BACTON ROUGE, La. – Alexis Bearden, a native of Caddo Parish, grew up facing bullying and the challenges of spina bifida. Her mother, herself a former 4‑H member, enrolled young Alexis in the Clover Buds program to give her a supportive environment.
Bearden’s older brother participated in 4‑H shooting‑sports, and his involvement sparked her own interest. She soon joined the hunting‑skills and archery tracks, eventually earning the title of state shooting‑sports ambassador. In that capacity she reached out to younger 4‑H members who were hesitant, offering a visible role model and a safe space to develop confidence.
From participant to mentor
“When I got to high school I saw kids going through the same struggles I faced in fourth grade,” Bearden said. “That sparked a desire to give that safe space back, to be a friend and a person they could look up to.”
Her dedication led to a national ambassador role and a crew‑member position helping run the hunting‑skills competition at the national level. Bearden credits the 4‑H shooting‑sports program with giving her “a home away from home” and shaping her personal growth.
Education and career
After graduating from high school, Bearden earned an animal‑science degree from Louisiana Tech in 2025, supported by a 4‑H scholarship. She now serves as an assistant 4‑H agent in Caddo Parish and as a state shooting‑sports advisor for the ambassadors.
In her current role, Bearden works directly with youth, encouraging them to step out of their shells, complete project books, and build strong resumes. “I didn’t realize how much 4‑H helped me become a people person,” she explained. “I want to open those doors for kids who think they have none.”
National 4‑H Week highlights the impact
National 4‑H Week, observed Oct. 4‑10, underscores how the program can transform lives. Bearden’s story illustrates the organization’s capacity to foster leadership, self‑reliance, and community service—values that align with traditional families and faith‑based communities.
As a local champion, Bearden hopes her example will motivate other shy or disabled youth to engage in 4‑H activities, reinforcing the program’s mission to develop confident, responsible citizens.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
