Article by Adrianna E. Meyer

Buffalo and her three sons meeting with Governor John Bell Edwards during a cooking event. Buffalo was an active 4-H member, and she passed that passion down to her three sons.
From Left to Right: Colten Gates, Cullen Gates, Governor John Bell Edwards, Delanea Buffalo, Caden Gates
Photos courtesy of Delanea Buffalo

Just as family heirlooms can be passed down through generations, so can involvement in the 4-H program.

Delanea Buffalo was born into the 4-H program. Her mom was a lifelong member, volunteer, and even an employee at the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge. Inspired by her mom’s involvement, Buffalo joined 4-H in the 4th grade becoming a member of the East Baton Rouge Parish program. She focused primarily on food and nutrition projects throughout her membership years.

When she first joined, there was no 4-H program at her private Catholic school— so her mom started one. Through that club, Buffalo experienced one of her favorite 4-H memories: her parents giving her classmates a hayride around the school parking lot. The wagon was decorated for Christmas with sleighbells ringing, festive music playing, and hot chocolate for all. “I was so honored and privileged that I was a part of this and that my family helped bring that to them and at school. And if it wasn’t for 4-H, that wouldn’t have happened,” Buffalo reflected.

Today, Buffalo gives back to the 4-H program as both a school and parish-level volunteer. Her three children are now enthusiastic, deeply involved members, participating in multiple projects and events year-round. Watching them grow through the program brings her full circle. As she volunteers and guides today’s youth, she often reflects on her own experiences—especially that hayride—and hopes to create equally meaningful and lasting memories for her children. Just as her parents once brought 4-H to life for her and her classmates, she is now dedicated to doing the same for the next generation.

4-H shaped her passion for helping others— especially in her role as a schoolteacher. Buffalo encourages her students to discover their talents and to consider 4-H as a platform to grow and share them. Just as she once found her strengths through the program, she now helps others do the same. She continues to live the 4-H motto: “To make the best better.”

4-H has taught her countless life skills, but the most valuable lesson was how to apply core academic knowledge— like reading and writing— to real world situations. “4-H has always inspired me to do things differently and better,” she said, “It’s not just about learning a skill or content, it is about making connections and using that knowledge to help others.”

Buffalo attended Louisiana State University, majoring in family and consumer science education with a cooperative extension internship and student teaching placement. She was also active in the collegiate 4-H program. After graduation, she taught at her alma mater before serving as a 4-H agent in Ascension Parish, eventually returning to the classroom. Buffalo’s passion for teaching in the classroom allows her to give back to the 4-H program by helping students find their place in 4-H and connecting their learning to real life.

“You get a limited number of years and times to be a 4-H member, to make the most of every opportunity,” Buffalo encourages. “Enjoy it. Embrace it. Make the most of everything that you can attend and be a part of. It will make you who you are.”

Buffalo believes 4-H has a place for everyone. She finds joy in watching youth blossom into confident individuals through the opportunities and engagement the program offers.

Alumni interested in reconnecting or giving back to the Louisiana 4-H program can learn more today at this link: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/kids_teens/contribute/alumni.