AWARDS

At the end of each 4-H year, Denton County 4-H recognizes the hard work, leadership, and accomplishments of our members during the annual Gold Star Banquet, held on the second Saturday of August. Throughout the year, members have the opportunity to work toward a variety of county awards that celebrate excellence in projects, leadership, community service, citizenship, and overall involvement in 4-H.

Many of these awards require the completion of a 4-H Record Book, which is typically due around Memorial Day. Award applications are generally due by July 1, with interviews taking place before the Gold Star Banquet. Below is a list of the awards available and the qualifications for each. We encourage every member to set goals, get involved, and work toward earning one or more of these recognitions during their 4-H journey.

JUNIOR AWARDS

Bronze Star Award

The Bronze Star Award is the highest county honor a Junior 4-H member can receive in Denton County 4-H. Each year, up to two outstanding members are selected based on their overall 4-H involvement, leadership, project work, community service, and personal growth. This prestigious award may only be earned once during a member's Junior 4-H career. Bronze Star recipients are recognized at the annual Denton County 4-H Gold Star Banquet and receive the official 4-H Bronze Star Award. 

 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade (minimum age of 8).

• Must have completed at least one year of 4-H membership, including the current 4-H year.

• Must submit a 4-H Record Book by the county deadline.

• Must complete an award application and participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

• Must have participated in one or more community service activities benefiting an organization or group outside of 4-H.

INTERMEDIATE AWARDS

Silver Star Award

The Silver Star Award is the highest county honor an Intermediate 4-H member can receive in Denton County 4-H. Each year, up to two outstanding members are selected based on their overall 4-H involvement, leadership, project work, community service, and personal growth. This prestigious award may only be earned once during a member's Intermediate 4-H career. Silver Star recipients are recognized at the annual Denton County 4-H Gold Star Banquet and receive the official 4-H Silver Star Award.

 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.

• Must have completed at least two years of 4-H membership, including the current 4-H year.

• Must submit a 4-H Record Book by the county deadline.

• Must complete an award application and participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

• Must have participated in one or more community service activities benefiting an organization or group outside of 4-H.

SENIOR AWARDS

Senior 4-H members can only win one award in this section per year. 

Gold Star Award

The Gold Star Award is the highest honor a 4-H member can achieve in Denton County and throughout the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program. Since its establishment in 1933, the Gold Star has recognized senior 4-H members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, project achievement, community service, and commitment to the ideals of 4-H. Members may receive this prestigious award only once during their 4-H career. Each year, Denton County may recognize up to two Gold Star recipients, based on the number of eligible senior members enrolled as determined by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Gold Star recipients are honored at the annual Denton County 4-H Gold Star Banquet and receive the official Gold Star Award along with a financial scholarship.

• Must be in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.

• Must have completed at least three years of 4-H membership, including the current 4-H year.

• Must submit a 4-H Record Book by the county deadline.

• Must complete an award application and participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

• Must have participated in one or more community service activities benefiting an organization or group outside of 4-H.

• Must have demonstrated leadership by serving as a 4-H officer or committee chair (club, county, district, or state) and/or as a junior or teen leader under the supervision of an adult volunteer.

• Must have completed projects in at least three different project areas and participated in activities in three or more of the following categories:

• Project work and exhibits

• Leadership experiences

• Competitive events

• Citizenship and community service

• County, district, or state 4-H camps

• 4-H promotion and advocacy

• Other significant 4-H experiences, such as exchange programs or fundraising

Note: The required projects, leadership experiences, and activities do not all have to be completed during the current 4-H year. They may be accumulated over the member's entire 4-H career.

Only up to two Gold Star Awards may be presented each year to the applicants who best exemplify the highest standards of achievement, leadership, and service in the 4-H program.

Danforth "I Dare You" Leadership Award

The Danforth "I Dare You" Leadership Award recognizes outstanding 4-H members who demonstrate strong servant leadership and the potential to make a lasting impact in their communities. First established in 1941 by businessman and philanthropist William H. Danforth, the award encourages young people to strive for their highest potential while living a balanced life through physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth. Each year, up to two Denton County 4-H members may be selected to receive this prestigious leadership award. Recipients are recognized at the annual Denton County 4-H Gold Star Banquet and receive the official Danforth "I Dare You" Award commendation.

 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 14 years old and not have reached their 19th birthday by August 31 of the current 4-H year.

• Must have completed at least two years of 4-H membership, including the current 4-H year.

• Must demonstrate outstanding servant leadership through involvement in 4-H, school, and the community.

• Must complete an award application and participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

Farm Bureau Citizenship Award

The Farm Bureau Citizenship Award recognizes senior 4-H members who exemplify outstanding citizenship through meaningful service, leadership, and a commitment to improving their communities. Recipients have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact, whether through their 4-H projects or community involvement. Each year, up to two Denton County 4-H members may be selected to receive this honor. Award recipients are recognized at the annual Denton County 4-H Gold Star Banquet and receive the official Farm Bureau Citizenship Award commendation.

 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 14 years old as of August 31 of the current 4-H year.

• Must have completed at least two years of 4-H membership, including the current 4-H year.

• Must demonstrate the qualities of an outstanding citizen through service, leadership, and involvement in their community.

• Must have made a significant contribution to their community through a 4-H project and/or other meaningful community service efforts.

• Must complete an award application and participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

Al Petty Scholarship

The Al Petty Scholarship honors the legacy of Al Petty, who served as the Denton County Extension Agent for nearly 30 years and dedicated his career to developing youth through the 4-H program. Established through the support of the Denton County Agriculture Committee, Denton County Farm Bureau, and the Al Petty Scholarship Fund, this scholarship recognizes a deserving senior 4-H member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, service, and commitment to the values of 4-H. The recipient is recognized at the annual Denton County 4-H Gold Star Banquet and receives the Al Petty Scholarship along with an award commendation.

 Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior during the current 4-H year.

• Must complete and submit the Al Petty Scholarship Application by the county deadline.

• Must demonstrate strong involvement in Denton County 4-H through participation, leadership, and service.

• Must demonstrate a financial need for educational expenses following high school graduation.

• The recipient is selected by the Al Petty Scholarship Committee.

OTHER AWARDS

4-H Club Excellence Award

Each club may annually complete and return the Texas 4-H Club Standards of Excellence Report form. Clubs that meet the minimum criteria will receive a certificate.

District Jackets

4-H’ers who win first place in a District IV 4-H contest are eligible to receive a District Winner Jacket.

• Only one jacket per age level may be earned (Junior, Intermediate, or Senior). Members who win consecutive years in the same age bracket may receive additional embroidery at cost.

• Jackets can only be ordered for the current 4-H year and will not be ordered without parental authorization, proper paperwork, and payment.

• The Denton County Parent-Leaders Association will pay half the cost of the initial jacket.

Record Book Awards 

4-Hers who enter a Record Book in the Denton County 4-H Record Book competition shall receive a 4-H Project Pin and certificate. 

Friend of 4-H Award

The recipient must have shown active support toward the 4-H program. An active 4-H adult leader is not eligible for this award. The Friend of 4-H Award will be given to one organization or individual each year. A recipient can receive the award only once. The recipient must be present to win. Please contact the nominees before submitting their names to ensure they are willing to accept the honor.

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes outstanding first—and second-year 4-H members. 4-H members may receive this award once. Recipients are recognized for going above and beyond while making the most of their short time in 4-H. To be considered for this award, individuals must be nominated by their Club Leader. Winners of the Rising Star Award will receive an award commendation.  

Club Superstar Award

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to their club and is very active in all its activities. This individual may not be the loudest in the room or the center of attention, but the club would not be the same without them. To be considered for this award, individuals must be nominated by their Club Leader. Each club is eligible to have a winner, and winners of the Club Superstar Award will receive an award commendation.

Applications for the 2027 awards will open in Spring 2027. Check back then for application materials and deadlines.