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More than 1,600 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders from Louisiana's 64 parishes will converge on the LSU campus to participate in competitive activities and learning experiences June 17-20, 2008. This marks the 94th year of 4-H University but the 100th year of 4-H in Louisiana.
Louisiana 4-H’ers will compete for best in the state in more than 40 events ranging from plant identification, photography and flight simulation to speech-making and fashion design. In addition, almost 300 students will take part in the noncompetitive learning event called Clover College, which includes seven hours of instruction over the three days. Read the press release.
“4-H University gives students a chance to experience what it is like to live and learn on a major college campus. The 4-H'ers look forward to and prepare for this week all year,” said Mark Tassin, head of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H youth developmental program.
This year's 4-H U is even more special because 2008 is the centennial for 4-H in the state, and the theme is "Raising the Bar for 100 Years." Commemorative activities during the three days include the introduction of the 100 members of the newly created Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame on Wednesday evening, June 18.
The opening session at 7:30 p.m. June 17 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center will feature presentations by three former Louisiana 4-H'ers who have achieved success. They are Brook Barbera, an LSU Ph.D. student; Roger Hamilton, an assistant district attorney in Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion parishes; and Kayla Blackwell, a radiology technician in Texas.
The keynote speaker for the Wednesday (June 18) assembly, also at Maravich Center at 7:30 p.m. is Donnie Thurman Jr., a professional motivational speaker from North Carolina. He will speak about the power of positive attitude and how that can overcome the most stubborn of obstacles.
During the week, students will campaign for five state offices. Election results will be announced on the final night of activities on Thursday, June 19.
For the fifth consecutive year, 4-H U will again offer the Clover College program. The eight Clover College sessions are:
- Exploring the World of Sports
- Louisiana: Sportsman's Paradise
- The World's a Stage: Bringing Out the Actor in YOUth
- Team + Building
- Forensics: A Clue and a Crime
- Camp Counselor
- Make Your Health Rock
- Operation Military Kids
During 4-H U participants will be introduced to aspects of life that college students experience on an everyday basis. Students will tour a working dairy, a biomedical center, and athletic facilities. Students will also get to see how college students live during the week by residing in campus dormitories, eating at campus dining halls and even going through the rigors of scheduling classes.
The event will culminate with the final session on June 19 with awards, the announcement of newly elected officers, and recognition for the past year’s officers.
“4-H University offers students the opportunity to learn and compete in an environment that is truly unique and lets them get a taste of what college has to offer,” said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor.
Impact
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224,946 Louisiana 4-H youth in grades K-12 participated in 4-H last year along with 6,133 adult volunteers.
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Since 1996, the 4-H character education program has targeted youth, adults, parents, schools, employees, sports teams, governmental agencies and other community groups. Some students receive programs through Principal’s Principles statements, which target one of the Six Pillars of Character each school day. In addition, youth receive character lessons in after-school programs, school enrichment programs, child care centers and youth camps.
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The 4-H program focuses on three areas: Citizenship; Healthy Living; and Science, Engineering and Technology.
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2008 is the 86th year of 4-H Camp, which is held at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock.
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4-H agents across Louisiana recruited schools to participate in the Second Annual Youth Wetlands Week organized by the LSU AgCenter. More than 55,000 children in more than 800 schools learned the value of Louisiana wetlands March 31-April 4, 2008.
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The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing rural areas and the environment, and improving the quality of life through its family and 4-H youth programs.