(02/18/20) Gonzales, La. — Five Louisiana 4-H and FFA members were recognized for their achievements in livestock programs on Feb. 15.

The youths received awards during a ceremony on the final day of the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show, which was held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. About 1,900 exhibitors from around the state participated in contests for cattle, swine, goats, sheep and poultry during the weeklong show.

Cooper Johnson, a 4-H’er from Natchitoches Parish, was presented the C.W. “Dub” Kennedy Award, which is named for a former Livestock Show manger. Johnson, a student at Natchitoches Central High School who also participates in FFA, has won many honors showing hogs and goats.

Superintendent of Education Awards were given to 4-H’er Ethien Butts, of Bossier Parish, and FFA member Kayl Tassin, of St. Tammany Parish. These awards go to outstanding livestock exhibitors who are 13 and younger.

Butts has shown sheep for six years and participated in many livestock shows and educational programs. Tassin, who is president of her FFA chapter and junior vice president for FFA Louisiana Area 4, shows beef cattle.

Central Lafourche FFA member Kylee Triche and Vernon Parish 4-H’er Cash Bailey received Governor’s Awards, which recognize youth who have excelled in livestock projects.

Triche, who shows goats and rides horses, serves as her FFA chapter’s vice president as well as an Area 4 vice president. Bailey previously showed goats and now focuses on beef cattle; he has won awards in several local, district, state and national shows.

LSU AgCenter Associate Vice President Toby Lepley, right, presents Natchitoches Parish 4-H’er Cooper Johnson, left, the C.W. “Dub” Kennedy Award at a ceremony held at the conclusion of the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show on Feb. 15, 2020. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Bossier Parish 4-H’er Ethien Butts, center, received a Superintendent of Education Award at a ceremony held at the conclusion of the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show on Feb. 15, 2020. With Butts are LSU AgCenter Associate Vice President Toby Lepley, left, and Tiffany Thomas, right, of the Louisiana Department of Education. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Kayl Tassin, center, a member of Fifth Ward Junior High FFA, received a Superintendent of Education Award at a ceremony held at the conclusion of the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show on Feb. 15, 2020. With Tassin are Tiffany Thomas, left, of the Louisiana Department of Education, and FFA State Secretary Dekota McGee, right. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Kylee Triche, center, a member of Central Lafourche FFA, received a Governor’s Award at a ceremony held at the conclusion of the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show on Feb. 15, 2020. With Triche are Evan Alvarez, left, who was representing Gov. John Bel Edwards, and FFA State Vice President Amber Bridges, right. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Vernon Parish 4-H’er Cash Bailey, center, received a Governor’s Award at a ceremony held at the conclusion of the 85th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show on Feb. 15, 2020. With Bailey are LSU AgCenter Associate Vice President Toby Lepley, left, and Evan Alvarez, right, who was representing Gov. John Bel Edwards. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter