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Being a 4-H member shapes your identity, fostering lifelong friendships, resilience and invaluable skills and memories. Graduating high school doesn’t mean the end of 4-H involvement. For many members attending Louisiana State University, Collegiate 4-H offers an exciting opportunity to stay engaged.
Collegiate 4-H is an extension of the traditional 4-H program, designed for young adults who want to continue their 4-H journey during college. It provides a platform to develop leadership, community service and professional skills while connecting with like-minded peers who share a passion for making a positive impact.
Remaining involved with 4-H as an adult goes beyond volunteering — it’s about being part of an organization that transforms lives and communities. From mentoring youth to leading clubs and sharing professional skills, there are countless ways to contribute. Every volunteer strengthens 4-H, ensuring its impact continues for generations.
Branson Melancon serves as an ambassador in the Louisiana 4-H Youth Wetlands Program. Photos courtesy of Louisiana 4-H Youth Wetlands Program. Photos courtesy of Louisiana 4-H Youth Wetlands Program
“Going into Collegiate 4-H (at LSU), it was another way to continue giving back to the program that I was part of,” says Branson Melancon, a former Acadia Parish 4-H member and current vice president of Collegiate 4-H at LSU. Collegiate 4-H members can stay involved as volunteers on both state and local levels.
Melancon’s 4-H journey began in Acadia Parish, where he participated as a Junior Leader, in photography and shooting sports, and as part of the Wetland Ambassadors Team. His passion for environmental conservation led him to LSU’s College of Agriculture’s School of Renewable Natural Resources. Now, through Collegiate 4-H, he continues to make an impact by volunteering for wetland plantings, community outreach projects and events promoting environmental stewardship.
As the Collegiate 4-H vice president, Melancon brings experience and enthusiasm to every meeting, contest and event he supports. By volunteering at 4-H events like the Junior Leadership Conference, he helps provide the same meaningful experiences that influenced his growth.
Branson Melancon is the vice president of Collegiate 4-H at Louisiana State University.
Micah Denesse, former Plaquemines Parish 4-H member, is now a member of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and dedicates time to 4-H Summer Camp and 4-H University. Photo provided by Micah Denesse
4-H volunteers work tirelessly to ensure youth across the state have meaningful opportunities. Micah Denesse, a former member from Plaquemines Parish, now volunteers in both Plaquemines and Livingston parishes, offering the same support he received as a 4-H member. As a member of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation, Denesse dedicates time to 4-H Summer Camp and 4-H University.
Denesse’s continued involvement beyond graduation earned him an invitation to represent Louisiana at National Ag Day.
“I wouldn’t have the people skills, the communication skills or the personality without the opportunities and experiences from 4-H. I’m excited for the future of the youth in 4-H,” Denesse said.
As an advisor to the Executive Board, Denesse sets an example for current members. He shares his experiences and demonstrates how skills he gained as a 4-H member connect to his career and community involvement. His leadership inspires youth to stay engaged and make an impact.
Gabriel Stelly on a trip to Turkey. Photo provided by Gabriel Stelly
Career exploration often begins with 4-H projects, whether through technical skills learned in robotics or transferable abilities like leadership.
“I've learned a lot about servant leadership in my 4-H experience, and I've definitely applied that in my work as an Air Force officer on a regular basis,” says Gabriel Stelly, a former St. Landry Parish 4-H member.
During his time in 4-H, Stelly served on the Executive Board as president, historian reporter and as a Science Engineering and Technology Board member. Collegiate 4-H at LSU helped him further hone his leadership and service skills while making connections in new areas. As a member of the Air Force ROTC program at LSU, Stelly carried those skills into his community service. Now stationed abroad as an Air Force officer, he credits 4-H mentors for encouraging him to reach his full potential.
Gabriel Stelly, 4-H alumnus from St. Landry Parish, welcomed 4-H University attendees during the 2011 opening session. Photo courtesy of Louisiana 4-H Flickr.
Collegiate 4-H at LSU offers more than just a continuation of 4-H involvement. It provides members with leadership roles, professional development opportunities and a network of peers and alumni committed to excellence. By staying connected, members ensure that the 4-H Legacy of service and leadership thrives.
Are you a proud 4-H alum? We want to hear from you! Help us reconnect with Louisiana 4-H alumni by sharing your contact information. Reach out and let us know where to find you. Join a passionate network working to keep the 4-H legacy strong. Together, we can prepare future generations to lead and thrive. Submit your contact information today at https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/kids_teens/contribute/alumni.
