Kirbyville Wildcat 4-H
Meet the Kirbyville Wildcat 4-H Club Council
"Leadership is not a position or a title.
It is action and example" - Donald McGannon
Penelope King
President
I am 16 years old, and my current 4-H leadership roles are President, Junior Master Photographer, Photography Ambassador, and county council vice president. As President, I run meetings and help lead other members. Through my other roles, I have opportunities to represent 4-H, share my photography skills, encourage other members, and contribute to my club and community.
I’ve been involved in 4-H for three years. I originally joined because I wanted to learn more about photography, and after discovering all the different opportunities 4-H offered, I wanted to become more involved. Through 4-H, I have had opportunities to learn new skills, challenge myself, and grow as both a person and a leader.
Throughout my three years in 4-H, I have competed in photography, photography judging, robotics, Food Challenge, Educational Presentations, and record books. I hope to continue expanding my experiences by participating in shooting sports, talent, and goat showing.
Being a 4-H leader has taught me that leadership is not just about having a title but about being someone others can depend on. I have learned how to communicate with others, listen to different ideas, take responsibility, and help encourage other members. I try to lead by example and make sure everyone feels included and has opportunities to get involved. Through my leadership experiences, I have become more confident and learned how to step up when something needs to be done.
I have been involved in a lot of community service through 4-H and have really enjoyed giving back to my community. 4-H has introduced me to many community opportunities that I would not have found otherwise. I have also been able to use my photography skills to help with community events and capture important moments for others.
Outside of 4-H, I stay active in my school and take honors classes while participating in yearbook club, Spanish club, and cross country. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and 4-H has taught me how to manage my time and stay organized. I make schedules and set aside specific time for my responsibilities so I can give my best effort to both school and 4-H.
Looking ahead, my goals in 4-H are to continue growing as a leader, make a positive impact on my club and community, and take advantage of every opportunity I can. As President, I want to make this a successful year for my club by encouraging members to get involved, creating new opportunities, and being a leader who listens and serves others. I hope to continue pursuing leadership opportunities through 4-H, including District and State Council. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in law enforcement, and I know 4-H will help prepare me through the leadership, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and decision-making skills I gain along the way.
The most memorable part of my 4-H experience has been the people I have met along the way. Each person has taught me something different, challenged me to grow, or helped shape who I am today. 4-H has taught me that it is okay to try something new even when you do not know exactly what you are doing. You may not always succeed the first time, but failure is not a reason to quit. My advice to a new member would be to get active, try new things, and take every opportunity you can. If you fail, try again. Get up! Get out! And go get it!
Colt Urzendowski
2nd Vice -President
Hello, my name is Colt Urzendowski, and I am 14 years old and attend Kirbyville High School. Currently, my favorite subject in school is Spanish 1 because I have recently discovered my love for learning another language. Some of my hobbies outside of school are playing piano, playing video games, and collecting bottle caps.
I have been in 4-H for 4 years and am currently the 2nd vice president in my 4-H club. I have been secretary and health and safety in my club as well. I’ve learned quite a bit through these leadership experiences, such as how to be a good public speaker.
Also, I am very active in my community, such as working the concession stand at any games and helping out at my church. 4-H has helped me strengthen my bond with my community because it has helped open more opportunities that I didn't have before 4-H.
Some projects that I have participated in through 4-H were robotics, photography, and food challenge. Although by far my favorite project was robotics due to my passion for technology and robotics.
My goals for 4-H are to get scholarships and help my community. I would like to compete in maybe ag robotics, where you have a robot do specific tasks. My overarching goal is to go to West Point and continue service in the Army by flying helicopters. 4-H will help me achieve this goal by giving me the leadership skills to increase my odds of getting into West Point.
One of my most memorable events in 4-H was getting my silver star.
Some advice that I would give to someone starting in 4-H would be not to get on your club leaders' nerves; it doesn’t go well. Finally, the most important quality an officer in 4-H should have is learning how to be humble and accept that you won't win everything.
Mason King
Vice-President
My name is Mason King and I am a senior at Kirbyville High School.
I am the Vice President of Kirbyville Wildcat 4-H. This year is my 3rd year of 4-H. I was initially drawn to 4-H through a friend who told me about its robotics competitions.
Last year, I was appointed as Community Service Liaison. I learned from this role to be on top of things, and I became more comfortable with public speaking since I had to talk to a bunch of people I didn't know.
I have competed in Sumo robotics, Food Challenge, and Ag Robotics. I'm really passionate about Sumo Robotics because I love the show BattleBots, and this is probably the closest I'll ever get to something like that.
My hobbies include Band, tennis, badminton, cross country, hide-and-seek, and climbing trees.
I'm currently a senior at Kirbyville High School. My favorite subject is government. I'm easily able to balance my academic responsibilities and 4-H activities by doing all my work in the classroom.
A goal for my time as an officer is to try and get my name out there. This year, I plan on trying photography since I haven't done it in my previous years.
My goal after high school is to join the Navy, and I believe what I have done in terms of leadership will help me greatly in the Navy.
I believe the most memorable thing was winning 4th place at the state competition in Sumo Robotics with my buddies and setting a new record for the club.
I believe 4-H has helped me like people more and have more trust in people.
If I were to give advice to a new member, I would say, "You hate it now, but give it a year or two. Trust me, you'll never regret it." I believe that being chill is the most important quality for a 4-H officer to have. I believe this because if someone thinks you're anything else, even if you're really nice, they're more than likely not going to want to approach you.
Kolton Lilly
Treasuer
My name is Kolton Lilly, and I am 12 years old. I am starting my second year as Club Treasurer. As Club Treasurer, I am responsible for keeping accurate and up-to-date records of all club funds, paying bills as approved by the club, reporting on the club’s financial condition at each meeting, and also work with the Club Manager to develop a budget for the year. I am going into my fifth year in Wildcat 4-H. I was initially interested in joining 4-H because I wanted to be more involved within the community and participate in robotics. This is my fourth leadership role within the club, and I am extremely excited to move forward. I held position of Club Treasurer and Junior Archery Leader last year.
I completed four years of Robotics and started numerous new projects last year. I competed in robotics, Lego challenge, numerous photography categories, two virtual fishing tournaments, archery, and record book. I attended three archery competitions last year and learned a lot. I am interested in exploring livestock this year and hope to start out by showing rabbits. I am extremely passionate about robotics, archery and photography.
Outside of 4-H, I enjoy hunting, fishing, building Lego sets, playing video games, playing soccer, and doing experiments. Building Lego sets helps me create the designs of my robots for competition. Playing little league baseball in my younger years and playing soccer recently has helped instill teamwork and sportsmanship.
I am currently in seventh grade, and my favorite subjects are history, math, and band. I am currently in the advanced math program (Honor’s) and advanced English program (Honor’s) in Junior High. I was inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society in fifth grade. Currently, I am not participating in any other extracurricular activities, but I am interested in Boy Scouts. 4-H has influenced me to do more community service projects and help my family and friends with miscellaneous tasks. I accumulated 87 volunteer hours last year through 4H and helping family and friends.
My goals as Club Treasurer are to keep everyone informed of club finances efficiently and work towards other positions on the board in the future.
Participating in robotics through 4H and attending the Engineering Camp at Lamar University has sparked my interest in the engineering field. Building robots for competitions and adjusting the builds/codes and learning from my mistakes can help build skills I will need in the engineering field.
My most memorable experience in Wildcat 4-H was my first year competing in photography. I did not think that I would do well at all but when I picked up the camera and started taking photos it just felt natural. I submitted photos into numerous competitions and brought home a district level Best in Show and 25 blue (1 st place) ribbons. I have now added 39 more photography ribbons, a Junior Reserve Champion and placed 3rd at YMBL Fair.
Being a member of 4-H has shaped me into who I am today by teaching me leadership traits, bringing me out of my shell of shyness, and has given me the opportunity to see how much of an impact volunteering in the community can make. I feel the most important qualities a 4-H officer should have are the ability to listen to other people’s ideas and implement them within the club.
Ian McAdams
Secretary
Ian McAdams Age: 15
My current 4-H leadership roles are Secretary and Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador. As Secretary, I help keep the club organized, keep track of important information, and help make sure members know what is going on. As a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador, I have the opportunity to encourage healthy choices, help others, and be a positive example for other 4-H members.
I have been involved in 4-H for 2 years. I originally joined 4-H because I wanted to try new activities, meet new people, and learn skills that I could use both now and in the future. Since joining, 4-H has given me opportunities to participate in different activities and competitions while helping me become more comfortable working with others. It has also taught me that being involved and willing to try new things can help me grow as a person and as a leader.
I have not held any other 4-H leadership roles. However, my current roles have already taught me many important leadership skills. I have learned how to be responsible, organized, dependable, and respectful when working with other people. I have also learned that being a good leader is not just about having a title, but about being willing to help others, listen to their ideas, and do my part to make the club better.
I have participated in Robotics, Food Challenge, Photography, Archery, and the Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador program. Each activity has taught me something different and has given me a chance to challenge myself. I especially enjoy Robotics and Archery because they allow me to learn through hands-on experiences and improve my skills. I also enjoy being a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador because I get to help promote healthy choices and make a positive difference in my community.
My hobbies and interests include sports, robotics, archery, and photography. I enjoy activities that allow me to stay active, learn something new, or challenge myself. I also enjoy spending time with other people and being part of activities where I can work together with a team.
I am currently a 9th-grade freshman, and my favorite subject is history. I enjoy learning about the past and understanding how different events have shaped the world today. I balance school and 4-H by making sure I stay focused on my schoolwork while also making time for meetings, competitions, projects, and other 4-H responsibilities. Learning how to manage my time has helped me become more responsible and prepared. 3. Community Involvement: Through 4-H, I have opportunities to be involved in my community and help others. Serving as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador gives me an opportunity to encourage healthy choices and be a positive influence on other young people. I believe community involvement is important because even small actions can make a difference, and 4-H gives me a way to contribute while developing my leadership skills.
My goals as a 4-H officer are to become a stronger leader, help other members, become more involved in the club, and help make 4-H a better experience for everyone. I would like to encourage more members to participate in activities and feel comfortable trying something new. I also want to continue improving my communication and leadership skills so I can become someone that other members can depend on.
My career goal is to become a Marine. I know that reaching this goal will require discipline, hard work, teamwork, responsibility, and determination. I believe the skills I am developing through 4-H will help prepare me for my future by teaching me how to work with others, communicate clearly, take responsibility for my actions, and lead when necessary. I also want to continue challenging myself and becoming a better version of myself as I work toward my future goals.
Some of my most memorable experiences in 4-H have been participating in different competitions, projects, and activities with other members. These experiences have allowed me to meet new people, learn new skills, and make memories that I will remember for a long time. 4-H has helped me become more confident and responsible while teaching me that it is okay to try something new, even when I am not sure how it will turn out.
My advice to someone who is just starting 4-H would be to get involved, try as many different activities as possible, meet new people, and not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zone. You never know what activity you might enjoy or what new skill you might discover. I believe the most important quality for a 4-H officer is responsibility because an officer should be dependable, willing to help others, and committed to doing their best. Being a leader means setting a good example and helping make sure everyone feels welcome and included.
Emmett McClintock
Reporter
My name is Emmett McClintock.
My current officer role is Reporter. As Reporter, I provide an overview of what our club does during meetings, activities, competitions, and special events. This is my second year as a member of 4-H.
After I began homeschooling, I researched different programs and activities that I could join. I wanted to find something fun that offered opportunities beyond traditional sports. I discovered 4-H and decided it would be a good program for me.
I have not held any other leadership roles in 4-H. Reporter is my first officer position.
I have participated in the 4-H Robotics project. I am especially passionate about robotics because I enjoy building and coding robots. Robotics allows me to combine creativity, mathematics, problem-solving, and teamwork.
My hobbies outside of 4-H, I enjoy playing sports, fishing, camping, and playing video games with my friends.
I am currently in the 11th grade, and my favorite school subject is mathematics. I try to complete all my schoolwork during class so I have time for 4-H and my other activities. When I cannot finish everything during class, I stay up a little later to complete my assignments and make sure my responsibilities are handled.
In addition to 4-H, I participate in sports and enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and camping.
Being involved in 4-H has opened my eyes to the needs of other people and taught me to help wherever I can. It has encouraged me to become more involved and look for ways to make a positive difference in my community.
My goal as a 4-H officer is to make our club better. I want to fulfill my responsibilities as Reporter, support the other officers and members, and help the club continue to grow.
I want to continue participating in robotics and help our robotics team place among the top three teams at the Texas 4-H State Robotics Challenge.
One of my main goals for the future is to help as many people as I can. My experiences with leadership, teamwork, coding, and problem-solving in 4-H can help prepare me for a career where I can use my abilities to serve others and make a difference.
I believe 4-H will help me achieve my goals by opening the door to new opportunities. It allows me to develop leadership and communication skills, meet new people, work as part of a team, and become more willing to try things that may initially make me uncomfortable.
My most memorable 4-H experience was earning the opportunity to compete at the state level. Going to state allowed me to meet people from different places, make new friends, and experience a higher level of competition.
My advice to a new 4-H member is to focus on making friends and having fun. Do not be afraid to try new projects, participate in activities, or put yourself out there. Some of the best opportunities begin just beyond your comfort zone.
I believe the most important quality for a 4-H officer is willpower. An officer must be willing to do things that may feel uncomfortable, accept new responsibilities, and put themselves out there so they can grow and create more opportunities for themselves and others.
Danielle Conn
Health & Safety
Officer
My name is Danielle Conn, I am 14 years old, and I serve as the club’s Health and Safety Officer. This is my second year in 4-H. One of my friends encouraged me to join by telling me about everything she does through 4-H, and I decided that I wanted to join, too.
I have participated in archery and Food Challenge. Of those projects, I am most passionate about archery. This year, I would also like to try something new by competing in photography.
Outside of 4-H, one of my favorite hobbies is painting. I am currently in the eighth grade, and my favorite subjects are reading and math. I balance my schoolwork and 4-H responsibilities by using a calendar to keep track of everything I need to complete.
One of my most memorable 4-H experiences was traveling to Houston for a Food Challenge competition. Being involved in 4-H has helped me become more confident and taught me how to speak in front of others without stuttering. It has also inspired me to help people in my community.
My goal as Health and Safety Officer is to help keep everyone safe and make sure no one gets hurt—especially Daniel. Although this is my first leadership position in 4-H, I hope to continue serving in leadership roles in the future. I believe the most important quality for a 4-H officer is being a good example for younger members.
In the future, I hope to become a photographer. The photography skills and experiences available through 4-H can help me learn how to use a camera and work toward reaching that goal.
My advice to new 4-H members is to try new things and meet new people. There are many opportunities available through 4-H, so members should not be afraid to step outside their comfort zones.
Robert Daniel Jones
Parliamentarian
My name is Daniel Jones and I am currently the 2026 - 2027 Wildcat 4-H Parliamentary. I have been in 4-H for about 8 years now and what initially drew me in was my family deciding I needed to show chickens.
In my many years in 4-H I have held several leadership roles ranging from the club level all the way to national level. I served as a Jasper County Club delegate for 1 year, club reporter for 1 year, club president for 2 years, Texas 4-H Poultry Ambassador for 2 years, Jasper County Treasurer for 1 year, Jasper County President for 1 year, and a TYA Poultry Ambassador for 1 year. I also served as delegate at Texas 4-H for both the Senate and the House and was selected as a Texas Delegate for National 4-H Congress.
Through these leadership experiences I have learned that having a title does not make you a leader, but it is your actions that make you a leader. Through these roles I have also learned how to speak in front of large crowds.
In the past 8 years I have competed in a large variety of projects including robotics, food challenge, photography, poultry judging, record book, and even story board. I have also competed in Food Challenge at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Ag robotics.
Through 4-H I am most passionate about showing and judging poultry. Outside of 4-H I love playing Tennis, cutting down trees, working on vehicles, listening to music, and hanging with friends and family.
I am currently in my senior year at Kirbyville High School and my favorite subject is Science. Other than 4-H I am highly involved in the FFA, NHS, Spanish Club, and Science UIL.
Balancing my academic responsibilities between my 4-H responsibilities is quite hard. The best way I figured out is by determining which side is more of a priority right now. If I have a test that is a few days away then I would put 4-H first, but if the test is the next day I would put school first.
Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to help those who are in need. Through 4-H my dreams when I was a little kid can be accomplished, helping local communities, people, and even nursing homes.
Since this is my last year as a 4-H officer I only hope to achieve one goal. I want to leave an impact on the upcoming generation of 4-H members. This year I want to try and compete in storyboard, and I am considering competing in a district event.
As of right now my career goals are now completely settled, but I am considering either Mechanical Engineering or becoming an Electrician. Being in 4-H will help me pursue my goals but the developing leadership qualities I need.
One of my most memorable experiences in 4-H was winning Grand Champion Senior Poultry Showmanship.
Being in 4-H for the past 8 years has greatly changed who I used to be. When I started 4-H I used to be the quiet shy kid in the back, now I am the loud and engaging kid in the front.
The best advice I would give to someone who is just starting out in 4-H would be to not settle for less. The most important quality as a 4-H officer is integrity.
Hannah Urzendowski
Sentinel
Hi I am Hannah Urzendowski. I am the newest officer for Sentinel. I have been in 4-H for 4 years.
Something that drew me into 4-H was the photography competition. I have not had any other leadership roles.
I participate in photography, food challenges, and record books. I am most passionate about photography.
My hobbies outside of 4-H are Softball, Volleyball, Track, and cross country.
I am in the 8th grade and my favorite subject in school is Texas History. During the day I'm at school and during the weekends I'm working on 4-H. I am a part of the Athletic Booster Club and salvation army. We take donations for the Avalon Nursing Place.
My goals as a 4-H officer are to learn leadership skills.
When I get older, I want to be in the Navy.
Winning my silver star. 4-H has shaped me by being a team player.
The advice I would give someone coming into 4-H would be to always hear everyone's ideas.
