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Richards, Riggins Gold Star winners

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 6:00 am
The Young County 4-H Gold Star banquet was held Saturday, July 30, and Amanda Richards of Graham and Brooke Riggins of Olney were honored as the Gold Star Award recipients. Richards is the 16-year-old daughter of Ricky and Christine Richards of Graham. Amanda is one of 4-H’s biggest supporters. She enjoys showing and raising rabbits and goats and has recently become involved in livestock judging. She has participated in Duds To Dazzle, Food Challenge, Nutrition Quiz Bowl, educational presentations and record books. Amanda placed sixth in state with her rabbit record book this year. She is a member of Lone Star 4-H Club as president and is the Young County 4-H council secretary. Amanda is also in the Rompin’ Stompin’ Big Blue Band at Graham High School. Riggins, also 16, is the daughter of Johnny and Mitzi Riggins of Olney. Brooke will be a junior at Olney High School and is a fourth-generation Gold Star winner. Brooke’s great-grandmother, Frances Hilbers Vietenheimer earned the honor in 1942; her grandmother, Mary Ann Vietenheimer Riggins, in 1964. Both earned their awards in Archer County. Brooke’s father, Johnny Riggins, earned his Gold Star in 1986; her aunt, LeeAnn Riggins Burnett, in 1992, and Brooke’s two older sisters, Summer Riggins Leister in 2007 and Hunter Riggins in 2012, all earning their awards in Young County. Brooke is very active in 4-H with the Young County Livestock Judging Team and 4-H County Council Vice President. At Olney High School, Brooke is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, varsity softball, and is the Olney High School mascot. The Gold Star Award is the highest county achievement award in 4-H and is 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. The following are minimum requirements that must be met: • The member must be at least 15 years old at the time of application and must have completed at least three years in 4-H, including the current year. • The member must submit an awards program record book in the year he or she is to be considered for the award. • The member must have completed projects in three different project areas, have submitted appropriate record forms, and have participated in one or more activities in at least three of the following areas: educational presentations, citizenship activities, projects, project exhibits, camps, leadership labs, public relations (speeches, poster displays, radio, TV, newspapers), and other (includes exchange programs, fundraising, State and National 4-H Congress, etc.)