By: Mayla Odom
In today’s world, it is crucial to capture today’s youth. The Winston County Self Help Cooperative’s (WCSHC) Youth Group has a new director, Mayla Odom:
“I have big shoes to fill. Ms. Harper was a woman of great stature, and I wanted to make her and myself proud. I pray I can leave a big impact on these youth today.”
WCSHC wants to build its youth group here in Louisville, MS, to help youth improve their social skills and decision-making and teach them skills they can take with them as they grow.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Mayla Odom, Pam O’Bryant, Jonathan Evans, and Rev. Alonzo Miller held a youth event called “Exploring a Day In Ag.” Twelve children arrived ecstatic and ready to learn. We began the day with a warm welcome from Mayla, who introduced herself, the cooperative, and its goal to maintain our natural resources.
Afterward, the children headed to the hoop house to gain crop knowledge on the strawberries and the cabbage plants Rev. Miller transplanted on Monday, March 19, 2025.
Next, Jonathan explained the drone’s uses to the youth: crop monitoring, livestock management, field scouting, and other precise agriculture tactics. Each child had an opportunity to fly the drone onsite.
Lastly, we all headed into the building, where Ms. Pam had prepared her soil. She shared knowledge on planting seeds to grow food at home. Each child selected a plant they wanted to grow: lemon, tomato, or cabbage.
The day was filled with smiles and excitement. WCSHC is on a mission to instill survival and life skills to combat the changing world.
