[Image: 209 4-H University Participants]LSU Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s flagship university, was the scene for 4-H University 2009, formerly known as Short Course. For more than 100 years Louisiana 4-H has been equipping some of the state’s best young people to become its future leaders. On June 23-26, 2009, more than 1,900 teens from across the state gathered to “Rush Into 4-H.” The 95th year for the event brought 4-H’ers together as they found many opportunities to learn, experience new things, interact with one another and, in general, enjoy staying on the campus of Louisiana State University.
The objectives of 4-H University are to:
·Develop a sense of belonging through positive social and educational program experiences
·Provide opportunities for engagement in learning to develop mastery through project participation and achievement
·Provide the opportunity for self-determination through empowered decision making and teamwork
·Provide the opportunity for youth to see themselves as active participants in the future through career exploration
·Provide a safe and inclusive environment for youth
·Provide the opportunity to practice service for others
Twenty-eight youth from Natchitoches Parish either competed in a particular educational contest of interest or attended nine hours of Clover College.
Those winning awards were: Adriana Wohletz, Brittney Wells and Haley LaCaze; Ninth Place, Dairy Judging; Nick Jackson and Devin Metoyer, Fourth Place, Computer Simulation; Rena Yount, Ninth Place, Dog Care; Laura Evans and0 Brooklyn Sanders, Sixth Place, Horticulture Demo; and Adam Dalme, James Mathews and Abi Yount, Ninth Place, Plant Science.