4H teams finish top of state

The Cass County Hope 4H Forestry Team ended their season with a bang! After last year’s forestry season came to an early end due to Covid 19, our 4Hers were eager to get back to doing what they love…Forestry!

This year began with our team members practicing at home because of restrictions placed by our State 4H officials. As time went on and restrictions were lifted, we were able to meet to have some group practices. Team members Allyson Hamilton, Tymber Reust, Phenyx Reust, Joshua Whatley, Strut Reust, Austin Swedoski, Jordan Swedoski and Summer Swedoski made up two teams that competed in six different contests where they competed against other 4-H members as well as FFA members. In each of these contests, Team 1 finished in First Place.

Team members closely competed for High Point with each member winning the top spot at various competitions. In the Hope 4H/McLeod FFA Invitational, Tymber Reust was the High Point Individual receiving a buckle for her efforts. Allyson Hamilton received a plaque for her High Point score at the Marion Cass Soil and Water Conservation District Contest and she also placed 2nd Individual at the Alba Golden Forestry Contest. Joshua Whatley was the second place individual at the SFA CDE Invitational at Nacogdoches and also receiving first place individual score at the NTCC Forestry Contest. Phenyx Reust was the High Point Individual at our State Forestry Contest held at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. After competing at District, both teams were able to advance to the State Contest where they placed First and Second in the 4H division. Team 1 had an overall score of 273, making them the top placing team in 4H and FFA for the State of Texas! This finish was pretty special, especially since our teams have three seniors graduating this year. It was great way to finish out the Forestry season this year, said Coach Brian Whatley.

Cass County Hope 4H Wildlife Team Competes at State Contest

The Cass County Hope 4H Club Wildlife Team members: Austin Swedoski, Jordan Swedoski, Summer Swedoski, Tymber Reust, Phenyx Reust, Strut Reust and Allyson Hamilton began their practices in the fall and competed at the Marion-Cass Soil and Water Conservation District Contest where they advanced to the Regional contest. With a win at Regionals the team advanced to the State Contest which was held in April. Each year the contest is held in a different region of Texas. This year was Region IV, making the contest location in Nacogdoches. Covid struck again causing some members to be quarantined and therefore not eligible to participate in the State Contest. The Swedoski siblings made up the team that represented our Hope 4H Club at the State Wildlife and Recreation Contest held at Stephen F. Austin State University on April 20th. Austin, Jordan and Summer Swedoski placed 5th in the State 4H division finishing up this year’s Wildlife Season.