Ashley Terry named new St. John 4-H Agent
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 13, 2019
- Ashley Terry
LAPLACE — Ashley Terry has been involved with 4-H for nearly 20 years, starting from the time she was 9 years old. Even after graduating high school, she continued to volunteer for the organization in Tangipahoa Parish.
Since September, Terry has worked with local students as the new 4-H agent for St. John the Baptist Parish. She’s excited to introduce a world of new opportunity for students as they explore agriculture, science and engineering.
“4-H means so much to me,” Terry said. “It grows leadership and gives kids responsibility. I was an officer throughout my tenure at school. It built character, taught me to be organized and gave me good public speaking skills. I’m hoping the kids in St. John will gain from it as well.”
Terry is currently working with approximately 10 local public and private schools. Her goal is to get every school on board as she becomes more familiar with the district.
She oversees the school clubs, contests and awards. Last month, students participated in a pumpkin-decorating contest. Upcoming activities include a wreath-decorating contest and an “illustrated talk” demonstrating children’s arts and crafts skills. Some local children are raising goats and chickens for livestock contests, something Terry fondly remembers participating in.
“That taught me the responsibility of caring for a living creature,” she said.
Terry’s other goals for St. John Parish schools include the addition of a sewing club and a SET (Science, Engineering & Technology) club.
Above all, Terry feels she has a responsibility to teach children abut the agriculture industry and where the food on the kitchen table comes from.
“Teaching them about agriculture is important,” Terry said. “Our lands are going away. We need good farmers and good animal science people, but we also need good leaders. That’s what 4-H does.”
Andre Brock, County Agent for St. John and St. James parishes with the LSU AgCenter, said he is happy to have Terry as part of the team.
“She’s energetic and excited about what she’s doing with our youth,” Brock said. “She’s made a good start already just in the past month or so with our 4-H programs. Ms. Terry is working well with our wonderful St. John 4-H volunteers and utilizing generous grants from St. John United Way. We’re looking forward to doing a lot more with her in the future.”
School-based 4-H programs welcome volunteer support, according to Terry. For more information on how to get involved, please call 985-497-3261.
