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Carly Talley, daughter of Brandon and Theresa Talley and recent graduate of Franklinton High School, is closing out her 4-H career in style.

Carly’s 4-H experiences started in fourth grade at Enon Elementary School, where she quickly became a young leader in her club. Those experiences during her early 4-H days, lead her to become a major leader in the Washington Parish 4-H Program as she moved through Jr. high and high school years. Carly has used her wonderful cooking skills to win both parish and regional cookery contest over the years. She also used these skills to compete at 4-H University in the Next Louisiana Food Star Competition. She’s attended workshops as a participant and youth volunteer over the years. If there was ever an opportunity to volunteer to make a difference, Carly took it. She helped with community service projects throughout her time as a 4-H member as well. Her willingness to volunteer took her back to 4-H Summer Camp as a summer camp counselor. Carly had previously attended summer camp as a 4th through 6th grade member and saw an opportunity to positively impact younger members.

Starting small, Carly began her livestock showing career in 4-H with exhibition chickens, moved on to Nigerian Dwarf goats, and to showing horses. Starting with 1 doe, Carly grew her herd into a well-represented group over the years. Carly used her passion to win, to learn more about genetics and breeding programs. She accomplished this by attending classes and workshops and becoming a Louisiana Master Goat Producer. Thus, increasing the winning and production power of her show herd. By being willing to invest her time and efforts to improve her stock Carly earned many ribbons, banners, and buckles at not only LSU AgCenter sponsored shows, but also open shows hosted by various groups. Carly also dedicated her efforts to showing horses. These efforts earned Carly top prizes at the Southeast District Horse Show, Louisiana State Horse Show, and a trip to the Southern Regional Horse Show in Perry, Ga.

To finish off her award winning 4-H career, Carly has been awarded two scholarships through the Louisiana 4-H Foundation (Bot Birch Memorial Scholarship and Washington Parish Scholarship) and one from the Scott Foundation. These scholarships are given to the top 4-H member from our parish in scholarly achievements, community service, and 4-H activities. These scholarships will help Carly further her education in the field of animal care and husbandry at Northshore Technical School. There will never be another Carly in our 4-H program and her smile, willingness to help, and love for her livestock will truly be missed. Washington Parish, help us congratulate this wonderful young woman on her great achievements both inside and outside the classroom and show ring!

This article was written by Beth B. Putnam, with Washington Parish 4-H.