Jackson Parish 4-H presents awards Field Achievement Day

(submitted by Kristina Bourgeois) Mother Nature thwarted the original plans, but with strategic planning to avoid most conflicts, over 100 Jackson Parish 4-Hers were able to participate in the 2023 Learning in the Field Achievement Day. 4-Hers traveled out to the Jackson Parish Recreation Complex and spent time both working together and competing against one another. The morning session focused on our 4th -7th grade 4-Hers while the afternoon session was for our 8th -12th graders.

These 4-Hers rotated through stations where a different challenge was presented to the group each time. Station 1 was set up and run by the amazing ladies from the SCILS – Region 8 La STEM Center. 4-Hers were challenged to “build” a cantilever arm that would extend out from the surface 34 inches without collapsing. Lots of teamwork and thinking went into these builds but our 4-Hers were up for the challenge.

Next they moved to a 65 foot long inflatable obstacle course. Some looked at it as a personal challenge and some took it on as a competition. After flexing their physical prowess, these 4-Hers were faced with a mental challenge. Each group was handed a stack of cards with words printed on them. They had to try to unscramble the word cards to complete the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge before any other group completed them.

Following those challenges, our 4-Hers were able to relax in the shade, take a mental break, and do something for our community. Our 4-Hers worked on painting suncatchers to be delivered to the residents of one of our local nursing homes this summer. We hope these brightly colored gifts will bring joy to those residents. The last available station was set up by our Nutrition Agent, Mrs. Shannan Chevallier. She focused on “Getting Moving” and easy games to assist with fitness goals.

Midday saw all our 4-Hers come together for a hot dog lunch grilled especially for them by Mr. Donny Moon and Jr Leader helpers as well as a few awards being shared.
School club leaders were given a certificate and an appreciation gift because we all
know this program couldn’t run without them. They are our contact point for each individual school and do more behind-the-scenes work than you can even imagine.

After recognizing the leaders, two special awards were given out. Jonesboro Hodge
High School took home the 2023 Outstanding Jackson Parish 4-H Club Award for their dedication and amazing work outside of our regularly scheduled club meetings.

We then recognized Jake Potts of Quitman High School as our 2023 Outstanding Jackson Parish 4-H Club Member. Jake has participated in 4-H opportunities and events across the Parish, Region, and State Levels this year. He is a dedicated 4-H member and is willing to help at the drop of a hat.

The last award that was delivered post Achievement Day was the 2023 Best Banner Award received by Jonesboro Hodge Middle School for creating a banner that best represented their school and Jackson Parish 4-H.

Special thank you to all our club leaders, volunteers, Jr Leaders, and 4-H members for
making this an amazing day. Thank you to our school administrators and bus drivers for allowing our youth to participate. 2023 4-H Achievement Day is done!