The Southeast District Livestock Show will hold its 87th meeting in Covington Feb. 3 to 5, where it will welcome a new king and queen.

This year’s royal duo is Orrin Lee Cobb of Livingston Parish and Elaina Rose Ruiz of St. James. The winners were chosen based on the following criteria:

— Experience in livestock production and activities.

— Achievements and experience in 4-H and FFA leadership development.

— Public speaking ability.

— Additional information regarding livestock project work and personal accomplishments.

Cobb, who attends Walker High School and has been in 4-H since fourth grade, says he gets a sense of pride from knowing that through “rain, sleet or snow,” nothing stops him from completing his chores around the barn.

“Raising livestock has taught me a work ethic that I will use forever,” he said in his contest entry.

Cobb also enjoys giving back to younger 4-H members as a junior leader who has taught outdoor skills to those in grades 4 to 6. He says he has gained confidence through the years by speaking in front of groups and making presentations.

“The Louisiana 4-H program has molded me into the leader that I am today by giving me an opportunity to learn a multitude of skills and teach others along the way,” he said.

Ruiz is a senior at Lutcher High who keeps busy through school, volleyball, cheer, basketball and feeding her goats, sheep and chickens. Like Cobb, she enjoys mentoring younger 4-H members as a seven-year junior leader. She recalls starting her livestock career in sixth grade.

“I always knew I wanted to show livestock, but it took a lot to convince my mom,” she said. “I started with broiler chickens to prove I was capable of committing to raising livestock.”

Being a part of 4-H has taught Ruiz the meaning of leadership, qualities of a strong leader and provided experiences to use those skills. She credits St. James Parish 4-H and the state Food and Fitness Board for giving her numerous opportunities to grow and develop into the leader she has become.

Ruiz said she is honored to be this year’s queen and wants to thank her family and 4-H agents through the years for believing in her, providing support and encouraging her to try new things.

“4-H is about making the best better,” she said. “It’s important to take what I have learned and mentor others, plan 4-H programs and encourage others to join 4-H.”

Jessie Hoover, AgCenter horticulture agent for East Feliciana, West Feliciana and St. Helena parishes, said that the Southeast District king and queen promote the livestock show via news media and serve as ambassadors.

“The king and queen each receive a $500 scholarship and belt buckle along with a crown, sash and pin for the queen and a baseball cap and cane for the king,” Hoover said.

Parishes included in the Southeast District are Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington. To be chosen as king or queen applicants must be 16 years or older, show livestock in the Southeast District and submit an application to the Southeast District Livestock Show manager.

Orrin Cobb was chosen as the 2022 Southeast District Livestock Show king. His interests include basketball, 4-H shooting sports, raising livestock, robotics competitions and working on cars. Photo provided by Orrin Cobb

Elaina Ruiz was chosen as the 2022 Southeast District Livestock Show queen. She is an avid volunteer, having taught yoga, knife skills and other cooking techniques to younger 4-H members at various camps. Photo provided by Elaina Ruiz