[Image: Chesapeake photo]Fourteen of 16 students in DeSoto and Red River parishes who received the "Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders" awards, a program sponsored by Chesapeake Energy, are members of 4-H.
Each was honored at his or her school, and the school received a computer. Winners were recognized at a banquet on April 7, 2009, in DeSoto and April 9, 2009, in Red River, where two from each parish received a laptop computer from a random drawing, also all 4-H members.
Discovering Tomorrow's Leaders is designed to recognize and reward local school students for their citizenship and commuity involvement. Beginning February 1, 2009, two students from each parish were recognized in alternating weeks for eight weeks.
Eligible students could be members of 4-H, Fellowship of Christian Athletes or provide community service to any nonprofit organization. Nominations were accepted from the general public.
DeSoto and Red River Parish Chamber of Commerce members judged.
The event was held in Caddo and Bossier parishes in the fall.
Red River Parish winners are: Ty Birdsong, 10, Red River Elementary School. He is 4-H president and plays football, baseball and basketball. He has participated in “Walk for Education” and “Jump Rope for Heart.” Ty has recently been selected as Fifth Grade Red River Parish Student of the Year and has been invited to attend the National Jr. Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
Geron Davis, 11, Springville Educational Center. Her nominator said she exhibits true leadership qualities at her age in the classroom and community, motivating her peers. She collected 1,000 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls.
Shondricka Grant, 11, Red River Elementary School. She helped senior citizens clean their home and with other chores.
Stonie Harris, 16, Saline High School. Stonie has been a Red River parish 4-H member for nine years, serving as president, vice president and secretary. Stonie was Saline’s representative to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference.
Darrell McLemore, 15, Riverdale Academy. A member of 4-H since he was 9, he is president of his club. Darrell is vice president of the freshman class, vice president of the Louisiana Junior Brangus Association and junior representative for the Louisiana Cattleman’s Association. He is an honor roll student.
Seth Mason, 13, Red River Junior High School. Seth was chosen as Student of the Year for eighth grade this year.
Two Red River winners, though members of 4-H, were hosted by other organizations. They were Tyler Stephens and Hannah Price.