West Feliciana Parish 4-H members recently returned from an exciting and enriching week at Louisiana State University, where they participated in the annual Louisiana 4-H University and Clover College. The event, held each June, brings together youth from across the state for a unique combination of academic competition, hands-on learning, and a taste of college life.

This year, West Feliciana Parish was proudly represented by 23 students. Of those, twenty competed in various contests while three students chose to participate in Clover College, a non-competitive educational program designed to immerse youth in specific areas of interest.

4-H University offers more than 40 competitive events, allowing participants to showcase their skills and knowledge in diverse subject areas such as plant science, fashion, tractor operation, wildlife habitat judging, and animal science. Meanwhile, Clover College provides several educational tracks where students can focus deeply on topics without the pressure of competition. West Feliciana participants in Clover College explored subjects including LSU Athletics, horticulture and how to become a “dog”tor at the LSU Veterinary School of Medicine.

In addition to academics, 4-H University provides a real-world college experience. Students stay in LSU dormitories, dine on campus, and navigate daily life much like college students, making it both an educational and personal growth opportunity.

The week also brought several notable accomplishments for West Feliciana Parish:

• The parish earned 3rd place in the state for the Service Learning Award, Act to Impact Challenge.
• Seniors Colten and Caden were recognized as recipients of Louisiana 4-H scholarships.
• Mrs. Randi K. Patin was honored as Administrative Coordinator of the Year.

West Feliciana 4-H also celebrated strong youth leadership representation, with eight members selected for statewide leadership boards:

• Peyton D. – Food and Fitness
• Evelyn P. – Wetland Ambassadors
• Valarie P. – Wetland Ambassadors
• Mary Dean G. – Equine Ambassadors
• Taylor T. – Equine Ambassadors
• Brooklyn T. – Equine Ambassadors
• Wyatt T. – STEM
• Emma S. – STEM

During the awards ceremony, several West Feliciana participants earned top honors in their events:

• Caden G. – Tiger Tank
• Emma S. – Visual Arts
• Peyton D. – Fashion, “It’s Sew You”
• Valarie P. – Fashion, Upcycled
• Evelyn P. – Fashion, Upcycled
• Taylor S. – Vet Set Geaux

Volunteers played an important role in the success of the week. Special thanks were extended to Mary Godke, Andrew Godke, and Delanea Buffalo for their support and dedication to the youth throughout the event.

We are proud of all our youth. West Feliciana 4-H had a great week, and we’re excited about all the memories made and accomplishments achieved. For more information about 4-H University or how to get involved in 4-H programs in West Feliciana Parish, contact Katlin Gordon at 225-635-3614 or klucas@agcenter.lsu.edu.