New 4-H youth development assistant named for Bexar County
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Nelda Lebya Speller, 210-631-0400, nlspeller@ag.tamu.edu
Caroline McLaren, 210-631-0400, caroline.mclaren@ag.tamu.edu
SAN ANTONIO – Caroline McLaren is the new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 4-H assistant agent for 4-H youth development, Bexar County.
McLaren, who began her duties April 2, will support coordination and implementation of 4-H programs and activities in the county.
“Texas 4-H is the youth development component of AgriLife Extension,” said agency director for Bexar County Nelda Speller. “We have one of the largest and most active 4-H memberships of all 254 counties of the state, and the size and engagement of this membership warranted our adding a 4-H assistant. Caroline’s education, professional background and prior experience with 4-H made her a perfect choice for this position. We know she will contribute a lot to our 4-H programs and to developing youth in our membership.”
McLaren has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership and development and a master’s degree in agricultural education from Texas A&M University, College Station.
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, McLaren was a junior livestock show intern with the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and a junior livestock show exhibit and animal drug testing intern with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She also served as a student intern at the AgriLife Extension office in Crosby County, where she supported State 4-H Roundup, outdoor camp, archery camp, conferences and other 4-H initiatives.
While pursuing her master’s degree, McLaren worked as a student assistant at the AgriLife Extension District 9 office in College Station, where she helped organize and set up district 4-H events, including 4-H Roundup.
McLaren was a student teacher at Rudder High School in Bryan, where she taught floral design, agricultural mechanics and small animal management. She served as an FFA advisor and supervised after-school agricultural activities with the students.
“I’m excited to be in San Antonio and to have the opportunity to work with the 4-H clubs here on programs related to agriculture, character development, community service and more,” McLaren said. “I hope to work closely with both youth and adults on developing leadership strategies and with youth on career readiness.”
