LSU AgCenter agents brief board on 4‑H reach: 1,141 youth in 28 schools

LSU AgCenter 4‑H agents told the Acadia Parish School Board that the parish's 4‑H program currently operates in 28 of the district's 30 eligible schools and serves 1,141 youth, and they asked for continued support for extension staffing and programming.

Kayla Segura, one of the two 4‑H agents in Acadia Parish, explained the AgCenter's role as a Cooperative Extension arm of Louisiana State University and described staffing at the parish office, including a horticulture appointment, nutrition educators and a crawfish specialist. She thanked the board for salary and operating support and distributed an Acadia Parish profile and the LSU AgCenter annual report.

Danny Perko, youth development extension agent, reviewed program details and participation. He said 4‑H works in 28 schools (fourth through 12th grade) and maintains a "Lucky Clovers" homeschool club; the largest single club in the parish was listed as Saint Michael's with 98 members. Perko described after‑school project clubs including sewing, livestock, robotics, horse club, shooting sports and junior leadership, and noted that some projects—particularly livestock—carry higher costs for families. He said 4‑H provides school-enrichment packages (minimum six hours) covering topics such as financial literacy, farm-to-table, wetlands and life cycles.

Perko and Segura said local fundraising and parish support help subsidize camp costs and reduce fees for families. Board members asked about collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club and participation rates at public schools; the presenters said they have established contact and are working to expand access in schools that currently have lower participation.

The board praised volunteers and the parish extension staff and requested enrollment breakdowns by public school for the board's records. No formal action was taken; the presentation served as an informational briefing.