(04/23/26) DULAC, La. — Makayla Rhodes, a high school senior and 4-H member from Terrebonne Parish, made history last month as one of the first painters to be invited to the 4-H Spark Celebration at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The National 4-H Council has previously invited singers and musicians but had never before asked a painter to come to the nation’s capital.

Rhodes was given the honor after submitting a painting to a national 4-H competition. The Dulac native is an active participant in Terrebonne Parish and Louisiana 4-H programs. She is a junior leader, a wetlands ambassador and president of a homeschool 4-H group.

“It was an amazing and memorable experience to be chosen to draw in our nation’s capital at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Museum. I’m very thankful to 4-H for all the wonderful opportunities they offer to participate in,” Rhodes said. “It was an honor to represent Louisiana and Terrebonne 4-H. Participating in 4-H the past 11 years has allowed me to see the ‘head, heart, hands and health’ pledge in action.”

At the National Portrait Gallery, Rhodes was tasked with creating two 5x7 drawings with the theme of America. She made one of the American flag with a bald eagle in front and another with a flag waving behind a horse during a sunset.

Her mother, Reba Rhodes, also spoke with pride about the achievements of her daughter.

“It’s really an honor to draw in a national museum with famous artists and paintings that are housed in the same building,” Reba Rhodes said.

Makayla Rhodes plans on attending Fletcher Technical Community College after graduation. She credits 4-H with helping her develop as an artist and a leader, as she has been able to develop her skills and explore new places through the program.

Cherie Roger, an LSU AgCenter 4-H agent in Terrebonne Parish, said Rhodes is a great example of what 4-H can offer students.

Makayla Rhodes at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., for the 4-H Spark Celebration. Photo provided by Reba Rhodes