clubs are asked to nominate two leaders that they feel have been outstanding in their club or project groups.

The Friend of 4-H Award honors a business or individual who has made an outstanding impact on Gillespie 4-H. Recipients are recognized for their generous support, personal service, and encouragement that strengthens our 4-H members and benefits our community. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to help our youth succeed and thrive. 

The “I Dare You” Award challenges youth to reach their highest potential and make a positive impact through service, personal integrity, and balanced development. In Gillespie County, this award is presented to members who demonstrate responsibility, leadership, and a commitment to growth. Recipients are honored with a compass to guide their journey, symbolizing the courage and direction needed to continue striving for excellence throughout their 4-H career.