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We are delighted to honor Mrs. Kaylyn LeBlanc as the 2025–2026 Acadia 4-H Achievement Day Honoree. Kaylyn founded the Lucky Clovers 4-H Homeschool Club in 2011 as a way for her two daughters and other homeschool youth to experience everything 4-H has to offer. Through her commitment to mentorship, Kaylyn helped members discover their gifts, build confidence, and nurture skills that extended far beyond the club setting. Kaylyn emphasized the importance of service learning and modeled what it means to lead with purpose. Under her guidance, the Lucky Clovers engaged in meaningful community projects including disaster relief efforts, support for local animal shelters, and fellowship activities for veterans and nursing home residents. With each project, she reinforced the value of kindness, civic responsibility, and giving back. Her influence helped members understand that even small acts of service can create lasting change.
In addition to her work with the Lucky Clovers, Kaylyn is a dedicated volunteer for the Acadia Parish Junior Leadership Club, offering her time and talents to help plan workshops and events alongside Parish 4-H agents. She also served as a Demonstration Day judge, often sharing that her favorite part was watching students grow in their abilities and confidence year after year. Her enthusiasm for youth development, paired with her passion for the 4-H mission, made her a trusted leader and advocate in the parish program. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and has worn many hats over the years. You may have seen her at the annual sweet potato sale and fish frys! Kaylyn’s years of service reflect the true spirit of 4-H which is leadership, citizenship, community, and heart. Her legacy continues to inspire both past and current members to serve, lead, and make a difference. We are proud to recognize her as the 2025–2026 Acadia 4-H Honoree and extend our sincere appreciation for her enduring contributions, mentorship, and dedication to the youth of Acadia Parish.
Once again, the 2025-2026 Achievement Day Service Project will be can pop tops! Remember that you can start collecting can pop tops now! All clubs will turn in the pop top donations at Achievement Day. All proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis, Tennessee. Many children and their families from St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital use this location. Please feel free to get the whole school involved and put out collection jars if you would like to make some.
This is a fun activity open to all 4-H members. It will be held at the Crowley Rice Arena located at 159 Cherokee Drive Crowley, LA on Monday, January 12, 2026. One dog per participant (may choose to take part in 2 categories). In the event you are not a dog owner, you are allowed to show a neighbor or close friend's dog! Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. This is a dog ONLY contest. Do not bring dogs that are too big or too aggressive for the 4-H'ers to handle. All animals MUST be vaccinated and restrained on a leash. Only dog 4-H exhibitors will be allowed in the arena. This year's categories are Best Costume, Best Trick, Waggiest Tail, Highest Jumper, Most Obedient, and Best Bark. Disclaimer: your dog will be in close proximity to other dogs, so be mindful of your dog’s temperament. We will also have the Vet Set Geaux contest happening at the same time. This contest includes identifying breeds of dogs, cats, birds, etc. It also requires knowledge of pet care.
We are once again offering horse clinics this year for FREE! This year Acadia parish will be offering horse clinics every month! We will again team up with master horsemen throughout the region. The first clinic will be held at the Acadia Parish Rice Arena on January 26th from 6-8 PM. In order to attended youth must be an approved 4-H member AND bring your own horse. For more information or questions, please call Emma Zaunbrecher Tyler at 337-366-2109.
An egg is a remarkable structure, and this month members will investigate how a chicken egg is designed both to protect a developing embryo and to provide it with necessary nutrients. This lesson will explore the various components of the egg, such as the outer shell, the protective membrane, the yolk, and the nutrient-rich albumen (egg white). Understanding the anatomy of the egg provides insight into the fascinating biology of poultry reproduction.
Acadia Parish 4-H Jr. Leader club will be hosting a silent auction at this year’s Acadia Parish Livestock Show, January 15-17, 2026. The winners will be posted at the buyers' auction. We are asking for you to come out and show your support by stopping by the auction table. We are sure you will like the unique items you cannot find anywhere else. The proceeds will support the Acadia Parish Jr. Leader 4-H club.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Life Book contest! We had over 65 Life Books created and turned in for this contest! All of the Life Books created were donated to youth in foster care in Acadia Parish!
4th-6th Grade winners
1st Adelyn Alleman, Branch
2nd Levi LeJeune, Lucky Clovers
3rd William Trahan, Branch
7th-12th Grade winners
1st Goldie Keller, Egan
2nd Halyn Sonnier, Midland
3rd Libby Fontenot, Lucky Clovers
Do not forget!!!! Exhibitors, you must have health papers on your animals before you are allowed to enter the show barn with your animals. Health papers should be issued within 60 days of the show. To ensure that your papers are current through the state show, take your animals to the veterinarian a week or two before the parish livestock show. Lambs and goats must have a scrape tag in their ear. Remember, there is a dress code when showing and selling your animal in the arena: no t-shirts, no shorts, no hats, and shirts need to be tucked into pants.
The parish Livestock Judging contest will be held Friday, January 16th at the Rice Arena in Crowley, beginning at 5:00 p.m. or after the conclusion of the show. 4-H members will judge at least one class of sheep, beef, and swine. Each class will be comprised of four animals. Senior 4-H members will also be required to give oral reasons on one of the judging classes. This contest is open to every 4-H member. To learn more about and practice your livestock judging skills, visit YouTube and search for livestock judging.
The 4-H Ready to Wear Contest showcases youth participants who have selected outfits to demonstrate their skills in clothing selection, styling, and presentation. The show encourages creativity, confidence, and a sense of personal style. This contest does not require any sewing! This contest is open to all 4-H members in grades 4-12. Categories include grades 4-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
Contest:
-Select a ready-made garment(s) suitable for any occasion not exceeding $100 for the outfit (shoes and accessories not included in cost). There is no obligation to purchase new clothing items, you can use items that you already have.
-Complete packet and submit it to the 4-H office by 4:00 pm by March 30, 2026. Packets can be found on our website under the contest/events tab (www.lsuagcenter.com/acadia4h) or you can pick up from the 4-H Office. Please note part of your score will include your ability to be a wise consumer.
-What to wear: Participants should wear a ready-to-wear outfit, which can include store-bought, thrifted or something in your closet. Outfits must be appropriate for a public presentation (i.e., modest, well-fitting, and suitable for the event's context).
-Fashion Judging: Participants will be judged on presentation of their chosen outfit at the Achievement Day on May 4, 2026.
-Personal Data Packet (120 Points) Turned in by March 30, 2026.
-Garments do not need to be turned in with packets. Judges will use pictures submitted in the first round of judging. Make sure what you wear in the photos is the same as what you wear for the Fashion judges at Achievement Day. (You can bring them in a garment bag, they will be allowed to change prior to judging. Remember- appearance scores will be factored so make sure they are neat and presentable).
Evaluation for Clothing Appearance Judging (180 points) See scoresheet on website.
As we prepare for a successful record book season, we would like to encourage members to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the 4-H agents to discuss in detail their record book and the do’s and don’ts to ensure you submit a competitive record book. Record books are due to the 4-H office by March 30, 2026. The official record book can be found on our website (www.lsuagcenter.com/acadia4h) under the contests/events tab.
Section 2: 4-H Project Overview List the size and scope of your participation in your 4-H project(s). Use this space to give specific details about what you did in your 4-H project and remember to complete one of these for each project. Use numbers when appropriate to show size, growth, profits, losses or savings related to your 4-H project. For example, consider providing numbers on animals, dishes prepared, meals served, clothing made, repairs completed, pictures taken, workshops attended, interviews conducted, etc. Report year(s) of project work based on your grade level. 4th, 5th, and 6th graders: Provide a narrative summary, list, and/or chart that covers the project work you have completed in the past year. 7th and 8th graders: Provide a narrative summary, list, and/or chart that covers the project work you have completed in the past two years. 9th - 12th graders: Provide a narrative summary, list, and/or chart that covers the project work you have completed in the past three years.
Section 3: This Year’s 4-H Project Summary (1 page only) This 3- part section should include only 1 year [the current year] of your 4-H project work. Use the 3 charts in this section to record progress on your 4-H project(s) work. Learning Experiences: List the opportunities you have had for learning. Include tours, interviews, demonstrations, camp/conference sessions, workshops, clinics and other sharing experiences. Financial Summary: Include all information on expenses and income related to your project. Expenses include all items or services you paid for to support this project. Income includes all money received from the sale of services, products and/or premiums from this project- if applicable. Project Accomplishments/Summary: List the major accomplishments or outcomes you made in this project this year. Describe the impact that your project work has had for you, your family, your 4-H club and/or your community.
Sections 4: Leadership (1 page per year, 3 pages max) In this section, include any time that you led an activity. Include times that you taught, coordinated, organized or guided others. Make sure to list 4-H officer position(s), committees or other positions held. If a leadership activity is directly relevant to your project work, place a check mark in the ‘Project ‘column.
Section 5: 4-H Citizenship & Community Service(1 page per year, 3 pages max)In this section, list any time that you served others through 4-H. The level of work is based on the final outreach of the organization that the service or donation is going toward. For example, the Salvation Army is a national organization, so donations should be listed as “N.” The Lion’s Club is an international organization, therefore any donations or services to benefit this organization should be listed as “I.” If an activity is directly relevant to your 4-H project work, place a check mark in the ‘Project’ column.
Section 6: 4-H Awards and Recognition (1 page per year up to 3 years) Recognition could be ribbons, certificates, trips, or being invited to a special event.
Section 7: Non-4-H Experiences and Activities (1 page per year up to 3 years)List any participation in any other clubs and anytime you taught, led or guided others.List any officer position(s) held, committee(s) served on or other position(s) held. Include only non-4-H work. List any activities you have participated in to help others in your community. Describe the importance of the activity by including details, such ashours spent, type of service conducted, number of items donated, etc. Lastly include any non-4-H awards received.
Section 8: My 4-H Emphasize your personal growth and development and highlight your involvement in
the project area(s) in which your are submitting your records. Your story must be typed in Microsoft Word or a similar software program. Your 4-H story should be printed and inserted into your Record Book. All stories should be typed in 12 point font and double
spaced. Use 8.5” x 11” paper with a 1.5” margin at the top and the left and a 1” margin at bottom and right of each page. Use only the front side of the page. Your story is limited to: 4 pages [maximum] for 4th- 6th graders or6 pages [maximum] for 7th-12th graders.
Section 9: 4-H Photos & Supporting Materials The judges focus more on the content in this section, than on any decorative page elements. Make sure to use the front side of the paper, not front and back. Be sure to include candid photos, action shots and captions. Photos should include project-specific activities, in addition to leadership and community service highlights. Either insert photos and type captions directly into a computer file to print and insert into your book, or print photos and glue or tape them onto pages with typed captions.Exception: 4-H Members who are entering Photography project work can include 10 additional pages of their photography samples. When writing captions, include detailed information such as presentation topics, audience numbers/participants, things that you learned.
This year in an effort to recognize4-H members who are graduating, Louisiana 4-H will offer a "4-H Honor Cord." For 4-H members to receive the 4-H Honor Cord, they must meet the following requirements: 1) must be enrolled in 4-H; 2) must be a graduating senior; 3) have been enrolled in 4-H for 3 high school years; 4) have participated in one state sponsored 4-H program in the last 3 years or show exemplary parish involvement; 5) must fill out an application form and turn it in by parish deadline date of February 7, 2025. All Senior Honor Cord recipients will be invited to the end of the year 4-H Outstanding Member Banquet. The application can be found at https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/kids_teens/events/awards
This contest is open to all 4-H members with skill levels from beginners to advanced sewers! Participants will construct a cotton apron, showcasing their sewing skills and creativity. The apron is to be sewed/ constructed by the participant and turned in for judging. Aprons will be judged on design, workmanship, and originality. Participants will be judged in the following divisions- Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Contest Rules:
Aprons
-Fabric: 100% cotton fabric must be used for the apron.
-Thread: Any color or type of thread is allowed.
-Notions: Participants can use any additional notions (buttons, zippers, trims) as desired.
Apron Specifications
-Size: The apron must fit the youth making the apron.
-Design: Must include:
At least one pocket, Ties at the waist
-Creativity: Participants are encouraged to personalize their aprons with unique designs or embellishments.
Submission Guidelines
-Completed aprons must be submitted with the filled out datasheet by the deadline March 30, 2026. Datasheets can be found on our website under the contest/events tab (www.lsuagcenter.com/acadia4h) or pick up a copy from the 4-H Office
-Participants must include a brief description of their design process and inspiration (max 150 words).
-Aprons should be clean and free from any visible marks or stains.
Judging Criteria
-Craftsmanship (40 points): Quality of stitching, finishing, and overall construction.
-Design (30 points): Creativity, originality, and aesthetic appeal.
-Functionality (20 points): Practicality and usability of the apron.
-Presentation (10 points): Overall presentation and attention to detail.
Additional Information
-Contestants may seek advice from fellow participants or instructors, but all work must be their own.
-An in-person showcase will be held for participants to present their aprons and discuss their creative processes at Achievement Day on May 4, 2026, at Midland High School. Good luck, and happy sewing!
4-H Southern Regional match is March 20-April 4, 2026, in Gonzales, Alexandria and Port Allen. Forms have been emailed out to all participants. Please read the form carefully when choosing which discipline you are competing in. Both forms and registration fees must be turned into the 4-H office by Friday, January 23, 2026. Please make checks payable to Acadia 4-H Foundation. Just a few reminders about Southern Regionals: In order to qualify, each participant must have their hunter safety card (temporary or permanent) as of December 31, 2025, and have a minimum of 8 hours of official 4-H practice time. If you are unsure of how many practice hours you have so far, please reach out to your discipline chair. Each participant is required to furnish their own ammunition and shell bag. Parish equipment must be signed out from the office during business hours. Detailed schedules will be sent out when available. School excuses will be sent to the school. Also, as a reminder proper safety procedure must be followed and required safety equipment must be used when competing in competitions. Remember, all competitors are required to have eye and ear protection as well as closed toe shoes. No Crocs. Those competing with firearms other than archery, are also required to have an empty chamber indicator that is bright and visible to all.
