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Each year, reconnecting with Louisiana 4-H alumni brings a wave of shared memories, pride in their current accomplishments and reflections on how 4-H shaped their lives. The talents and values gained through 4-H stay with members long after their final club meeting — because once a 4-H’er, always a 4-H’er.
Yet, as members graduate from high school, they often lose touch. This summer, a Louisiana 4-H intern took on the challenge of rekindling those connections. Through the Louisiana 4-H Alumni Survey, alumni from across the state — and beyond — shared where life has taken them, how 4-H continues to influence them and whether they’d like to be more involved today.
The response was inspiring. The survey reached over 250 alumni from nearly every parish in Louisiana, 16 states and even a few countries. Their stories are filled with purpose: studying trades and degrees, serving communities as educators and healthcare professionals, launching businesses and nonprofits, and giving back as volunteers.
Eugenia Williams, left, and Clay LeBlanc first met as campers at LOST camp and quickly became friends. Through camps and conferences, they also learned practical life skills such as cooking, financial readiness, and even how to book a flight and pack for a trip. Photo provided by Eugenia Williams and Clay LeBlanc
Clay LeBlanc of Iberville Parish and Eugenia Williams of St. Landry Parish met at LOST Camp and formed a friendship that grew through years of leadership in 4-H. Both served on the State Executive Board — LeBlanc as parliamentarian and Williams as secretary —supporting each other through conferences, competitions and life transitions.
LeBlanc is now pursuing a doctorate in optometry, and Williams is earning her master’s in international relations at Carnegie Mellon University. They credit 4-H with teaching them time management, public speaking and adaptability. Their story highlights how 4-H builds not only leaders, but lifelong connections that shape futures.
When asked what advice they would give to a current 4-H member, both encouraged youth to try new things and to try everything at least once.
“Try it all and if you fail, try again,” LeBlanc said.
Brittany Thomas, a proud alumna of St. Landry Parish 4-H, credits the program with shaping her identity and career path. From her early days in 4-H clubs to serving as Junior Leader president and a SET Board member, Thomas embraced every opportunity to lead and grow. Her most transformative experience came as a camp counselor, where she discovered the power of mentorship and emotional support.
4-H equipped her with the tools to face unfamiliar situations with confidence and lead effectively. Today, she is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Tulane University, building on degrees in sociology and public administration. Thomas continues to live the 4-H pledge — especially “my hands to larger service” — as she prepares to serve communities through social work.
Tanya Bearden volunteers at a 4-H shooting sports event. Photo provided by Tanya Bearden
Tanya Bearden’s 4-H journey began in Bossier Parish, where she showed pigs, sheep and horses and joined the Junior Leadership Club. Her experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others, which led her to a career in nursing.
Now a parent and volunteer, Bearden continues to give back in many ways. She coaches members in shooting sports, serves as an adviser, serves on the Shooting Sports Advisory Committee, participates as a national crew member for the National Shooting Sports Competition and volunteers whenever she can. She credits 4-H with helping her become confident, responsible and community-minded. Bearden’s story is a testament to how 4-H values can span generations and inspire lifelong service.
Kristi Martin Maupin took first place in the 2-year-old gelding category and overall Grand Champion Gelding with her horse, Ima Top Gunner, in the 1992 State 4-H Horse Show at LSU. Photo provided by Kristi Martin Maupin
Growing up on a horse farm in Webster Parish, Kristi Martin Maupin’s 4-H journey began with livestock projects and evolved into leadership and personal development. She competed in barrel racing and horse shows, winning Grand Champion Paint Gelding in 1992. Maupin later served as a camp counselor, club president and parish officer, gaining skills in communication, organization and resilience.
Her 4-H experiences helped her build a strong professional foundation, leading to a marketing degree and a master’s from Michigan State University. Maupin encourages youth to embrace every opportunity — even those outside their comfort zones — because that’s where growth begins. The wide range of experiences 4-H provided her, from trying her hand at showing a hog to creating unforgettable memories at 4-H events, helped prepare her for the future.
Avoyelles Parish alumna Mattea Smith discovered her strengths through 4-H shooting sports, cooking and sewing. As a Louisiana’s shooting sports ambassador and competitor, she found support from mentors and family that helped her thrive. Her experiences taught her the value of feedback, communication and resilience — skills she now uses in her role working with government officials on energy policy.
Smith encourages youth to try new things and embrace learning, reminding them that 4-H is more than projects — it’s preparation for life.
The full stories from this year’s alumni spotlights can also be found as part of Voices of 4-H on the Alumni page. Connecting with alumni is always a joy and a powerful reminder of what 4-H can do. As Louisiana 4-H supports the national goal of reaching 10 million members nationwide over the next five years, volunteers are more essential than ever. Whether you have time to judge a contest, speak to a club or lead a project, 4-H offers flexible opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Scan the QR code to begin your volunteer journey.
4-H members are Beyond Ready.
Ready then. Ready now. Ready for anything.
