Claiborne Parish 4-H made a powerful impression at this year’s 4-H University, showing record growth, strong leadership, and award-winning excellence.

This year, Claiborne Parish more than doubled its 4-H University participation by 67% from 2024 to 2025. The increased involvement reflects a rising excitement and commitment among local youth to engage in leadership, learning, and competition at the state level.

The Claiborne Parish delegation brought home six blue ribbon awards, earned by Tyler Boyett, Jackson Monzingo, Luke Padgett, Lissa Barnett, Ava Burford, and Maddie Sullivan. In addition to individual ribbons, Ava Burford and Maddie Sullivan earned a 3rd Place Banner, placing them among the highest-ranking teams in their division.

Claiborne Parish also celebrated major achievements in state leadership. Three youth
were selected for leadership boards within Louisiana 4-H:

Luke Padgett was named a Louisiana 4-H Livestock Ambassador, where he will serve as a youth advocate for agricultural education and outreach.

Keylie Manning was elected to the Louisiana 4-H Executive Board as the Northwest Regional Representative, giving her a leadership voice at the state level.

Annagail Dison was chosen for the Wetlands Ambassador Team, where she will promote awareness and stewardship of Louisiana’s wetlands and natural resources.

“Claiborne Parish is incredibly proud of these youth,” said Destiny Hightower, the Claiborne Parish 4-H agent. “I have watched each one of them work so hard to make these boards and place in their contests, and I know they all have bright futures ahead of them. For Claiborne Parish, this year’s achievements highlight the strength and promise of its growing 4-H program.