4‑H and FFA students tell Senate Ag Committee how programs shape future leaders

Young leaders from Louisiana 4‑H and FFA addressed the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development to describe how the programs have supported leadership, service and career development.

Veil Rogers, a senior and Northeast regional representative on the Louisiana 4‑H Executive Board, said a local shoe drive collected more than 6,000 pairs of shoes and generated more than $2,600, which funded scholarships and service projects. "With that money, I've been able to turn it into $500 scholarships for seniors as well as fund other service projects," she said.

Amlee Broussard, a junior and Southwest regional representative, thanked the committee for support and said 4‑H opened doors to public speaking and national travel. Anthony Pleisons, Louisiana FFA state reporter, and Madeline Fossum, state parliamentarian, described how ag education and leadership opportunities shaped their plans and provided support after personal hardship; Fossum said FFA became "a home" after she lost her house in Hurricane Ida.

Senators commended the students and emphasized the LSU AgCenter's role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee recognized the students and thanked them for their presentations; no committee action was required.