Singer, former 4-Her to 'Share the Fun' at Texas 4-H Roundup Co

Texas

As a member of Texas 4-H for about eight years--including the Texas 4-H Council in 1990-91--Trent Willmon often attended and competed in 4-H Roundup in College Station. During his years as a 4-H member, Willmon said, he showed horses, sheep and cattle, as well as took part in method demonstration, livestock judging and forestry projects.

Now 15 years later, he'll be attending Texas 4-H Roundup again, this time as the star attraction.

Willmon, a singer, songwriter and recording artist, will perform in concert at this year's Roundup.

"I'm really excited about it; it's something I've really wanted to do," Willmon said. "We (scheduled) our other gigs around it so we could do it."

The concert will begin at 9:30 p.m. June 7, following the general assembly and fashion show in Reed Arena on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station.

Attending Roundup was one of the highlights of his younger years, Willmon said.

"I couldn't wait to get to College Station and go to Roundup."

He credits 4-H for helping launch his current musical career.

"I got a San Antonio Livestock Show scholarship and went to South Plains College in Levelland," Willmon said. While there, "I got involved in the music program at South Plains."

But even before that, he had already performed at 4-H dances.

"It's very fitting that Trent will be singing at Texas 4-H Roundup," said Kalico Karr Leech, Texas Cooperative Extension 4-H program specialist in Vernon. "I can't remember attending any 4-H event growing up where Trent wasn't playing his guitar and singing for us. They just seemed to go hand in hand--Trent's music and 4-H."

Leech should know. She and Willmon have been friends for nearly 20 years, she said.

"We went to school together at Patton Springs in Afton, from junior high on through high school, and we were in 4-H together as well," Leech said. "He and his mom are partially responsible for my strong involvement in 4-H as a member and now as a specialist.

"I was his date to the Gold Star Banquet when he received the 4-H Gold Star award in 1988."

Willmon was raised in West Texas and joined 4-H when he was in third grade. He stayed active as a member through his high school years, serving in many offices, he said.

My time in 4-H "taught me a lot of leadership skills and responsibility," Willmon said. "I learned a lot of things other kids don't get to learn. It prepared me for life in general."

Willmon is passing his appreciation for 4-H on to the next generation--his 8-year-old daughter is a 4-H member, he said. "She's got a lamb project and a leather working project."

Toby Lepley, Extension 4-H and youth program specialist, said like other 4-Hers--past and present--Willmon likes to give back to the community, and his performance at this year's Texas 4-H Roundup is one way he is giving back.

Attendance at the dance will be open to all Texas 4-H members, whether they are competing at Roundup or not, Lepley said. Their families and guests, volunteers and leaders, are also invited to attend, he added.

For more information on Willmon and Texas 4-H Roundup, visit the Web at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/.

Willmon's second album is due to be released on June 13. For more information visit the Web at www.trentwillmon.com.

Date: 5/25/06

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