Texas 4-H Raises $2K in Scholarships Honoring Local Hero

When the Stampede 4-H Club in Goliad County, Texas lost James "Jaime" Henning, they found a beautiful way to keep his legacy alive. The youth organization launched a memorial scholarship raffle that raised $2,000 for local students while bringing the entire community together.

Henning was a dedicated supporter of Goliad County 4-H and the local Fair Association. Rather than let his memory fade, the Stampede 4-H Club created a scholarship program that honors his commitment to young people.

The innovative fundraiser worked like this: community members bought raffle tickets that funded scholarships for outstanding high school seniors in the 4-H program. The raffle winner received $100 and got to choose a local charity to receive another $100 donation.

At the recent Goliad County 4-H Awards Banquet, three exceptional students received scholarships from the fund. Lily Knetl earned the top award of $1,000, while Hannah Griffin and Greg Schoener each received $500 scholarships.

The Coy Blaschke family won the raffle and selected Tejas Buyers, another strong 4-H supporter, to receive the charity donation. Everyone walked away with something, from students gaining financial help for their futures to a charity getting unexpected support.

The Ripple Effect

What started as one club's tribute to a friend has created waves of opportunity throughout Goliad County. The scholarship doesn't just help students afford college. It shows young people that their community believes in them and wants to invest in their futures.

The model also demonstrates how grief can fuel generosity. Instead of simply mourning Henning's loss, his friends and family turned their sadness into action that will help others for years to come.

The response has been so strong that Stampede 4-H has already announced plans for next year. Raffle tickets for the 2027 scholarship cycle will go on sale in February, giving the community another chance to support local youth while honoring Henning's memory.

For three graduating seniors, this scholarship means real financial relief as they head to college. For the Henning family, it means James's passion for supporting young people will continue long after he's gone.