Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

During the 107th 4-H University (formerly known as Short Course) several Washington Parish 4-H members were selected as new members of two Louisiana 4-H State Leadership Boards.

Annalise Thigpen of Franklinton High School joined the 2021-22 Louisiana 4-H SET Board. Gracie Thigpen of Franklinton High School joined the 2021-22 Louisiana 4-H Citizenship Board. Lauryn Smith of Varnado High School also joined the 2021-22 Louisiana 4-H SET Board.

These young people completed an application and interview process with Louisiana 4-H to earn their positions. As the summer progresses, they will attend the Louisiana 4-H WeLead Conference to kick off their year of service on these leadership board. While at this conference, they will attend trainings on the Louisiana 4-H state service-learning focus, Mental Health Awareness. They will also discuss diversity and inclusion with Dr. Monica Guient, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion LSU AgCenter, learn how to better advocate for themselves and other youth, understand how to better market themselves and 4-H Programs, develop their inner and outer heroes, and discover how to help others become heroes.

Through their year of service, these board members will attend meetings across the state, help host camps for younger youth, help plan and execute regional and state 4-H activities, and plan activities within our parish for our 4-H members to participate. With hard work and dedication, these young people will leave their mark on both the Louisiana and Washington Parish 4-H Programs.

Please help us congratulate them as they start their year of service.

This article was written by Beth Putnam, the Washington Parish 4-H Youth Development Professional Chair.