[Image: Photo]4-H University yielded a variety of learning opportunities for St. Martin parish participants, as well as those from across the state.
4-H University was held June 23-26, 2009, on Louisiana State University’s campus in Baton Rouge. Attending from St. Martin parish were 47 4-H members. Attending with the youth were 4-H agents Hope Guidry and Laura Brumbaugh and adult volunteers Megan Albert, Julian Ardoin, Geralyn Ashley, Clair Blanchard, Shelia Champagne, Rebecca Clark, Estelle Guidry, Gabrielle Guidry, Erica Poirier and Tremiane Rossyion.
This was the 95th year for the LSU AgCenter event, where more than 1,900 Louisiana 4-H members and volunteer leaders converged on the LSU campus. Nearly 1,600 youth participated in either competitive or noncompetitive educational events. This annual events allows youth to engage in hands-on learning opportunities, explore future careers, practice service to others and increase communication and teamwork skills.
During the day, members participated in contests and educational activities or Clover College, a noncompetitive option for youth.
There are over 40 contests to compete in including 4-H Has Talent, Computer Simulation, Dog Care, Livestock Judging, Fashion Review, Sports Broadcasting and Outdoor Skills.
In addition to competing in a contest, members must attend educational activities during their free time. They could choose to tour such things as a dairy farm, a children’s ward of a hospital, LSU athletic facilities or the Baton Rouge culinary institute.
Clover College is an experience for participants to strengthen communication skills and learn while participating in fun and interactive sessions. St. Martin parish had 14 participants in the mini college experience. They were Hayli Allemond, Jordan Belote, J. Ryan Broussard, Tobi Granger, Delaina Guidry, Jesscia McNabb, Keiondra Mouton, Haley Newsome, Kevin Noel, Courtney Poirier, Kobie Renard, Briea Sylvester, Morgan Thibodeaux and Sidny Thibodeaux. The Clover College tracks included Forensics Science, Are you Ready for College, Exploring the World of Sports, Citizenship Louisiana Focus, and Louisiana Paradise. This noncompetitive option allows youth an opportunity to learn about program development, future career choices and gain leadership and social skills while developing an action plan to develop programs in the parish. Each track involved seven hours of instruction.
St. Martin Parish also had 33 members competing at 4-H University. They were Jacob Albert, Ila Arceneaux, Matthew Ashley, Chase Bijeaux, Catherine Blanchard, Matthew Blanchard, Robert Burkhardt, Anissa Champagne, Megan Conques, Jake Delahoussaye, Zac Dupuis, Andre Goodyear, Jordan Guidry, Jules N. Guidry, Rachael Guidry, Alicia Guttry, Joshua Latiolais, Zachary Latiolais, Lamar Louis, Hannah Martin, Cody Melancon, Michelle Melancon, Tevin Mouton, Linda Nguyen, Adele Richard, Megan Roberts, Taylor Serrette, Megan Simon, Linsey Stelly, Kaleb Theriot, Chloe Thibodeaux, Hannah Thibodeaux and Trey Thibodeaux.
On Tuesday, June 23, keynote speaker Jerry Stovall, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation, welcomed youth to Baton Rouge and gave them tips on how to be successful and told stories about his pro football career. Youth also enjoyed a performance from Creative Forces, a youth acting troupe from New Orleans, La.
On June 24 state board members were announced. Representing St. Martin Parish on the Science, Engineering and Technology Board is Jordan Guidry and on the Citizenship Board are Kelli Cantu, Anissa Champagne and Adele Richard. Youth were entertained by Steve Robichaux with a high energy karate demonstration.
Blue ribbons were handed out on the final night to those who placed in their contests. Chancellor Bill Richardson spoke with youth and parents before the winners were announced.
Winners from St. Martin Parish are Hannah Thibodeaux, second-place individual in the Automotive contest; Michelle Melancon, fifith, Automotive (individual); Hannah Thibodeaux and Michelle Melancon, first, Automotive (team); Megan Roberts, second, Career Preparation Interview; Jordan Guidry and Chloe Thibodeaux, seventh, Computer Simulation (team); Trey Thibodeaux, first, Diesel Operations; Cody Melancon, sixth, Diesel Operations; Megan Simon, 10th, Dog Care; Anissa Champagne, fourth, Fashion Review-Ready to Wear; Tevin Mouton, Lamar Louis and Chase Bijeaux, sixth, Outdoor Skills Team; Robert Burkhardt, eighth, Poultry Judging (individual); Jacob Albert, third, Small Engine Demonstration; and Catherine Blanchard, eighth, Soybean Illustrated Talk.
The Louisiana 4-H program is an educational program of the LSU AgCenter. For more information about the LSU AgCenter and its variety of educational programs and research activities, visit www.lsuagcenter.com.