A group of local students is getting the opportunity of a lifetime—and the Austin County community is stepping up to help make it happen.
The Austin County 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl team has earned national recognition after winning the National Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado. Their victory has opened the door to an educational trip overseas this summer, where they will travel to Scotland, Ireland, and London.
During the two-week trip, the students will take part in the International Livestock Judging Tour, learning firsthand about agriculture abroad, including beef and sheep industries in those countries. The experience is designed to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom and give them a global perspective on agriculture.
The championship team includes Levi Malinowski, Jackson Vykukal, Layne Malinowski, and Teaghan Eckelberg.
To help cover the cost of travel and airfare, fundraising efforts are now underway.
One of the main events is a Crawfish Fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026. Pre-sale tickets are available for $40 each, with a purchase deadline of April 19. Tickets can be purchased at the Austin County Extension Office, located at 800 E Wendt St, Bellville, TX 77418. For more information, call (979) 865-2072. Each meal includes three pounds of crawfish, one pound of shrimp, along with potatoes, corn, and sausage.
Buyers can choose between two pickup locations:
- Crawfish Outlet to Geaux in Bellville from 3–5 p.m.
- Wallis satellite location from 4–5 p.m.
Community members interested in purchasing tickets can do so through the Austin County Extension Office or by contacting organizers including Cassie Malinowski (936-438-6543), Kim Vykukal (979-877-9032), or Erika Guerrero (979-830-5687). Organizers remind attendees to note their preferred pickup location when purchasing tickets.
In addition to the fundraiser, donations are being accepted to support the trip. Contributions can be made to the Austin County State Bank under the “PLA Scholarship Fund” with “Scotland Trip” noted in the memo, or dropped off at the Austin County Extension Office.
For these students, the journey represents more than just travel—it’s the chance to take what they’ve learned in Austin County and see how agriculture connects people across the world. And thanks to strong local support, that opportunity is quickly becoming a reality.
