AgriLife Extension agents earn honors for 4-H program excellence

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 4-H youth development county agents and 4-H program coordinators from across the state gathered for the Texas Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals conference recently in Amarillo.

The annual state conference fosters the exchange of youth program ideas, methods and techniques and allows those who excel to be recognized with awards. Over 40 agents were honored for their accomplishments with their local clubs and programs.

The following is a list of individual 4-H youth development agents and teams, unless otherwise noted, and the counties they represent, as well as information from their nominations about the programs they were recognized for:

Specialty Awards

Citizenship in 4-H Youth Development

Kara Spangler, Bandera County

Spangler leads a Washington, D.C., Citizenship Trip to provide 4-H members with an immersive educational experience to enhance their understanding of U.S. history, government and civic responsibility. Through visits to historical landmarks, government institutions and interactive exhibits, participants gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, leadership principles and the impact of policies on their communities. The trip also encourages youth to engage in discussions with elected officials, explore key moments in American history, and reflect on the responsibilities of active citizenship.

Excellence in 4-H Volunteerism

Tamra McGaughy, Ph.D., Grayson County

The top project of interest in Grayson County is robotics, with 96 members enrolled. These 4-H members are spread across seven 4-H clubs. McGaughy’s guidance with volunteer leadership is extremely important to ensure members have a positive youth development experience. During the past year, 23 Grayson County 4-H volunteers dedicated time and financial support to the robotics project. 4-H volunteers contributed a total of 1,730 hours and provided members of 19 teams the opportunity to participate in various events across Texas.

Excellence in Ag Literacy

Madeline Makovy, McLennan County

Makovy’s Ag Literacy and Awareness programming targets students and teachers in McLennan County and provides educational support materials. She offers the Kids, Kows and More program, Learn, Grow, Eat and Go!, Hatching in the Classroom, an Ag Day and field trips, STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — training, water field days and financial literacy. All events include pre- and post-tests, teacher evaluations, recognition certificates and information about 4-H opportunities for the participants and parents. They reached over 8,500 students this past year.

Excellence in Animal Science

Shelley Franklin, natural resources, Williamson County, and Mellanie Mickelson, Bastrop County

The Texas 4-H Rabbit Extravaganza is a statewide, hands-on learning opportunity for rabbit exhibitors featuring a youth rabbit show, skill contests, educational workshops and art competitions. The event is facilitated by Franklin and Mickelson, along with the 24-member Texas 4-H Rabbit Advisory Board. The event welcomes around 160 youth, 170 adults and 240 rabbits annually to showcase and advance the rabbit project.

Excellence in Healthy Living Programming

Spangler

The Bandera County Third Grade Safety Day is an annual educational event designed to equip young students with essential safety knowledge and skills through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. With this event, Spangler brings together local safety professionals and community organizations to provide interactive demonstrations and activities focused on real-world safety situations.

Excellence in Natural Resources/Environmental Education

Alyssa Sims, urban youth development, Montgomery County

Sims hosted Montgomery County’s first Hunters Education and Certification Program. She started the hunters education program in 2023 by becoming an instructor and partnering with former Texas game wardens and the Texas Youth Hunting Program. Attendees learn about hunting safety and ethics and apply their knowledge in fun, hands-on activities. Since starting this program, she has held four classes, certifying 76 youth and adult hunters.

Jim Kahler Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Leah Stiles, Galveston County

Galveston County 4-H Science Nights are a bimonthly program offering hands-on STEM experiences for youth with themes ranging from fish and insects to electricity and mechanical engineering. The program reached 184 participants in 2024 — 77% of whom were non-4-H members. By making STEM fun and accessible, Science Nights has sparked interest in science and contributed to the growth of the 4-H program in Galveston County.

Excellence in Teamwork

Michelle Mihalek, Montgomery County; Cory Hundl, District 9 program specialist, College Station; Kristy Titzman, Walker County; Kayla Neill, Parker County; Mickelson; Sims; Geri Kline, Lee County; Katrena Mitchell, Wichita County; Haley Acord, Leon County; and Alyssa Kimbrough, Polk County

The Texas 4-H Dog Show showcases the dedication 4-H members put into training and caring for their dogs. Sixteen years ago, AgriLife Extension began supporting the event, enhancing its structure and educational value. Today, a collaborative and welcoming management team ensures a high-quality experience for all participants and guests.

Excellence in Workforce Development

Tina Bryant, District 1 program specialist, Amarillo; Jill Pronger-Killian, Sherman County; agriculture and natural resources agents Kristy Slough, Hansford County, Scott Strawn, Ochiltree County, and J.R. Sprague, Lipscomb County; and Tanya Holloway, family and community health agent, Hemphill County.

At the 2024 Texas Community Futures Forum, the lack of skilled trades workers was identified across five counties in the northeast Panhandle. This team of AgriLife Extension agents worked with school districts and community colleges/career programs to host a Trade School Fair in Spearman. About 20 exhibitors attended to visit with students. Approximately 250 youth attended, and at the completion, all involved – schools, exhibitors and agents – pledged to host again in 2025.

Greg Yost Memorial Youth in Leadership

Becky Coward, Coryell County

After setting a goal to increase Clover Kid 4-H membership, the Coryell County 4-H Ambassador Team, comprised of 20 teen leaders, created the Clover Kid Project group meetings. Under the direction of Coward, the ambassadors aim to develop leadership and communication skills, recruit new members from various backgrounds, and make everyone more aware of 4-H and the benefits it offers. After meeting monthly, from September to December, membership has grown from 40 to 73 youth due to the teen leadership exhibited in this project.

Search for Excellence in Teen Programming

Eric Taylor, Karnes County

The Karnes County 4-H Summer Leadership Trip was designed to increase participation and retention of senior 4-H members. In 2024, the 15 participants contributed 192 hours of community service, had 67 district and state event entries, and were actively engaged on the 4-H County Council. As a result, they were able to travel to Washington, D.C.

Communication Awards 

• Educational Package Individual, state and southern region winner – Jordan Voges, agriculture and natural resource, Somervell County. 
• Educational Package Team – McGaughy; Kate Marshall, Tarrant County; Kevin Knapick, Disaster Assessment and Recovery program specialist, Fredericksburg; Natalie Cervantes, program specialist, Uvalde; Willa Williams, Fort Bend County; and Derrick Bruton, Prairie View Cooperative Extension Program health coordinator, Prairie View.
• Educational Piece Individual – Jennifer Dyson, Harrison County.
• Exhibit – Dyson.
• Feature Story – Coward.
• Media Presentation – Voges. 
• News Story – Coward. 
• Periodical Publication Individual – Cari Snider, District 2 4-H program specialist in Lubbock.
• Periodical Publication Team – Titzman and Denise Winston, Walker County.
• Personal Column, state and national winner – Titzman.
• Promotional Piece Individual – Spangler.
• Promotional Package Team – Voges and Ashley Cox, family and community health, Somervell.
• Published Photo – Angela Hemphill, Anderson County.
• Social Media Piece Individual – Courtney Mercer, Jackson County.
• Social Media Package/Campaign Individual – Mercer.

Achievement in Service

Coward

Coward has served Coryell County 4-H since 2018. She enjoys helping youth reach their potential while learning to lead and promote community service projects. As a Milam County 4-H alumna, she is enthusiastic about coaching national-placing teams, providing scholarship assistance and helping youth excel.

Brittany Allen, Williamson County

Having worked as a 4-H agent since 2019, Allen is dedicated to educating and empowering Texas youth through the unique opportunities 4-H provides. In supporting the youth of Williamson County, the 4-H program has grown to over 700 members engaged in an array of projects that foster leadership, citizenship and lifelong skills.

Lauren Strom, Comal County

Strom has led impactful youth programs since 2018. Her outreach efforts include Hatching in the Classroom, the Comal Youth Agriculture Literacy Fair, and the Special Hearts Livestock Show for youth with disabilities — highlighting her dedication to inclusive agricultural education.

Megan Carter, agriculture and natural resources, Chambers County

Carter is a dedicated 4-H leader with a strong focus on livestock and shooting sports. Her passion for agricultural education shines through her commitment to the Path to the Plate initiative, where she connects youth and communities to the sources of their food. Her innovative approach and unwavering dedication make her an asset to both 4-H and the greater agricultural community.

Distinguished Service

Cassie Ferguson, Leon County

Ferguson loves watching youth use their “hands to larger service” and all the opportunities 4-H gives to serve their communities. She also conducts numerous school curriculum enrichment programs for third, fourth and sixth graders in Leon County.

Snider

Snider currently serves as the District 2 4-H program specialist in Lubbock and previously was the 4-H agent in Potter County. While serving in these roles, she has worked to increase involvement and participation at all levels. She has also served as a state association officer and board member.

Mercer

Mercer has been the family and community health agent and 4-H coordinator in Jackson County for eight years. She believes her greatest accomplishment is when her 4-Hers succeed – whether that is at a contest, major show or receiving a scholarship. Anything that makes them a better citizen and person is what drives her to always be better.

Julie York, family and community health, Upshur County

York has worked with 4-H programs as a volunteer and staff in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas for more than 60 years. She was raised in a large 4-H family and attended her first 4-H meeting at 3 months old; therefore, she works hard to live the 4-H pledge daily.

Titzman

Titzman started her career as a 4-H agent in 2002 in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. She then moved back to Texas and has been with AgriLife Extension since 2008, serving in both Waller and Walker counties.

Golden Clover

Stiles

Stiles started in her position in September 2022. The most rewarding experience, she said, is seeing her 4-H members grow and thrive in their leadership roles. Her favorite 4-H activity is hosting day camps.

Makovy

Makovy started three years ago and has grown the program in both active club members and through curriculum enrichment in the schools in McLennan County. This year, she has reached 468 active participants in the county 4-H program, with 12 clubs and over 8,500 students.

Dyson

Dyson began in May 2023 as a 4-H program assistant in Harrison County and transitioned to a 4-H agent last November. She said it has been incredibly rewarding to work with youth and watch them grow into confident leaders.

Meritorious Service Award

McGaughy

McGaughy started working directly with Texas 4-H in 2008 as the 4-H youth development agent in Dallas County. She transferred to Grayson County in 2016. During her tenure as an agent, McGaughy has served the Texas association on the district, state and national level. She is a past national regional director and national vice president of membership service for the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals. McGaughy enjoys sharing her experiences with other colleagues in the hopes that it will make their job easier.