(03/25/26) BATON ROUGE, La. — The Charles and Rose Broussard Internship has been awarded to Lily Grace Perrin, an incoming freshman at McNeese State University. Perrin is currently a senior and student of the year at Kaplan High School in Vermilion Parish.

The award is given to high school or college students to offer a student practical experience with agriculture research through a paid internship opportunity. It was established by the children of Charles and Rose Broussard to honor their parents’ hard work and dedication to agriculture.

The internship allows the award winner to study at one of three LSU AgCenter research stations: the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, the Iberia Research Station or the Dean Lee Research Station.

Kurt Guidry, resident coordinator of the Rice Research Station, said the internship gives students the chance to get an up-close, hands-on experience of what is required to conduct high-quality research in agriculture.

“This experience often sparks an interest in becoming the next generation of researchers who will help shape the future direction of agriculture or, at the very least, broadens students’ awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within the agricultural field,” Guidry said. “Regardless of their ultimate career path, the program helps foster a deeper appreciation not only for the critical role that research plays in maintaining the sustainability of agriculture, but also for the importance of agriculture to each and every one of us.”

Perrin will be attending McNeese State University in the fall, where she will major in agriculture business and animal science. Perrin said this internship will help prepare her for both college and future career goals.

“Gaining experience in a different area of agriculture will help me broaden my horizons and better prepare me for my goal of becoming an agricultural extension agent, where it is important to support a wide range of producers,” Perrin said. “I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning as much as I can.”

Lily Perrin, the recipient of the Charles and Rose Broussard internship, is a senior at Kaplan High School and will be attending McNeese State University in the fall. Photo provided by Lily Perrin