4-H Awards banquet celebrates accomplishments
The annual event also honored graduating members and volunteers.
Matthew Morales, 11, Blake Morales, 13, and Faith Taylor, 14, left to right, pose together during the Stars, Stripes & 4-H Pride Marion County 4-H Banquet at the UF IFAS Extension auditorium at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, July 17, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
On July 17, UF/IFAS Extension Marion County celebrated the accomplishments of local 4-H youth during its annual 4-H Awards Banquet, which took place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium in Ocala.
The evening recognized the dedication, leadership and achievements of members, volunteers and supporters who make the Marion County 4-H program a success, noted Katie Davis, Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.
Marion County 4-H, the youth development program of the University of Florida and Marion County, helps young people develop the life skills, confidence and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Throughout the evening, youth were recognized for their growth, leadership and commitment to learning through hands-on experiences, Davis said.
The banquet was emceed by members of the Marion County 4-H Teen Council, which showcased the public speaking and leadership skills they have developed through involvement in the program.
“Awards were presented to members for outstanding project work in a variety of areas, including photography, gardening, livestock and other animal science projects. Youth also were recognized for their participation and accomplishments at the county, district, state, regional and national levels. Marion County 4-H members represented the county through opportunities such as 4-H Ignite in Washington, D.C., the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in West Virginia, 4-H Day at the Capitol, the 4-H Insectathon Contest, Meats Judging competitions and many other educational events,” Davis stated via email.
Nine graduating members each received a $1,000 scholarship from the Marion County 4-H Foundation to support their future educational goals.
“The Marion County 4-H Foundation continues to play a vital role in providing scholarships and financial assistance that ensure youth have access to educational opportunities, leadership experiences and workforce readiness programs regardless of their circumstances. The Marion County 4-H Association was also recognized for its ongoing support in identifying community needs and helping strengthen local 4-H programming,” Davis wrote.
A special announcement during the banquet highlighted the establishment of the Bobby and Brenda LeMasters Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide scholarships to support youth participating in 4-H events, higher education and national 4-H experiences.
The evening also celebrated the dedicated volunteers who give countless hours to mentoring young people and expanding the reach of the Marion County 4-H program. Their service and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth, Davis offered.
“Marion County 4-H is one of the largest 4-H programs in Florida and has been serving local youth since 1909. From its beginnings with corn clubs to long-standing educational programs such as the Seminole Garden Project, which began in the 1940s and continues today in a modernized format, Marion County 4-H has remained committed to providing research-based educational experiences that prepare young people to become capable leaders and engaged citizens,” Davis shared.
To learn more, go to sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h-youth-development/
Support community journalism
The first goal of the Ocala Gazette is to deliver trustworthy local journalism so corruption, misinformation and abuse are not hidden from the public or unchallenged.
