The Hockley County 4-H Achievement Banquet was held this past Sunday at the Mallet Event Center to recognize its members, leaders, volunteers and supporters who made 2026 a successful year.
Hockley County 4-H and Youth Development Agent Amber Lightbright recognized the county council members who work together to plan and support county-wide events that help the 4-H program flourish, including Bryar Sherril, Charley King, McKinley Tucker, from Levelland 4-H; Theresa Albus, Braxie Albus and Brylie Albus, Ropes 4-H; and Bradley Gray, Kade Gregory and Colt Parkinson, Whitharral 4-H.
The 2026 Distinguished Leader award went to Leigha Gray for her unwavering dedication and willingness to help every member reach their fullest potential.
The 2026 Honorary 4-H Member Award was presented to Donna Wheeler “whose heart for youth, service, and community has made a lasting difference in Hockley County.”
The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to South Plains Implement and Bryan Hubbardt for consistently demonstrating its commitment to supporting the county 4-H youth and community through donation of items and monetary support for fundraisers, 4-H contests, projects and trips to Texas State Roundup.
The Hockley County 4-H Project Fair was held in conjunction with the banquet. High point winners included Clover Kid Boy (three-way tie) participants Gabriel Albus, Michael Albus and Christian Johnson; Clover Kid Girl, Lillian Gregory; Junior Boy, Lawrence Albus; Junior Girl, Adeline Gregory; Intermediate/Senior Boy, Kade Gregory; and Intermediate/Senior Girl, Sarah Gray.
Eighteen Clover Kid members were introduced. Six received their Clover Kid diploma and 4-H
advance to become regular members of their 4-H clubs. Clover grads include Isabella Acevedo, Radek Dukatnik, Kade Hubbard, Creed Huysmans, Klelle Norris and Browen Wellborn.
Nineteen 4-H members received 4-H Record Book awards in three divisions, including nine juniors, six intermediates, and four seniors. The Outstanding Junior Record Award went to Kaydee Thomas; Outstanding Intermediate Record Award, Kynlee Thomas; and Outstanding Senior Record Award, Bradley Gray.
Forty-six members received Project Awards for 2026 and a commemorative t-shirt for their hard work and dedication.
Other awards include: Outstanding First Year Member – Lawrence Albus Livestock Award - Brylie Albus, Junior; Kenston Lattimore, Intermediate; Bryar Sherrill, Senior.
Family & Community Health Award – Pepper Dukatrik, Junior; Victoria Johnson, Intermediate; Kade Gregory, Senior.
Natural Resources Award – Adeline Gregory, Junior; Victoria Johnson; Kade Gregory, Senior.
STEM Award – Adeline Gregory, Junior; Bradley Gray, Senior.
Bronze Star – Theresa Albus and Cameron Johnson. Silver Star – Tristan Neal and BreAllyn Griffith.
Gold Star – Braxie Albus and Colt Parkinson.
“I Dare You Award” – Kade Gregory.