[Image: Picture of kids standing on steps.]Sixteen Jefferson Parish 4-H teens participated in the 95th annual 4-H University held in June on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. More than 1,600 4-H members from across Louisiana spent several days in Baton Rouge participating in state level competition or receiving intensive training in selected subject areas, such as robotics, forensics, and dramatic arts.
Jefferson Parish participants included Laura Melancon, Daniel Melancon, Shawntell Ronquille, Brittany Landry, Salvador Caillouet, Alex Farizo and Nicholas Victoriano, Fisher Middle/High School; Kavon Faili, Arrash Faili and Amber Corder, Word of Life Academy; Keith Luther, Ehret High School; Jonathan Balint, Jessica LeBlanc and Bryan DeVillier, home-schooled students; Fosterikka Franklin, Roosevelt Middle School; and Kevin Keys, John Curtis Christian School.
Jessica LeBlanc was named state winner in the Career Preparation Contest. Brittany Landry was named to the State 4-H Fashion Board, and Daniel Melancon completed his term as State 4-H Regional Representative.
Accompanying the group were Ann Gauthier and Chantel Williams, LSU Ag Center extension agents, and Ellie Melancon and Neelam Phadtare, volunteer leaders.
4-H University is one part of the LSU Ag Center’s 4-H Youth Development Program, which is designed to teach young people valuable life skills by involving them in educational projects and service activities. Throughout its history the program has sought to help young people and their families improve their quality of life.
4-H University is open to 4-H members age 13 years and older. It is conducted in June of each year and includes competitive and noncompetitive educational opportunities. For more information about this or other 4-H Youth Development Programs, call 504-838-1170.
Photo: Left to Right Front Row: Laura Melancon, Shawntell Ronquille, Jessica LeBlanc, Daniel Melancon, Salvador Caillouet, Bryan DeVillier. Second Row: Arrash Faili, Amber Corder, Fosterikka Franklin, Brittany Landry, 4-H agent Ann Gauthier, volunteer leader Neelam Phadtare. Third Row: Alex Farizo, volunteer leader Ellie Melancon; 4-H agent Chantel Williams. Back Row: Jonathan Balint, Kavon Faili, Keith Luther, Kevin Keys. Not shown is Nicholas Victoriano.