Local 4-H members win top awards at group contest

Young people from across Louisiana were named 4-H State and Blue Ribbon winners at the recently held 4-H University contests in Baton Rouge. The event, formerly known as 4-H Short Course, was the 92th annual gathering of 4-H members from across the state. Members competed in over 40 different project related contests. Approximately 1600 members and 200 volunteers participated in the activities.

This year's expanded gathering included educational programs for participants as well as a Clover College which was designed for non-competitive members who wanted to participate in workshops on topics such as Service Learning, Communication, Character Counts! -Sports, Camp Counselor Training and Theatre Arts.

In addition to the contests and educational sessions, 4-H members also elected the State 4-H officers. Jonas Augustine, a Destrehan High School 4-H member, was elected the State 4-H Vice-President. Augustine had served as an Officer in his school 4-H clubs since 5th grade and this past year was selected as a 4-H Regional Representative for the Crescent Region. The Crescent Region includes St. Charles, Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemine and St. Bernard parishes. Augustine was also a member of the State 4-H Executive Board, a Youth Trustee on the State 4-H Foundation Board and a member of the State 4-H Federal Review committee.

Two members were also selected to serve on State 4-H Advisory Boards. Kelsey McGill and Hali Wiggins were selected to the 4-H State Fashion Board which plans activities and workshops for younger 4-H members in the Clothing Project.

Fourteen St. Charles 4-H Club members participated in the event. Seven of the members placed Blue Ribbon, top ten, in their contest.

The top placing members included: Meghan Wiggins - Fashion Creative Choice, Kelsey McGill- Fashion Casual Wear; Ebonie Cooper, Le' Nai Joseph and Raven Scott - Solutions Unlimited, and Charles Wilson and Jonathan Augustine - Sports Broadcasting.

Another member receiving recognition in her project contest was LeAnna Wilson who was recognized for having the Most Coordinated Outfit in the Fashion Ready- to -Wear contest. Other participants and their contests included: Hali Wiggins - Fashion Special Occasion, Jonas Augustine- Personal Development; Amanda McCarter - Public Speaking.

Members attending the Clover College were: Ben Alday, Ryan Costa and Secret Cammon. Volunteers assisting with the group were: Mamie McMillion, Mary Triche, Kim Wiggins, Andrea Alday, Jared Hirst and Dee McGill.

The St. Charles 4-H members were sponsored by the United Way of St. Charles and the St. Charles 4-H Foundation. For information on the 4-H Club program, you may contact David Pichon at 985-785-4473 You may also e-mail him at: dpichon@agctr.lsu.edu. The 4-H Club program follows a non-discriminatory policy in all of its activities.