[Image: Lafourche 4-H University]
Louisiana youth took home honors as state contest winners and alternates as the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University concluded June 19 on the LSU campus.
Hundreds more were selected as blue-ribbon winners in 4-H University competitions for trips and prizes and other events that included educational activities, personal development sessions and guest speakers.
More than 1,550 youngsters participated in the 94th annual gathering of young people who participated in scores of activities that are part of the annual three-day 4-H event that’s a highlight of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H youth development program.
Approximately 2,000 people in all – including 4-H’ers, adult leaders, volunteers, parents and friends – participated in all or part of 4-H University, which also included the election of state 4-H officers and district representatives. The competition came in areas ranging from agricultural demonstrations to wildlife habitat judging and from career preparation to consumer decision-making.
For those who chose not to participate in direct competition, 4-H University included Clover College – educational activities on topics ranging from team building to healthy decision-making.
Other topics included serving as a camp counselor, participating in service programs, exploring the world of sports and learning about Louisiana’s unique environment.
4-H University is one of the aspects of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Club program. 4-H is the nationwide youth development program of the U.S. land-grant university system 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.
"Louisiana 4-H is a one-of-a-kind program made up of outstanding young people from across our state," said LSU AgCenter Vice Chancellor Paul Coreil. "We’re glad to provide them this annual opportunity to visit the state’s flagship university, to meet new people and to test their knowledge and skills – all while having fun."
Most of the first-place or state winners in about 43 different contests were awarded educational trips or opportunities to compete in regional or national events.
Lafourche Parish had 65 4-H’ers participating at 4-H University. Results are:
Automotive (Individual) – Blue Ribbon, Philip Toups, E. D. White
Automotive (Team) – Blue Ribbon, Philip Toups and Saul Hebert, E. D. White
Bicycle – First Alternate, Ryan Usea, Thibodaux High
Child Development – Blue Ribbon, Angelle Felarise & Jamie Hebert, South Lafourche High
Compact Tractor – Blue Ribbon, Mason Becnel, Central Lafourche High
Computer Simulation – Blue Ribbon, Dane Vizier, South Lafourche High and Jerrin Dugas, Golden Meadow Middle
Consumer Foods Judging – Blue Ribbon, Alyssa Hebert, Brandi Melancon and Lauren Lusco, Central Lafourche High; Maggie Duet, Member at Large and Adrienne Rousse, South Lafourche High
Dairy Judging Team – Blue Ribbon, Bailey Samanie, Lyndsey Sepulvado and Tanner Thibodaux, Thibodaux High
Dog Care – Blue Ribbon, Cecily Plaisance, Lockport Middle
Fashion Review/Ready to Wear –First Alternate, Trey Acosta, South Lafourche
Fashion Review/Special Occasion –First Alternate, Victoria Bimah, Thibodaux High
Horticulture Demonstration/Use – Blue Ribbon, Megan Adams and Sarah Guidry, South Lafourche High
Insect Identification and Survey – Blue Ribbon, Cole Galey, Larose-Cut Off and Christopher Guillot, E. D. White
Livestock Judging (Individuals) – Blue Ribbon, Megan Bouvier, South Lafourche and Sarah Grace Sayes, E. D. White
Livestock Judging (Teams) – Blue Ribbon, Caitlyn Rogers, Central Lafourche; Megan Bouvier and Hollie Hunter, South Lafourche High; Sarah Grace Sayes,
E. D. White and Blaze Toups and Cody Simon, Thibodaux High
Meat Evaluation, ID and Judging (Individuals) –First Alternate, Lacy Bellanger, South Lafourche High
Meat Evaluation, ID and Judging (Teams) – Blue Ribbon, Lacy Bellanger, Soliska Cheramie and Maggie Bouvier, South Lafourche High
Outdoor Skills (Individuals) – Blue Ribbon, Matthew Waguespack, E. D. White
Outdoor Skills (Teams) – Blue Ribbon, Tyler Danos, South Lafourche High; Brandon Saucier, Central Lafourche High and Matthew Waguespack, E. D. White
Photography – Blue Ribbon, Aubrey Ellis, E. D. White
Plant Science (Teams) – Blue Ribbon, Rydon Naquin, Caitlin Naquin and Meagan Naquin, E. D. White
Poultry Judging (Individuals) –First Alternate, Josh McCarthy, Thibodaux High
Poultry Judging (Teams) – Blue Ribbon, Josh McCarthy, Olivia Dempster and Kirsten Oncale, Thibodaux High
Public Speaking/Any Subject – Blue Ribbon, Courtney Hebert, Thibodaux High
Soybean Illustrated Talk – Blue Ribbon, Lexi Hebert, Thibodaux High
Sports Broadcasting – Blue Ribbon, Taylor Bernard and Dylan Danos, South Lafourche High
Other 4-H’ers participating were: Donee Fields, Justin Matherne and Jenna Graham, East Thibodaux Middle School; Nolan Falgout and Benton Troxclair, E. D. White; Sophia Collette, Braeli Eymard, Beth Barrilleaux, Emily Arceneaux, Colleen Guidry and Kristy Hebert, South Lafourche High; Crystal Melancon, Sarah Zeringue, Andrew Roussell, Angela Pereda and Megan Bourgeois, St. Mary Elementary; Paige Quebedeaux, Sixth Ward Middle and Braden Eymard, Larose-Cut Off Middle.