Vernon Parish 4-H participants delivered an impressive showing at the Central Region Commodity Cookery Competition, highlighted by Julia Chiasson earning the Overall Grand Champion title.

The annual event featured 95 contestants preparing a total of 117 dishes across multiple divisions and commodity categories, highlighting the creativity and culinary skills of Louisiana 4-H youth using locally grown ingredients.

Vernon Parish competitors earned numerous placements across categories, demonstrating strong performances throughout the competition.

In the beef category, Garrison Higginbotham placed third in Beef – Any Dish, while Julia Chiasson earned a red ribbon in the same division.

In Egg – Dessert, Easton Evans secured first place and James David Richmond received a red ribbon. In Egg – Other, Zeppelin Boone placed third, and Julia Chiasson earned a blue ribbon.

The pecan division saw Mary Claire Ratliff earn a blue ribbon in Pecan – Dessert, with James David Richmond receiving a red ribbon. In Pecan – Other, Autumn Jeane earned a blue ribbon and Zeppelin Boone received a red ribbon.

In Rice – Any Dish, RaeLynn “Rain” Miller earned a blue ribbon, and Sophie Kay received a red ribbon.

In the sweet potato categories, Zeppelin Boone earned a blue ribbon in Sweet Potato – Dessert, while Sophie Kay received a red ribbon. In Sweet Potato – Other, Julia Chiasson claimed first place, and Layton Jarrell earned a red ribbon.

Overall, Vernon Parish 4-H members were recognized across a wide range of categories, reflecting both their hard work and the strength of the parish’s program in promoting Louisiana agriculture.