The Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo announced April 2 that 2025 President Bobby Poncik has earned a nomination for the 2025 John Justin Standard of the West Committeeman of the Year Award, a prestigious national honor recognizing outstanding volunteer leadership in professional rodeo.

Created by Justin Boots, the John Justin Standard of the West program recognizes the hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours committee members across the country dedicate each year to producing PRCA rodeos and supporting their communities. While the award is selected from among nominees nationwide, the nomination itself is a significant achievement — and a first for the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo, as no committee member in the organization’s history has previously received this level of national recognition, fair officials said.

A lifelong Fort Bend County resident and former Bareback Bronc Rider, Poncik has devoted decades of service to building one of the region’s most respected rodeo events. His leadership of a highly regarded rodeo committee has helped elevate the event’s standing across the industry.

Born and raised in Fort Bend County, Poncik and his wife, Jana, raised their family with the fair deeply rooted in their lives and service. His trademark feathered hat has become a familiar symbol of dedication, western heritage and leadership.

“This nomination alone is an incredible honor and speaks to Bobby’s decades of service, leadership and commitment to excellence,” the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo said in a statement. “We are proud to see Fort Bend represented on the national PRCA stage in this historic way.”

The 2026 Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo will run from September 25 to October 4.