CROWLEY – Most people involved in any organization have stories to tell about how much of an impact being a member of the club has afforded them.

But, it isn’t often that high school students have stories of a similar nature dating back to when they were in fourth grade.

With 4-H, however, 4-H Ambassadors Megan Murrell, DeVani Credeur, Macey Vidrine, Abigail Miller and Anna Guillory have all felt the impact of the club and shared their stories with the Rotary Club of Crowley.

Acadia Parish 4-H Agent Kayla Segura introduced the five ambassadors and explained that each would give her take on what the club has done for her and her life and continues to do for the children of Acadia Parish by, as 4-H’s motto says, “Making the Best Better.”

First up were the two seniors in attendance, Murrell and Credeur, who have each been a part of 4-H for nine years now.

Murrell, a member of Notre Dame’s class of 2013, started by talking about her roots in the club, joining at Redemptorist Catholic School in the fourth grade to “join a school club.” But the rewarding experiences quickly changed Murrell’s outlook and made 4-H more than just a club.

“The truth is 4-H is an organization that encompasses many life skills,” she said. “I’m extremely grateful for the Acadia Parish 4-H program, for our agent and community leaders to have given our community the chance to learn life skills that will make us productive and responsible citizens and leaders.”

As Murrell pointed out, 4-H, while well known in the area for its livestock program, is much more than livestock with educational trips, state boards and a variety of activities to make sure everyone has something to be passionate about in 4-H.

Credeur’s speech expounded upon the other aspects of 4-H as well as she talked about the many friends she has made across the country through 4-H and her most rewarding experience with a particular 4-H camp, OMK (Operation: Military Kids).

“Out of all the camps I have attended, OMK is my favorite,” she said. “What makes this camp so special is the fact that you are dealing with kids who are very intelligent and, for a little while, they are able to be with kids that face the same problems like having a loved one far away.”

As this is also her last year with the organization, the feeling has turned bittersweet, but Credeur, a senior from Rayne High, says that this will not be the final year she supports 4-H.

Following the seniors’ speeches, the remaining three spoke. Vidrine was up next to give a closer look at the livestock program, that she credits, along with 4-H in general, with making her a better, more responsible person, and as she has become more and more involved with the club, she has had the chance to make more new friends.

“You are a completely different person after experiencing [the livestock] project,” said Vidrine, from Iota High. “There is no way that I could be the responsible, caring young adult that I am today without them (the people of 4-H) and this project.”

Fellow Iota High 4-H Club member Miller discussed how active she has been with the various events and programs the club is a part of annually.

“Four-H has given me more opportunities than anyone could ever imagine,” said Miller. “I have gained so much from 4-H.”

“Four-H has so many life-changing activities and ways to meet new people,” said Guillory, expanding upon Miller’s sentiments.

As she spoke, Guillory talked about the leadership skills she has gained and how she has come out of her shell thanks to the club and the people involved in it.