Article by Adrianna E. Meyer

Bearden as volunteer at a shooting sports event for 4-H.
Photos courtesy of Tanya Bearden.

For Tanya Bearden, 4-H was more than just animals and awards— it was the foundation of her career, confidence, and calling.

Tanya Bearden began her 4-H journey in the 4th grade at Benton Elementary School in Bossier Parish. During her time as a 4-H member, Bearden showed pigs, sheep, and horses and joined her parish’s Junior Leadership Club in high school.

Now a parent, Bearden has passed on her love of 4-H to her two children. “I knew from the start that I wanted them to be in 4-H,” said Bearden. Her children also showed livestock, participated in shooting sports, and took part in leadership opportunities. Even though her children are now grown, she still volunteers in the program.

Bearden credits 4-H with helping her to become the person that she is today. Through service projects as a 4-Her, she discovered a deep passion for helping others which inspired her to first work in a nonprofit organization. She then went back to school later in life, and received her nursing degree.

Raising and showing livestock taught Bearden that with anything in life, you get out what you put into it. “I learned that if I didn’t work hard and put forth an effort, then I didn’t do as well as I would like,” mentioned Bearden when reflecting on how 4-H has taught her valuable lessons. Her experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility, and a deep understanding of the importance of leadership.

4-H not only teaches you soft skills, but it also helps young people become comfortable in who they are. “It helped me feel comfortable in my own skin and gave me confidence to go out into the world to be a leader and mentor,” said Bearden.

One of Bearden’s most memorable 4-H experiences was winning the Sara B. Peace Memorial Award, a parish-level honor for livestock production. “It meant a lot to me because the Peace family helped get me into showing livestock in the first place,” she shared.

As a 4-H alumna, Bearden continues to give back in many ways. She coaches members in shooting sports, being an advisor, serves on the Shooting Sports Advisory Committee, participating as a national crew member to the National Shooting Sports Competition, and volunteering whenever she can.

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

Bearden, middle, with two shooting sports students who she has mentored as a volunteer.