Article by Adrianna E. Meyer

Maupin and Ima Top Gunner, first place 2-year-old gelding and overall Grand Champion Gelding, 1992 State 4-H Horse Show at LSU, pictured in front of the campus lake.
Photos courtesy of Kristi Martin Maupin

For Kristi Martin Maupin, joining 4-H at age 9 was a natural choice— especially growing up on a horse farm in Webster parish.

Maupin, who has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of New Orleans and a master’s degree from Michigan State University, credits her 4-H experiences for growing her into the adult and professional that she is today. A member from 1988 to 1998, she witnessed the program evolve from a livestock-centered project focus to one that also emphasized leadership and personal development.

Having grown up around horses, showing them came naturally to Maupin. She competed in speed events, such as barrel racing, then gradually shifted towards showing and breeding paint horses. One of her proudest moments was winning Grand Champion Paint Gelding at the 1992 State 4-H Horse Show with her gelding, Ima Top Gunner.

As Maupin grew, so did her 4-H involvement. She became a camp counselor at Camp Grant Walker, served as school club president and parish officer, and competed in personal development events at Short Course— now known as 4-H University.

Her leadership and community involvement with 4-H allowed her to interact with people of all ages, teaching her the importance of having a strong work ethic and networking. The relationships she built through 4-H often overlapped with personal and professional networks as a member and adult, leading to several leadership roles and positions. “It is good to meet new people in new places— you may never know when your paths may cross again,” Maupin shared.

Not only did 4-H expand her leadership abilities, but it also taught her how to stay organized, adapt her communication for different audiences, manage her time effectively, and handle disappointment. These lessons aided her in building a strong foundation— one that even led to several job opportunities throughout her life.

4-H was a precursor to everything in life for Maupin— “the wins, losses, hard work, sweat, and tears but also those really great moments with really great people.” The wide range of experiences that 4-H provided her with, such as trying her hand one time at showing a hog to making unforgettable memories at 4-H events, helped her prepare for her future.

Maupin encourages current members to not be afraid to do an activity in 4-H activity alone— because it is often through those experiences that friendships begin.

Looking back, Maupin credits the 4-H agents who guided not just her, but many others. Their mentorship was unique, offering her support that helped put her, and her peers, on the right path towards adulthood.

Alumni interested in reconnecting or giving back to the Louisiana 4-H program can learn more today on our Alumni page.