The 4-H career of Charles E. Severance spanned from the 1930s through 2009. He began as a South Carolina club member involved in the swine and electricity projects. He was named state winner in the electrification program and attended national 4-H Congress in Chicago, receiving a scholarship enabling him to attend Clemson University. Upon his graduation, he was employed as a specialist by the LS Cooperative Extension Service for 39 years to work with the 4-H and adult electric programs. He provided technical expertise statewide in electrification, housing, farm equipment and irrigation. Mr. Severance served the East Baton Rouge 4-H program as a leader, parent, 4-H Foundation Board member and advisory committee member, fundraiser and donor. He was an avid supporter of the livestock program and rodeo parade. He has served on numerous agricultural and civic committees. As a result of his lifelong support to 4-H and the extension program, the Charles E. Severance endowed scholarship was established in 2009 for graduate studies in Biological Studies and Ag Engineering at Louisiana State University.

Lola Potier has been a member of the 4-H community for more than 56 years (1955-2012) as a member, agent, volunteer leader, 4-H Foundation and advisory committee member and parent. Her interests as a member included the foods-nutrition, food preservation and leadership projects. She also attended camps, leadership conferences and Short Course and served as a camp counselor. She served as a 4-H agent for nine years, returned to school and became a classroom teacher. Upon her return to the classroom, she became an organizational leader at E. Broussard and FIEB Elementary school. As a result of her leadership, the club was the top fourth- to sixth-grade club in the parish and won numerous state awards for community service during her tenure. Ms. Potier served as a parent leader for the parish Junior Leadership Club, assisting with activities and chaperoning trips, camps and Short Course. Her expertise in 4-H record keeping provided members with valuable training; many members received state awards. She continues to volunteer at Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day, manages the exhibits contest and serves as a judge and contest superintendent. She designed and implemented a computer database program to enter and record more than 800 exhibit entries annually. For her lifelong commitment to youth development, she has received the 4-H Alumni Award, the State Friend of 4-H Award and the 4-H Club Congress Leader Award. In 1998, the Vermillion Achievement Day was dedicated to her. Lola D. Potier has also received Teacher of the Year honors by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Vermillion Parish Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year by the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce.

Robbie Wintz Tomeny is a 4-H alumna and served as 4-H organizational leader, project leader and home economics teacher from 1960-1998 at East St. John High School. Her expertise in clothing, foods and nutrition enabled her to conduct a variety of programs to encourage project participation. Some of her more notable programs included an Indian Extravaganza ethnic foods program for elementary members, food and fitness relay games and style shows. Over the years, her innovative programs reached thousands of 4-H’ers. She assisted with training parish Short Course contestants with demonstrations and clothing construction, resulting in members becoming state and blue ribbon winners. She helped many underprivileged youth develop a sense of self worth and strive for excellence, achievement and responsibility. One of her greatest traits was her ability to recruit and train teen members to assume leadership roles and to share their talents with younger members. Ms. Tomeny’s knowledge of youth development made her a valuable teacher at leader training conferences, judge for various contests and a member of state and regional advisory boards. She has been recognized for her distinguished contributions as recipient of the New Orleans and River Region outstanding 4-H Leadership Award, the state 4-H Alumni Award and the 4-H Good Provider Leader Award. Robbie Wintz Tomeny was named Teacher of the Year, and her foods class received a second place national award for an innovative foods and nutrition cookery program.

Joel Guidry began volunteering in the 4-H program when his children enrolled in the club in 1999. He remains active in 2012. His leadership roles include chairman of the 4-H Horse Advisory Task Force, Advisory Task Force swine representative and Acadiana District Livestock Show board member. Mr. Guidry was instrumental in developing the Lafayette 4-H Horse Advisory Board and is a graduate of the Master Horseman program. He has volunteered his time to coordinate horse camps for more than 40 youth, providing intensive, hands-on training. He has served as instructor for various disciplines of horsemanship and horse feeding and encouraged several high school students to assume leadership as peer trainers. As chairman of a task force, he helps raise $4,500 annually for awards and participation gifts for exhibitors. He coordinates a new member and parent orientation meeting, providing information and answering questions about the horse program. He recruits Master Horsemen to make home visits and to make personal contacts with new members. Mr. Guidry has served as a volunteer horse judging coach and has coordinated horse judging teams for 10 years. He has also assisted with horse quiz bowls and premier exhibitor contests. Joel Guidry, an outstanding 4-H leader, received the state Louisiana 4-H Horse Leader Award, and he volunteers more than 200 hours annually.

Pat Andrews began her 4-H journey in 1961 when she became a 4-H Club member. Her early 4-H career involved camping at Camp Grant Walker and Bayou Chicot State Park and attending Short Course, where she was introduced to the Louisiana State University campus. The latter influenced her decision to attend college. She was elected local and parish club president and served as a mentor for her sisters and numerous club members. When her oldest child became eligible for membership, Ms. Andrews became a very active volunteer assisting club officers with meeting agendas, providing transportation for parish and statewide events, and chaperoning camps, short course and awards trips. She has assisted youth with small-animal projects and served as a leader for the Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Her clubs were noted for their community service work, food bank drives and adoption of two CASA youth each year for whom they provided clothing and toys. She would encourage youth to enter fair exhibits and use their prize money to purchase Christmas gifts for the needy. An advocate for completing project work and records, Ms. Andrews’ club members have won state cookery contests, beef grazing projects, Short Course contests, record book contests and 4-H Foundation scholarships. She serves as treasurer of the Beauregard 4-H Foundation and prepares monthly reports and budgets, using her skills as an income tax preparer. Pat Andrews states that the greatest satisfaction of being a 4-H volunteer is seeing her efforts improve her community and shape young citizens for the future.

Lola Potier has been a member of the 4-H community for more than 56 years (1955-2012) as a member, agent, volunteer leader, 4-H Foundation and advisory committee member and parent. Her interests as a member included the foods-nutrition, food preservation and leadership projects. She also attended camps, leadership conferences and Short Course and served as a camp counselor. She served as a 4-H agent for nine years, returned to school and became a classroom teacher. Upon her return to the classroom, she became an organizational leader at E. Broussard and FIEB Elementary school. As a result of her leadership, the club was the top fourth- to sixth-grade club in the parish and won numerous state awards for community service during her tenure. Ms. Potier served as a parent leader for the parish Junior Leadership Club, assisting with activities and chaperoning trips, camps and Short Course. Her expertise in 4-H record keeping provided members with valuable training; many members received state awards. She continues to volunteer at Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day, manages the exhibits contest and serves as a judge and contest superintendent. She designed and implemented a computer database program to enter and record more than 800 exhibit entries annually. For her lifelong commitment to youth development, she has received the 4-H Alumni Award, the State Friend of 4-H Award and the 4-H Club Congress Leader Award. In 1998, the Vermillion Achievement Day was dedicated to her. Lola D. Potier has also received Teacher of the Year honors by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Vermillion Parish Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year by the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy R. Sarver has played a major role as a volunteer leader in Jefferson Parish for more than 34 years (1977-2012). Her creative programming has involved countless elementary urban youth in 4-H. She is an advocate for motivating youth by engaging them in Rocketry Design contests, sewing and commodity cookery contests, and poster and essay contests. She helps youth to grow into responsible and engaged members by conducting officer training workshops, fundraising activities and by assisting members with demonstrations, and project completions. A trademark of Mrs. Sarver’s 4-H clubs is involvement in community service and study projects. She guides 4-H members to visit nursing homes and to collect food, clothing, toys and school supplies for disadvantaged children. Her 4-H Club meetings often include guest speakers to talk to youth about community issues. To help members understand the importance of environmental responsibility, she guides youth to promote Litter Monster Campaigns and to recycle phone books, cans and pull tabs. She also provides guidance for Arbor Day and school gardening projects. Nancy R. Sarver has received numerous Teacher of the Year Awards and Jefferson Parish 4-H Leaders Awards, and she has attended the Southern Region 4-H Leader Forum.

The 4-H career of Charles E. Severance spanned from the 1930s through 2009. He began as a South Carolina club member involved in the swine and electricity projects. He was named state winner in the electrification program and attended national 4-H Congress in Chicago, receiving a scholarship enabling him to attend Clemson University. Upon his graduation, he was employed as a specialist by the LS Cooperative Extension Service for 39 years to work with the 4-H and adult electric programs. He provided technical expertise statewide in electrification, housing, farm equipment and irrigation. Mr. Severance served the East Baton Rouge 4-H program as a leader, parent, 4-H Foundation Board member and advisory committee member, fundraiser and donor. He was an avid supporter of the livestock program and rodeo parade. He has served on numerous agricultural and civic committees. As a result of his lifelong support to 4-H and the extension program, the Charles E. Severance endowed scholarship was established in 2009 for graduate studies in Biological Studies and Ag Engineering at Louisiana State University.

John E. Hains has a long history with the Acadia 4-H program as a member, project leader, parent, and advisory committee and foundation member (1971-2012). The six Hains children and grandchildren continue the family 4-H tradition. Mr. Hains, affectionately known as “Grandpops” by parish youth, has an open door policy to club members and has generously donated his time, personal property and equipment to host and conduct training events for small engines, tractor, bicycle and shooting sports events. He has spent countless hours judging records and setting up for many clinics and workshops in forestry, poultry, woodworking, electricity and dairy to provide learning experiences for youth. He was an avid recruiter for Short Course/4-H University, providing transportation and training for youth and has attended this state event for more than 30 years to show support for the parish delegation. He has organized citizenship programs including attending police jury meetings, district court sessions, tours of the State Capitol, and conferences with public officials. Mr. Hains was one of the major organizers of the Acadia Parish 4-H Exchange Program. He hosted two international exchange students from Japan and chaperoned multiple trips in the United States. This retired rice and soybean farmer and army veteran is active in church, civic and community organizations and serves on the Selective Service Board, State Master Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, president of the Chamber of Commerce and International Rice Festival. John E. Hains has received many distinguished 4-H awards including the Good Provider Award, the 4-H Congress Leader Award, the 4-H Alumni Award, the Attorney General Award and the Acadia Parish Achievement Day honoree.

Joel Guidry began volunteering in the 4-H program when his children enrolled in the club in 1999. He remains active in 2012. His leadership roles include chairman of the 4-H Horse Advisory Task Force, Advisory Task Force swine representative and Acadiana District Livestock Show board member. Mr. Guidry was instrumental in developing the Lafayette 4-H Horse Advisory Board and is a graduate of the Master Horseman program. He has volunteered his time to coordinate horse camps for more than 40 youth, providing intensive, hands-on training. He has served as instructor for various disciplines of horsemanship and horse feeding and encouraged several high school students to assume leadership as peer trainers. As chairman of a task force, he helps raise $4,500 annually for awards and participation gifts for exhibitors. He coordinates a new member and parent orientation meeting, providing information and answering questions about the horse program. He recruits Master Horsemen to make home visits and to make personal contacts with new members. Mr. Guidry has served as a volunteer horse judging coach and has coordinated horse judging teams for 10 years. He has also assisted with horse quiz bowls and premier exhibitor contests. Joel Guidry, an outstanding 4-H leader, received the state Louisiana 4-H Horse Leader Award, and he volunteers more than 200 hours annually.

Jeffery J. Faulk Sr. attributes his career as a cattleman and rice and soybean farmer to his involvement in the 4-H program when he was a youth. During his eight-year membership, his projects included rice, dairy and livestock judging, poultry and swine projects, and participating in Achievement Days, parades, contests and judging events. Mr. Faulk’s involvement in 4-H spans 40 years (1971-2012). His children and grandchildren continue the family 4-H tradition. For 25 years he donated his time to drive a school bus to take 4-H’ers to Short Course, camps and out-of-state trips. As a livestock leader, he transported animals, contacted buyers and donors, and built and donated sheep pens and cattle ties. Mr. Faulk contacted the Vermilion Parish School Board and the Vermilion Farm Bureau Board to contribute funds for the operation of the parish 4-H livestock show. Mr. Faulk’s most notable contribution is his success in obtaining funding for the construction of the Vermillion Parish Extension Service Office and Activity Center; a sales tax was successfully passed by voters to generate funds for the facilities. Jeffrey J. Faulk Sr. has received numerous honors including the state 4-H Alumni Award, the New Orleans and River Region Outstanding 4-H Leader Award, Lion of the Year Award, Outstanding Farm Bureau Board Member, Knights of Columbus member for 40 years and president of Vermillion Parish Bus Driver’s Association and state president for four years.

For more than 70 years (1940-2012), Elsie Castille has been involved in the St. Martin Parish 4-H program as a member, 4-H agent, home economist, advisory board member, 4-H Foundation president, donor and volunteer. As a club member, she was involved in selling war bonds to assist in the Louisiana 4-H purchase of the Liberty Ship during World War II. She also planted a 4-H victory garden to supply fresh produce for her family during wartime. Ms. Castille has been a tremendous recruiter for 4-H volunteers because of her numerous contacts with more than 14 civic, community and church organizations. She has affected the lives of thousands of youth by contributing countless volunteer hours during 4-H events and activities. Ms. Castille has held numerous leadership roles as president of the Louisiana Home Economics Association, president of the Breaux Bridge and St. Martin VFC, president and district deputy of the Catholic Daughters of America. In 2006, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Association inducted Ms. Elsie into their Hall of Fame. Elsie Castille also received the Extra Mile Volunteer Award for her dedicated service to seven Acadiana parishes.

Carolyn Bordelon has been an Avoyelles 4-H volunteer since 1990. She serves as president of the Avoyelles Parish 4-H Foundation, organizational leader at Marksville High, 4-H Advisory Board member and Avoyelles 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator. For the shooting sports program, she is archery instructor/leader and Level II state instructor for the overall program. Ms. Bordelon has written and received grants from the National Rifle Association and from local agencies to purchase and equip a 16-foot enclosed trailer for the parish shooting sports projects. Grant funds also purchased targets and safety gear for youth and provided scholarships for contest entry fees, making the program more affordable to youth. She also writes new releases, maintains an email list of the parish shooting sports members and volunteers for virtually every parish AgCenter event. She and her husband serve as rabbit project leaders; they raise and provide rabbits to members for this small-animal project in Avoyelles Parish and in neighboring parishes. Ms. Bordelon and her husband teach rabbit project members how to groom, feed and show their animals in competitions. Carolyn Bordelon has been recognized at the Avoyelles Parish livestock banquet for her outstanding contributions as a livestock leader.

C. L. Keene provided leadership as a volunteer in both parish and state 4-H programs from 1976-2007. He became an active volunteer when his oldest child entered the 4-H program. As a parent volunteer and community leader, he served on the Madison Parish 4-H and Overall Advisory committees. Mr. Keene was very active in promoting volunteer leadership and advisory community support for 4-H throughout Louisiana and the Southern Region. He attended the Southern Region Leadership Forum for more than 25 years and presented workshops many times, including the Cast Iron Cooking program. His love for the outdoors prompted his involvement in the early days of the outdoor skills programs in the 1990s, including the first Northeast Louisiana Agriculture and Environmental Camp in 1993 that led to the development of Wild Woods Wanderings Camp. He represented Louisiana on the Outdoor Skills Sports Fishing initiative and served on the national advisory board for four years. Mr. Keene worked with other parents and community leaders to develop a strong parish livestock program and was instrumental in establishing the Louisiana Junior Cattlemen’s Association. He led the effort to establish beef showmanship events at the LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show for exhibitors ineligible for breed-sponsored competition. A similar event was established at the Louisiana State Fair. For his years of dedicated service to 4-H youth, C.L. Keene has received distinguished service recognition including the Louisiana’s Cattlemen’s Spur Club, the 1996 Volunteer of the Year for the Louisiana State Fair, the 2009 Ag Expo Livestock Show dedication and the 2011 Northeast Louisiana Livestock Show dedication.

Pat Andrews began her 4-H journey in 1961 when she became a 4-H Club member. Her early 4-H career involved camping at Camp Grant Walker and Bayou Chicot State Park and attending Short Course, where she was introduced to the Louisiana State University campus. The latter influenced her decision to attend college. She was elected local and parish club president and served as a mentor for her sisters and numerous club members. When her oldest child became eligible for membership, Ms. Andrews became a very active volunteer assisting club officers with meeting agendas, providing transportation for parish and statewide events, and chaperoning camps, short course and awards trips. She has assisted youth with small-animal projects and served as a leader for the Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Her clubs were noted for their community service work, food bank drives and adoption of two CASA youth each year for whom they provided clothing and toys. She would encourage youth to enter fair exhibits and use their prize money to purchase Christmas gifts for the needy. An advocate for completing project work and records, Ms. Andrews’ club members have won state cookery contests, beef grazing projects, Short Course contests, record book contests and 4-H Foundation scholarships. She serves as treasurer of the Beauregard 4-H Foundation and prepares monthly reports and budgets, using her skills as an income tax preparer. Pat Andrews states that the greatest satisfaction of being a 4-H volunteer is seeing her efforts improve her community and shape young citizens for the future.

Lola Potier has been a member of the 4-H community for more than 56 years (1955-2012) as a member, agent, volunteer leader, 4-H Foundation and advisory committee member and parent. Her interests as a member included the foods-nutrition, food preservation and leadership projects. She also attended camps, leadership conferences and Short Course and served as a camp counselor. She served as a 4-H agent for nine years, returned to school and became a classroom teacher. Upon her return to the classroom, she became an organizational leader at E. Broussard and FIEB Elementary school. As a result of her leadership, the club was the top fourth- to sixth-grade club in the parish and won numerous state awards for community service during her tenure. Ms. Potier served as a parent leader for the parish Junior Leadership Club, assisting with activities and chaperoning trips, camps and Short Course. Her expertise in 4-H record keeping provided members with valuable training; many members received state awards. She continues to volunteer at Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day, manages the exhibits contest and serves as a judge and contest superintendent. She designed and implemented a computer database program to enter and record more than 800 exhibit entries annually. For her lifelong commitment to youth development, she has received the 4-H Alumni Award, the State Friend of 4-H Award and the 4-H Club Congress Leader Award. In 1998, the Vermillion Achievement Day was dedicated to her. Lola D. Potier has also received Teacher of the Year honors by the American Legion Auxiliary and the Vermillion Parish Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year by the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce.

Robbie Wintz Tomeny is a 4-H alumna and served as 4-H organizational leader, project leader and home economics teacher from 1960-1998 at East St. John High School. Her expertise in clothing, foods and nutrition enabled her to conduct a variety of programs to encourage project participation. Some of her more notable programs included an Indian Extravaganza ethnic foods program for elementary members, food and fitness relay games and style shows. Over the years, her innovative programs reached thousands of 4-H’ers. She assisted with training parish Short Course contestants with demonstrations and clothing construction, resulting in members becoming state and blue ribbon winners. She helped many underprivileged youth develop a sense of self worth and strive for excellence, achievement and responsibility. One of her greatest traits was her ability to recruit and train teen members to assume leadership roles and to share their talents with younger members. Ms. Tomeny’s knowledge of youth development made her a valuable teacher at leader training conferences, judge for various contests and a member of state and regional advisory boards. She has been recognized for her distinguished contributions as recipient of the New Orleans and River Region outstanding 4-H Leadership Award, the state 4-H Alumni Award and the 4-H Good Provider Leader Award. Robbie Wintz Tomeny was named Teacher of the Year, and her foods class received a second place national award for an innovative foods and nutrition cookery program.

C. L. Keene provided leadership as a volunteer in both parish and state 4-H programs from 1976-2007. He became an active volunteer when his oldest child entered the 4-H program. As a parent volunteer and community leader, he served on the Madison Parish 4-H and Overall Advisory committees. Mr. Keene was very active in promoting volunteer leadership and advisory community support for 4-H throughout Louisiana and the Southern Region. He attended the Southern Region Leadership Forum for more than 25 years and presented workshops many times, including the Cast Iron Cooking program. His love for the outdoors prompted his involvement in the early days of the outdoor skills programs in the 1990s, including the first Northeast Louisiana Agriculture and Environmental Camp in 1993 that led to the development of Wild Woods Wanderings Camp. He represented Louisiana on the Outdoor Skills Sports Fishing initiative and served on the national advisory board for four years. Mr. Keene worked with other parents and community leaders to develop a strong parish livestock program and was instrumental in establishing the Louisiana Junior Cattlemen’s Association. He led the effort to establish beef showmanship events at the LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show for exhibitors ineligible for breed-sponsored competition. A similar event was established at the Louisiana State Fair. For his years of dedicated service to 4-H youth, C.L. Keene has received distinguished service recognition including the Louisiana’s Cattlemen’s Spur Club, the 1996 Volunteer of the Year for the Louisiana State Fair, the 2009 Ag Expo Livestock Show dedication and the 2011 Northeast Louisiana Livestock Show dedication.

Nancy R. Sarver has played a major role as a volunteer leader in Jefferson Parish for more than 34 years (1977-2012). Her creative programming has involved countless elementary urban youth in 4-H. She is an advocate for motivating youth by engaging them in Rocketry Design contests, sewing and commodity cookery contests, and poster and essay contests. She helps youth to grow into responsible and engaged members by conducting officer training workshops, fundraising activities and by assisting members with demonstrations, and project completions. A trademark of Mrs. Sarver’s 4-H clubs is involvement in community service and study projects. She guides 4-H members to visit nursing homes and to collect food, clothing, toys and school supplies for disadvantaged children. Her 4-H Club meetings often include guest speakers to talk to youth about community issues. To help members understand the importance of environmental responsibility, she guides youth to promote Litter Monster Campaigns and to recycle phone books, cans and pull tabs. She also provides guidance for Arbor Day and school gardening projects. Nancy R. Sarver has received numerous Teacher of the Year Awards and Jefferson Parish 4-H Leaders Awards, and she has attended the Southern Region 4-H Leader Forum.

Nannie Gardner Hale has been involved in the 4-H program since 1948 when she became a 4-H Club member. As an adult, she has been an active 4-H mom, an organizational leader, a livestock show volunteer, a workshop presenter, an overnight chaperone, a parish 4-H photographer and also a judge for Demonstration Day. Ms. Hale’s 4-H clubs were noted for their community service projects related to nursing homes, clean-up campaigns, food and clothing drives, Arbor Day tree plantings and Cystic Fibrosis Bike-a-thons; she was chairman of the latter for 12 years. Her club members helped promote 4-H by preparing exhibits viewed by thousands of visitors at the Ark-La-Miss Fair, Northeast Louisiana Cotton Festival and the West Carroll Fair. Ms. Hale’s knowledge of youth development has made her a valuable member of the parish advisory committee and 4-H Foundation Board for 20 years. She has received state leadership awards including the Good Provider Leader Award, the 4-H Alumni Award and the National 4-H Congress Leader Award. Nannie Gardner Hale is a special education teacher in West Carroll Parish, working with children who have profound disabilities.

The 4-H career of Charles E. Severance spanned from the 1930s through 2009. He began as a South Carolina club member involved in the swine and electricity projects. He was named state winner in the electrification program and attended national 4-H Congress in Chicago, receiving a scholarship enabling him to attend Clemson University. Upon his graduation, he was employed as a specialist by the LS Cooperative Extension Service for 39 years to work with the 4-H and adult electric programs. He provided technical expertise statewide in electrification, housing, farm equipment and irrigation. Mr. Severance served the East Baton Rouge 4-H program as a leader, parent, 4-H Foundation Board member and advisory committee member, fundraiser and donor. He was an avid supporter of the livestock program and rodeo parade. He has served on numerous agricultural and civic committees. As a result of his lifelong support to 4-H and the extension program, the Charles E. Severance endowed scholarship was established in 2009 for graduate studies in Biological Studies and Ag Engineering at Louisiana State University.

Nannie Gardner Hale has been involved in the 4-H program since 1948 when she became a 4-H Club member. As an adult, she has been an active 4-H mom, an organizational leader, a livestock show volunteer, a workshop presenter, an overnight chaperone, a parish 4-H photographer and also a judge for Demonstration Day. Ms. Hale’s 4-H clubs were noted for their community service projects related to nursing homes, clean-up campaigns, food and clothing drives, Arbor Day tree plantings and Cystic Fibrosis Bike-a-thons; she was chairman of the latter for 12 years. Her club members helped promote 4-H by preparing exhibits viewed by thousands of visitors at the Ark-La-Miss Fair, Northeast Louisiana Cotton Festival and the West Carroll Fair. Ms. Hale’s knowledge of youth development has made her a valuable member of the parish advisory committee and 4-H Foundation Board for 20 years. She has received state leadership awards including the Good Provider Leader Award, the 4-H Alumni Award and the National 4-H Congress Leader Award. Nannie Gardner Hale is a special education teacher in West Carroll Parish, working with children who have profound disabilities.

Joel Guidry began volunteering in the 4-H program when his children enrolled in the club in 1999. He remains active in 2012. His leadership roles include chairman of the 4-H Horse Advisory Task Force, Advisory Task Force swine representative and Acadiana District Livestock Show board member. Mr. Guidry was instrumental in developing the Lafayette 4-H Horse Advisory Board and is a graduate of the Master Horseman program. He has volunteered his time to coordinate horse camps for more than 40 youth, providing intensive, hands-on training. He has served as instructor for various disciplines of horsemanship and horse feeding and encouraged several high school students to assume leadership as peer trainers. As chairman of a task force, he helps raise $4,500 annually for awards and participation gifts for exhibitors. He coordinates a new member and parent orientation meeting, providing information and answering questions about the horse program. He recruits Master Horsemen to make home visits and to make personal contacts with new members. Mr. Guidry has served as a volunteer horse judging coach and has coordinated horse judging teams for 10 years. He has also assisted with horse quiz bowls and premier exhibitor contests. Joel Guidry, an outstanding 4-H leader, received the state Louisiana 4-H Horse Leader Award, and he volunteers more than 200 hours annually.

John E. Hains has a long history with the Acadia 4-H program as a member, project leader, parent, and advisory committee and foundation member (1971-2012). The six Hains children and grandchildren continue the family 4-H tradition. Mr. Hains, affectionately known as “Grandpops” by parish youth, has an open door policy to club members and has generously donated his time, personal property and equipment to host and conduct training events for small engines, tractor, bicycle and shooting sports events. He has spent countless hours judging records and setting up for many clinics and workshops in forestry, poultry, woodworking, electricity and dairy to provide learning experiences for youth. He was an avid recruiter for Short Course/4-H University, providing transportation and training for youth and has attended this state event for more than 30 years to show support for the parish delegation. He has organized citizenship programs including attending police jury meetings, district court sessions, tours of the State Capitol, and conferences with public officials. Mr. Hains was one of the major organizers of the Acadia Parish 4-H Exchange Program. He hosted two international exchange students from Japan and chaperoned multiple trips in the United States. This retired rice and soybean farmer and army veteran is active in church, civic and community organizations and serves on the Selective Service Board, State Master Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, president of the Chamber of Commerce and International Rice Festival. John E. Hains has received many distinguished 4-H awards including the Good Provider Award, the 4-H Congress Leader Award, the 4-H Alumni Award, the Attorney General Award and the Acadia Parish Achievement Day honoree.

For more than 70 years (1940-2012), Elsie Castille has been involved in the St. Martin Parish 4-H program as a member, 4-H agent, home economist, advisory board member, 4-H Foundation president, donor and volunteer. As a club member, she was involved in selling war bonds to assist in the Louisiana 4-H purchase of the Liberty Ship during World War II. She also planted a 4-H victory garden to supply fresh produce for her family during wartime. Ms. Castille has been a tremendous recruiter for 4-H volunteers because of her numerous contacts with more than 14 civic, community and church organizations. She has affected the lives of thousands of youth by contributing countless volunteer hours during 4-H events and activities. Ms. Castille has held numerous leadership roles as president of the Louisiana Home Economics Association, president of the Breaux Bridge and St. Martin VFC, president and district deputy of the Catholic Daughters of America. In 2006, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Association inducted Ms. Elsie into their Hall of Fame. Elsie Castille also received the Extra Mile Volunteer Award for her dedicated service to seven Acadiana parishes.

Jeffery J. Faulk Sr. attributes his career as a cattleman and rice and soybean farmer to his involvement in the 4-H program when he was a youth. During his eight-year membership, his projects included rice, dairy and livestock judging, poultry and swine projects, and participating in Achievement Days, parades, contests and judging events. Mr. Faulk’s involvement in 4-H spans 40 years (1971-2012). His children and grandchildren continue the family 4-H tradition. For 25 years he donated his time to drive a school bus to take 4-H’ers to Short Course, camps and out-of-state trips. As a livestock leader, he transported animals, contacted buyers and donors, and built and donated sheep pens and cattle ties. Mr. Faulk contacted the Vermilion Parish School Board and the Vermilion Farm Bureau Board to contribute funds for the operation of the parish 4-H livestock show. Mr. Faulk’s most notable contribution is his success in obtaining funding for the construction of the Vermillion Parish Extension Service Office and Activity Center; a sales tax was successfully passed by voters to generate funds for the facilities. Jeffrey J. Faulk Sr. has received numerous honors including the state 4-H Alumni Award, the New Orleans and River Region Outstanding 4-H Leader Award, Lion of the Year Award, Outstanding Farm Bureau Board Member, Knights of Columbus member for 40 years and president of Vermillion Parish Bus Driver’s Association and state president for four years.

Carolyn Bordelon has been an Avoyelles 4-H volunteer since 1990. She serves as president of the Avoyelles Parish 4-H Foundation, organizational leader at Marksville High, 4-H Advisory Board member and Avoyelles 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator. For the shooting sports program, she is archery instructor/leader and Level II state instructor for the overall program. Ms. Bordelon has written and received grants from the National Rifle Association and from local agencies to purchase and equip a 16-foot enclosed trailer for the parish shooting sports projects. Grant funds also purchased targets and safety gear for youth and provided scholarships for contest entry fees, making the program more affordable to youth. She also writes new releases, maintains an email list of the parish shooting sports members and volunteers for virtually every parish AgCenter event. She and her husband serve as rabbit project leaders; they raise and provide rabbits to members for this small-animal project in Avoyelles Parish and in neighboring parishes. Ms. Bordelon and her husband teach rabbit project members how to groom, feed and show their animals in competitions. Carolyn Bordelon has been recognized at the Avoyelles Parish livestock banquet for her outstanding contributions as a livestock leader.

Pat Andrews began her 4-H journey in 1961 when she became a 4-H Club member. Her early 4-H career involved camping at Camp Grant Walker and Bayou Chicot State Park and attending Short Course, where she was introduced to the Louisiana State University campus. The latter influenced her decision to attend college. She was elected local and parish club president and served as a mentor for her sisters and numerous club members. When her oldest child became eligible for membership, Ms. Andrews became a very active volunteer assisting club officers with meeting agendas, providing transportation for parish and statewide events, and chaperoning camps, short course and awards trips. She has assisted youth with small-animal projects and served as a leader for the Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Her clubs were noted for their community service work, food bank drives and adoption of two CASA youth each year for whom they provided clothing and toys. She would encourage youth to enter fair exhibits and use their prize money to purchase Christmas gifts for the needy. An advocate for completing project work and records, Ms. Andrews’ club members have won state cookery contests, beef grazing projects, Short Course contests, record book contests and 4-H Foundation scholarships. She serves as treasurer of the Beauregard 4-H Foundation and prepares monthly reports and budgets, using her skills as an income tax preparer. Pat Andrews states that the greatest satisfaction of being a 4-H volunteer is seeing her efforts improve her community and shape young citizens for the future.

Connie Comeaux began her 4-H career in St. Martin Parish as an active club member for eight years. She has served Iberia Parish more than 25 years in numerous volunteer roles, including 4-H organizational and garden club leader (1985-2006), demonstration coach, camp volunteer, community service coordinator, advisory committee member, Master Gardener, 4-H advocate and donor. Mrs. Comeaux is a proponent of developing public speaking and demonstration skills of club members and worked tirelessly with members, many of whom were from a minority background with limited parental support. She sponsors a parishwide demonstration-skills award annually and provides 4-H camp and 4-H University scholarships for at-risk youth. She also served as a delegate to the Southern Regional Leader Forum and was a member of parish and regional leader planning committees. When the local and state LSU AgCenter faced budget concerns, Mrs. Comeaux wrote letters to elected officials and organized presentations at local governing body meetings. Because of her many contributions to the 4-H youth program, she was named the 2006 honoree at the Iberia Parish 4-H Achievement Day.

The Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Louisiana 4-H Foundation, was established in 2008 to recognize those whose dedication to 4-H inspired them to contribute time, resources, talent and energy in helping 4-H youth achieve their goals.

In 2008, the 100th birthday of Louisiana 4-H, 100 people were inducted representing every parish in the state. New honorees are selected annually from nominations. Inductee photos and biographical information are permanently exhibited in the Louisiana 4-H Museum and here.

The 2012 inductees are listed below with the name of the nominating parish. They will be honored at a celebration on May 19, 2012, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Louisiana 4-H Museum, located at 8592, Highway 1, Mansura, La.

• Nannie Gardner Hale – West Carroll
• Nancy Sarver – Jefferson
• Lola Potier – Vermilion
• John Hains – Acadia
• Joel Guidry – Lafayette
• Robbie Wintz Tomeny – St. John
• Pat Andrews – Beauregard
• Carolyn Bordelon – Avoyelles
• C.L. Keene – Madison
• Jeffrey Faulk Sr. – Vermilion
• Elsie Castille – St. Martin
• Charles Severance – East Baton Rouge

Congratulations to the honorees and their parish 4-H programs!

The museum is filled with dynamic, multimedia exhibits that feature the history and development of Louisiana 4-H. See a virtual tour of the museum here.

• Timeline of Louisiana 4-H – A giant mural and display highlight pivotal events in the history of Louisiana 4-H.
• Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame – Honoring the people whose dedication made 4-H what it is today.
• 4-H Emblem Collage – A multitude of items from around the state.
• Louisiana 4-H on Parade – 3-D diorama of projects and programs.
• Louisiana 4-H Parish by Parish – Unique achievements by 4-H'ers around the state.
• Frankie the 4-H Fox at Camp – Animatronic fox puppet explains what 4-H does for youth.
• And much more!

Why was the museum built in Mansura, a rural area?

Mansura is in Avoyelles Parish, and Louisiana 4-H has its roots in Avoyelles. In 1908 at Moreauville High School, 300 boys gathered to learn new and better ways to plant corn (with a horse and plow!). This Corn Club for boys was the first of its kind in Louisiana. The club was organized with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, the Louisiana State Department of Education, the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Moreauville High School. By the end of 1908, there were 15 Corn Clubs for boys throughout Louisiana. Within a few years, more agricultural project clubs for boys had formed, and clubs for girls were also under way. Such boys and girls clubs were being organized nationwide. Eventually, all these boys and girls clubs were collectively called "4-H Clubs."

The idea for building the museum in Mansura evolved in 2004 when the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury acquired land in Mansura for a new facility for extension and tourism offices.

How do people donate or loan items to the museum?

History comes alive with photos, documents, memorabilia, clothing and artifacts! We know there are lots of treasures out there in closets and attics, and we’re eager to see them. For more information on submitting items for donation or loan, please click here.

News clippings about 4-H events can be faxed or mailed to:

Rose Anne St. Romain
Louisiana 4-H Museum
8592 Highway 1, Suite 2
Mansura, LA 71350
Fax: (318) 964 – 2259
Phone: (318) 964 – 2245

Explore the Louisiana 4-H Museum and see how the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H youth development program grew to reach youth in all 64 parishes.


Virtual tour online

Hours and admission

Driving directions and map

Frequently asked questions

Local restaurants, lodging, attractions and events

YouTube spotlight

Help promote the 4-H Museum


Take pride in the legacy 4-H has bestowed in the minds and hearts of millions of youth since 1908. 

Visit the Louisiana 4-H Museum today!

Albert H.Steinbach, an East Baton Rouge Parish cattleman, served the 4-H program for more than 40 years as a volunteer, advocate, fundraiser and philanthropist. During the 1930s, Mr. Steinbach was instrumental in securing approval from Governor Richard Leche to build a livestock pavilion on the LSU campus. Since the 1930s, this facility, the John M. Parker Agricultural Coliseum, has hosted thousands of 4-H youth at livestock shows and activities. He assisted Harry Nelson in organizing the first LSU rodeo, served as chairman of the first state 4-H Advisory Committee and as chairman of the 1932 4-H Livestock Sales Committee. It was Mr. Steinbeck who assisted East Baton Rouge Parish in securing permission to build the parish 4-H Activity Center. In 1968, Mr. Albert H. Steinbach was named a 4-H Good Provider winner, and in 2008 he was inducted into the East Baton Rouge 4-H Hall of Fame.

• October 2011 -- Pumpkin Heads and Tales
• November 2011 -- A Grain of Wheat
• December 2011 - -Life in a Forest
• January 2012 -- On their Shoulders, Famous People of the U.S.
• February 2012 -- Busy Bees and Butterflies
• March 2012 -- Who’s Who at the Zoo
• April 2012 -- Green and Growing Plants
• May 2012 -- Under the Sea

Programs must be scheduled for groups of 10-40 children per session. For very young children, the smaller the group the better.

Registration is required at least two weeks before your selected program date so that supplies can be purchased. 

To schedule a date and time that's convenient for your group, call Rose Anne St. Romain, museum director, at 318-964-2245. You pick the date, we'll present the program!

Cost is $1.00 per child payable by check or money order to: Louisiana 4-H Foundation.

Programs will be held in the museum located at 8592 Highway 1, Mansura, La.

Please feel free to print out the program information by clicking on the link below.

1908

On February 8, 1908, the first Corn Club for Louisiana boys met at Moreauville High School in Moreauville, La., (Avoyelles Parish) to teach about 300 boys new ways to grow corn. By the end of the year, 15 other parishes also had formed Corn Clubs. Such agricultural clubs were part of a national movement to teach rural boys new research-based methods of farming. The movement was supported by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the land-grant colleges and state departments of education. Over time, other agricultural clubs for boys and domestic clubs for girls were developed and were modeled after the Corn Club demonstration methods. Eventually, all these clubs became collectively known as “4-H Clubs.”

The Louisiana State Fair awarded first prize to a 14-year-old Corn Club member who produced 27.5 bushels of corn on a half acre.

1909

Victor Leander Roy was hired as the first State Club Leader. He was largely responsible for starting Louisiana’s first Corn Club in Moreauville, La., and is considered the “Father of Louisiana 4-H.”

1910

Demonstration trains began to travel around the state showcasing Corn Club crop methods, improved agricultural implements, a carload of beef and dairy cattle each and a car loaded with purebred hogs. The first train covered more than 1,000 miles of railway line, stopped at 41 places and reached about 55,000 people who learned the importance of a diversified system of agriculture.

Louisiana started the first Swine Club in the nation in Caddo Parish with 59 boys under the direction of E. W. Jones.

1911

Tomato canning clubs for girls began in Louisiana. Uniform jar labels and canning outfits were supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Other domestic clubs for girls soon followed using demonstration methods.

The four-leaf clover was first used to brand the canned goods prepared by Tomato Canning Clubs nationwide.

Stephen G. Henry from Melrose (Natchitoches Parish) won a Bush automobile valued at about $500 at the National Corn Show in Columbus, Ohio, for his Louisiana State Fair-winning corn exhibit and report on yield and profits.

1913

The four-leaf clover and the term “4-H” were adopted as the national emblem for boys’ and girls’ club work at the Conference for Education in the South held in Richmond, Va.

1914

The Smith-Lever Act, signed by President Woodrow Wilson, established federal funding for the Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service at land-grant colleges nationwide. The funding included support for 4-H boys’ and girls’ club work.

The first Short Course was held at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La.

1915

Educational films were shown around state using power from a Model-T car.

Cotton clubs and poultry clubs were established.

1918

The term “4-H Club” first appeared in a federal document to describe the activities of the various agricultural and domestic clubs formed nationwide and supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Short Course at LSU was canceled due to an influenza epidemic.

Parish Short Courses began. They were the precursors to rallies and Achievement Days.

1920

4-H Clubs were organized nationwide according to a standard plan with minimum requirements.

1921

The first youth State Executive Committee was formed at Short Course at LSU.

1922

The first Louisiana 4-H camp was held on grounds of the future Camp Grant Walker.

The first Beef Calf Club in Louisiana was formed in Terrebonne Parish.

The first Dairy Club in Louisiana was formed in Rapides Parish.

1923

Louisiana 4-H'ers participated in National Club Congress, which was established in 1922.

4-H camps were held in tents in several locations around Louisiana.

1927

The 4-H Pledge and Motto were adopted at the first National 4-H Camp in Washington, D.C.

1928

The Capper-Ketcham Act provided federal funding for Extension Services and 4-H Clubs during the Depression.

Short Course Daily newspaper was published to keep LSU Short Course attendees informed of activities.

1930

The first Short Course was held at Southern University.

1932

4-H Club work was publicized on radio for the first time as part of a National 4-H Achievement broadcast.

1935

Camp Grant Walker was developed as a “state” 4-H camp as a W.P.A. project.

1936

The first state 4-H livestock show was held with a showing of 43 calves; the grand champion was sold at $0.26 a pound, more than twice the market price.

1937

The first wildlife and forestry camps were held at Camp Grant Walker.

1939

The first 4-H agent camp was held at Camp Grant Walker where the first State 4-H Advisory Committee was established.

1940-45

For World War II service projects, Louisiana 4-H'ers grew Victory Gardens, led the nation in an ambulance fund, collected scrap metal and raised $3.4 million to pay for a Liberty Ship, the Floyd W. Spencer.

1942

The Louisiana Legislature allocated funds for livestock shows.

4-H Club membership was divided into two groups: Junior Clubs for elementary school students and Senior Clubs for high schoolers.

1946

Short Course at LSU was canceled due to a polio epidemic.

The Chicago educational trip was started as an award to winners of livestock, crops and meat judging teams at Short Course.

1948

The first black regional 4-H camp in the nation was held at Southern University.

The first Jr. Leadership Camp was held at Camp Grant Walker.

1952

The first 4-H Adult Leader Training Camp was held at Camp Grant Walker.

1953

Achievement Days were held in all 64 parishes for the first time.

Groundbreaking for Camp Jesse Harrison for black 4-H’ers was held  after Willard Rambo of Grant Parish proposed a bill passed by the Louisiana Legislature, which allocated funds for the camp’s construction.

The International Farm Youth Exchange Program started.

1954

The 4-H Key Award Program was established to recognize outstanding 4-H'ers.

1956

The First Junior Forestry Camp was held.

59.6% of Louisiana 4-H'ers lived in nonfarm or urban areas.

1957

St. James Parish 4-H’ers won the National Safety Award given by the National Safety Council; they won this award from 1957-2002. The youth competition was eliminated after the September 11, 2001, tragedies due to concern about the risks of having youth travel by airplane to receive the award.

1965

A national mandate to integrate schools began integration of 4-H Clubs.

1970’s

Pointe Coupee Parish 4-H’ers were the first winners of the Nolan Reech Award at Short Course (1970).

New projects and programs extended 4-H to urban youth.

Junior Leadership Clubs were first organized in Lafayette Parish by A.J. Brackin.

1973

“…and my world” was added to the 4-H pledge.

1976

Statewide 4-H celebrations of America’s Bicentennial.

The Louisiana Extension Agent 4-H Association was established.

1978

The Louisiana 4-H Foundation was created.

1980s

Collegiate 4-H took root.

Environmental awareness and concerns for youth-at-risk led to new projects and programs.

Marsh Maneuvers was first held in Vermilion Parish for Vermilion 4-H Junior Leaders (1986).

1984

4-H was established as a co-curricular activity in public schools.

1990s

The first Wildwoods Wanderings Camp was held at Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge (Madison Parish) to focus on the diverse environmental factors affecting the economic and social growth of Louisiana (1993).

Recruitment of volunteers accelerated.

4-H Web sites developed as computer dependency increased.

Special-interest camps were organized.

1996

Character Education pilot programs began with funding from the Louisiana Legislature after a bill proposed by Representative Beverly Bruce was passed.

1999

The Louisiana 4-H shooting sports program began as part of the national outdoor skills program.

2002

The First Annual 4-H Day at the Capitol was held.

2003

The Volunteer Leader Association formed.

2004

Short Course was restructured and renamed “4-H University.”

2005

General Russel L. Honoré, a former 4-H’er from Lakeland, La., (Pointe Coupee Parish) commanded the Joint Task Force Katrina responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas across the Gulf Coast.

Camp Grant Walker served as an evacuation shelter for 600 people after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

4-H'ers across the state assisted with hurricane relief projects.

Afterschool 4-H programs were piloted in Louisiana.

2006

Project portfolio became accessible to 4-H'ers through the Internet.

2008

The first LOST (Louisiana Outdoor Science and Technology) Camp was held at Camp Grant Walker for seventh- and eighth-graders.

4-H Centennial Celebrations were held across the state.

The Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame was established with 100 inductees.

Harry G. Chalkley Jr.
Calcasieu Parish
(Deceased)
Year Inducted: 2011

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
Please arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. to fully enjoy all the exhibits.

Saturday and evenings: By appointment only for groups as of Dec. 1, 2010.
Please contact the Louisiana 4-H Museum to make arrangements.
Phone: 318-964-2245.


Is there an admission charge?

Admission is $3 per person. Children under age 3 are admitted free. There is a 10% discount for groups of 25 or more.

Willie Russell is a former 4-H agent and member of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association and Louisiana Catfish Association, which provides $300 annually to the area 4-H cookery contest. He received the National County Agents Association Distinguished Service Award.

Otis J. Stelly Sr., affectionately known as “Big O” to many youth and adults in Vermilion Parish, served as a volunteer, leader, buyer and 4-H Foundation Board member for 25 years during 1974-1999. He played a major role in establishing the first Vermillion Parish 4-H Livestock Show in 1973. He also expanded the 4-H swine project by beginning a swine-breeding program to supply locally bred pigs to club members. “Mr. O” conducted 4-H clinics and workshops at his farm and always gave away one pig as a door prize to a participant. In 1996, he was named Master Pork Producer by the Louisiana Pork Producers. Mr. Stelly was a leader for the annual 4-H Trail Ride and served as trail boss one year. He also donated his time and resources to provide horse rides for special needs children and served as a youth league baseball coach for more than 30 years. In memory of Mr. Otis J. Stelly Sr., a memorial trophy is awarded on a rotating basis to the exhibitor who wins for having the Grand Champion Swine at the parish 4-H livestock show.

David Saucier has been involved in 4-H for 38 years as a club member, parent, leader, teacher, school principal, advisory board member and foundation board member. As an educator, his educational philosophy was “everything I do in the classroom is going to connect with 4-H.” As a school principal at Ringgold Elementary, he met with each and every 4-H member to guide them in completing their project books. Club members at his school had the highest project completion rate in the parish and were also recipients of awards for outstanding club meetings and community service. Some of his clubs’ significant accomplishments include implementing the first school Veteran’s Day program that is now conducted in all 10 parish schools, collecting $7,000 in pennies to purchase school playground equipment and organizing the first 4-H school garden in the parish. As a result of his leadership, his school received the School of Exemplary Academic Achievement Award for 2006-2007. Since his retirement, Mr. Saucier has continued to serve 4-H by organizing and serving as leader of the Horse Club and by serving as member of the Advisory Leadership Council and of the Bienville Parish 4-H Foundation Board. David Saucier has received numerous volunteer awards including Outstanding Louisiana 4-H Leader and the trip to National 4-H Congress.

Albert H.Steinbach, an East Baton Rouge Parish cattleman, served the 4-H program for more than 40 years as a volunteer, advocate, fundraiser and philanthropist. During the 1930s, Mr. Steinbach was instrumental in securing approval from Governor Richard Leche to build a livestock pavilion on the LSU campus. Since the 1930s, this facility, the John M. Parker Agricultural Coliseum, has hosted thousands of 4-H youth at livestock shows and activities. He assisted Harry Nelson in organizing the first LSU rodeo, served as chairman of the first state 4-H Advisory Committee and as chairman of the 1932 4-H Livestock Sales Committee. It was Mr. Steinbeck who assisted East Baton Rouge Parish in securing permission to build the parish 4-H Activity Center. In 1968, Mr. Albert H. Steinbach was named a 4-H Good Provider winner, and in 2008 he was inducted into the East Baton Rouge 4-H Hall of Fame.

David Saucier has been involved in 4-H for 38 years as a club member, parent, leader, teacher, school principal, advisory board member and foundation board member. As an educator, his educational philosophy was “everything I do in the classroom is going to connect with 4-H.” As a school principal at Ringgold Elementary, he met with each and every 4-H member to guide them in completing their project books. Club members at his school had the highest project completion rate in the parish and were also recipients of awards for outstanding club meetings and community service. Some of his clubs’ significant accomplishments include implementing the first school Veteran’s Day program that is now conducted in all 10 parish schools, collecting $7,000 in pennies to purchase school playground equipment and organizing the first 4-H school garden in the parish. As a result of his leadership, his school received the School of Exemplary Academic Achievement Award for 2006-2007. Since his retirement, Mr. Saucier has continued to serve 4-H by organizing and serving as leader of the Horse Club and by serving as member of the Advisory Leadership Council and of the Bienville Parish 4-H Foundation Board. David Saucier has received numerous volunteer awards including Outstanding Louisiana 4-H Leader and the trip to National 4-H Congress.

Otis J. Stelly Sr., affectionately known as “Big O” to many youth and adults in Vermilion Parish, served as a volunteer, leader, buyer and 4-H Foundation Board member for 25 years during 1974-1999. He played a major role in establishing the first Vermillion Parish 4-H Livestock Show in 1973. He also expanded the 4-H swine project by beginning a swine-breeding program to supply locally bred pigs to club members. “Mr. O” conducted 4-H clinics and workshops at his farm and always gave away one pig as a door prize to a participant. In 1996, he was named Master Pork Producer by the Louisiana Pork Producers. Mr. Stelly was a leader for the annual 4-H Trail Ride and served as trail boss one year. He also donated his time and resources to provide horse rides for special needs children and served as a youth league baseball coach for more than 30 years. In memory of Mr. Otis J. Stelly Sr., a memorial trophy is awarded on a rotating basis to the exhibitor who wins for having the Grand Champion Swine at the parish 4-H livestock show.

8592 Highway 1
Mansura, LA 71350
(318) 964-2245

View map here.

From Alexandria, La. via I-49 South

• Take I-49 through Alexandria.
• Merge onto U.S. 167 S./U.S. 71 S. via EXIT 80 toward MacArthur Drive; travel 4.6 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 3170; travel 5.5 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 1; travel 23.2 miles

From Opelousas, La. via I-49 North

• Take I-49 North out of Opelousas
• Take the La. 106 exit, EXIT 46, turn right onto La. 106; travel 1.2 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 29 S.; travel 6.4 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto SW Main St./U.S. 71/La. 29; travel 0.1 mile.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 115/La. 29/E. Church St. veering RIGHT to stay on La. 115/La. 29; travel 2.3 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 115; travel 8.7 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 114/E. Main St.; continue to follow La. 114; travel 4.5 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 107/L’Eglise St.; travel 1.1 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 1; travel 0.4 miles

From Baton Rouge, La. via I-10 West

• On I-10 West, cross the Miss. River Bridge; travel about 0.5 mile.
• Merge onto N Lobdell Hwy./La. 415 N. via EXIT 151 toward U.S. 190/Lobdell; travel about 3.5 miles.
• Take the U.S. 190 ramp and merge LEFT onto U.S. 190 W./La. 1 N.; travel 11.3 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 1 N.; travel 12.6 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 3131/Hospital Road; travel 1.8 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 1; travel 45.8 miles.
  

From Lake Charles, La. via I-10 East

• Take I-10 E. toward Lafayette.
• Take EXIT 103B/Opelousas onto I-49; travel 47.7 miles.
• Stay on I-49 North through Opelousas
• Take the La. 106 exit, EXIT 46, turn right onto La. 106; travel 1.2 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 29 S.; travel 6.4 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto SW Main St./U.S. 71/La. 29; travel 0.1 mile.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 115/La. 29/E Church St. veering RIGHT to stay on La. 115/La. 29; travel 2.3 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 115; travel 8.7 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 114/E Main St. Continue to follow La. 114; travel 4.5 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto La. 107/L’Eglise St.; travel 1.1 miles.
• Turn RIGHT onto La. 1; travel 0.4 miles

Angie Fusilier hass been a 4-H leader in Evangeline Parish since 2001 and has served in many ways during the past 10 years. Her expertise as a leader has been utilized on advisory committees and to train parish 4-H community service officers. She has also presented a community service program for new Extension agents. She is a volunteer for 4-H University and Ag Magic. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer for the state 4-H Executive Board and is the Central Region board representative for the leader association. In 2008, Mrs. Fusilier served as co-chairman of the host committee for the Southern Regional Leader Forum and currently serves on the program planning committee. For her untiring efforts and contributions to the 4-H program, she was named outstanding leader in Evangeline Parish 2007 and was awarded a trip to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Georgia.

Deborah Dees first became involved in the DeSoto 4-H program in 1983 when her two children became members. And she is still active today. After the children's graduation, she remained active as a volunteer advisory and 4-H Foundation Committee member, a 4-H Exchange Trip host and an advocate for securing local governing support for the LSU AgCenter. Mrs. Dees has been extremely successful in helping raise funds for livestock project members and serves as treasurer of the Ark-La-Tex Ag Council that sponsors the sale of champions at the State Fair of Louisiana. She is one of the creators of the DeSoto Parish Livestock Club’s Auction of Goods and Services/Barbeque Dinner, which is a fundraiser to support youth whose animals do not make the sale of champions. More than $56,000 has been raised at this event the past 14 years. Mrs. Dees has combined a successful business as a CPA with civic and community work with the Chamber of Commerce and as chariman of the DeSoto Regional Medical System Foundation. A tree was planted in her honor for her untiring support of DeSoto 4-H at the 2007 Arbor Day program.

For more than 50 years (1960-2011), Stephen Young has served Bienville Parish as a 4-H organizational and project leader. He trained numerous youth in the poultry and the dairy projects to judge, groom and show poultry and dairy animals. Several of his members have received state awards. His club members excelled at winning the best fitted dairy animal contest. One member earned this honor more than 20 times. At livestock show time, Mr. Young would volunteer to conduct livestock grooming clinics throughout the parish. His expertise was not limited to livestock, as he is recognized as an outstanding chef, specializing in making cakes, and he often volunteers to judge cookery contests. In 1988, he was named recipient of the Louisiana 4-H Attorney General’s Award for leadership and service to the livestock programs.

Merlin Jackson served as a 4-H organizational leader at St. Rose Elementary in St. Charles Parish for 32 years (1970-2002). He also served on the parish 4-H advisory committee and was the first president of the St. Charles 4-H Foundation. Mr. Jackson provided club members opportunities to develop life skills by conducting a wide variety of workshops and clinics. His club was awarded first place at Achievement Day for 32 consecutive years. St. Rose received numerous state and national awards for community service, health and safety programs. One of the more noteworthy community projects his club implemented was an annual Christmas social for senior citizens. The program continues today with 300-400 participants. Mr. Jackson’s jovial personality, concern for his students and dynamic personality made him a positive role model for his students. He was named outstanding St. Charles leader and was awarded a trip to Washington D.C. as winner of a state leader award.

Leroy Robbins served in East Baton Rouge Parish as a club and project leader for more than 50 years (1953-2003). He began his volunteerism as a parent interested in the sheep project. Over the years, he served the program in many leaderships capacities: as president of the parish 4-H foundation, chairman of the parish 4-H livestock sales committee, and advocate and sponsor for the sheep project in many parishes throughout the state. He and his wife served as co-leaders of the Riverside 4-H Club and offered their home as a meeting place for meetings and workshops. As a result of the time dedicated to 4-H members, the Robbins’ home became known as “Robbins Roost.” The Riverside 4-H Club was honored with many awards including Best Community Club, Best-Organized Club and Best Club Meeting. Additionally, individual members received parish, district, state and national awards. Mr. Robbins led members in service projects including making toys and repairing bicycles for special needs children and senior citizens. He would hatch baby chicks and provide them to poultry project members. This distinguished 4-H volunteer was recipient of the 4-H Good Provider Award, the Attorney General’s Livestock Leader Award and the Leader’s Award to National 4-H Congress. In 1983, the Capital City Kiwanis Club honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in agriculture. He graduated from high school at the age of 15 and from LSU at the age of 19 with a degree in chemical engineering. He was employed by Exxon for 38 years, obtaining nine U.S. patents and several foreign patents.

Mary Triche’s first experiences in 4-H began as a club member for eight years. She has been a dedicated volunteer in St. Charles Parish for 32 years as leader of the 4-H Junior Leader Club (1978-2011) and six years as an organizational leader for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Club. Mrs. Triche has chaperoned a variety of 4-H events including Junior Leadership trips and retreats, 4-H University, camps and shooting sports events. Her expertise with 4-H record keeping has been utilized to train members and leaders. Another of her leadership roles is serving as an activity leader for the bicycle program where she conducts a parish bicycle rodeo and trains members for competitive events. Her talent as a judge has been invaluable at various 4-H events including cookery, public speaking, grooming contests and activity days. As a charter member of the Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Association, she has attended state and regional conferences and received the “Hard Worker” award at the 2008 Southern Regional Leader Forum in Georgia. Additionally, she has been recognized as outstanding 4-H leader in St. Charles Parish, has received the Ruby, Diamond and Pearl volunteer awards for years of service and was named a blue ribbon winner for the state 4-H Alumni Award contest.

Catherine Pedescleaux dedicated 29 years of service (1978-2007) as a 4-H leader and teacher at West St. John Elementary School. During her tenure as a volunteer, she touched the lives of more than 2,500 4-H youth by teaching them the importance of education, hard work and developing life skills. For Ms. Pedescleaux, 4-H work was not limited to school hours; during summer vacation, she would conduct educational workshops for club members in clothing, foods, grooming and career exploration. Her club members were noted for their community service and citizenship projects. She would attend 4-H camp, leadership conferences and leader training meetings. Her philosophy was to teach by example, and she was a positive role model for countless at-risk youth. She received numerous awards for exemplary leadership and volunteer service to the St. John 4-H program.

William Schehr has played a major role in the St. Bernard 4-H program since 2003. He began volunteering for 4-H as a construction captain for the St. Bernard Parish Community Playground. Mr. Schehr’s commitment to 4-H and the LSU AgCenter is evident by his willingness to serve on the 4-H Advisory and the Extension Advisory Leadership Councils for the past six years. After Hurricane Katrina, he was instrumental in helping reestablish the St. Bernard Parish Extension Office by serving on recovery committees. He has been a strong advocate for the LSU AcCenter to local and state governing officials, and he volunteers for 4-H Day at the Capitol. As a 4-H activity leader, he has helped conduct bicycle rodeos, petting zoos and environmental programs and has judged cookery contests. He has volunteered to supervise special needs children at camp that are affected by autism, Down Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. Additionally, he assists with hunter safety and canoeing activities at camp. For his extraordinary contributions to 4-H youth development, he was recognized as an Honorary Citizen of St. Bernard.

James Dardeau’s 29-year extension career began in 1964. He served the LSU AgCenter as 4-H agent in Cameron, Natchitoches and Vermilion parishes, was county agent and parish chairman in Vermilion Parish and district agent in the Southwest District. His first involvement in 4-H was as an active club member in Evangeline Parish, attending camps, demonstration contests, achievement days and livestock shows. As a 4-H agent, he organized a club for special needs children, implemented a beef grazing program and started award trips for junior leaders. As parish chairman, he spearheaded a successful campaign to pass a sales tax to fund a new extension office and barn. In 1983, he helped establish the Vermilion 4-H Foundation to provide financial support to members. In his tenure as an administrator, he was a strong advocate of the advisory committee process and encouraged total staff involvement in major 4-H events and activities. While serving as district agent, he planned and executed a two-day retreat for 4-H agents and their spouses to discuss benefits, insurance and personnel matters. Mr. Dardeau is active in school, civic and church organizations and served as school board member for Mount Carmel and Vermilion Catholic High School. He was recipient of many distinguished service awards. In 1989, the Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day was dedicated to Mr. Dardeau, a recognition program he helped establish in the parish.

Diana Duhe became known as "the 4-H Lady" of St. John Parish during her 25 years as a 4-H leader. From 1981-2006, she inspired, guided and trained more than 6,500 youth, teaching them important life skills and the value of hard work. Each year, she would transform her home into a 4-H classroom. It was not uncommon to find 20 or more 4-H'ers at her home at different times every month as she taught them vegetable gardening, public speaking, lawn tractor driving, soil studies and even sheep shearing. She attended every parish 4-H program or activity and chaperoned youth at Short Course/4-H University, the annual Jr. Leadership Awards trip and 4-H Camp. Her 4-H youth often won state awards, as did the 4-H Club leaders she helped recruit and train. Each year she also led the St. John 4-H/St. Jude Wheels for Life Bike-A-Thon, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research for children. Diana Duhe also served as 4-H Junior Leader coordinator, Louisiana 4-H Foundation Board secretary/treasurer and 4-H Club organizational leader coordinator.

Leroy Robbins served in East Baton Rouge Parish as a club and project leader for more than 50 years (1953-2003). He began his volunteerism as a parent interested in the sheep project. Over the years, he served the program in many leaderships capacities: as president of the parish 4-H foundation, chairman of the parish 4-H livestock sales committee, and advocate and sponsor for the sheep project in many parishes throughout the state. He and his wife served as co-leaders of the Riverside 4-H Club and offered their home as a meeting place for meetings and workshops. As a result of the time dedicated to 4-H members, the Robbins’ home became known as “Robbins Roost.” The Riverside 4-H Club was honored with many awards including Best Community Club, Best-Organized Club and Best Club Meeting. Additionally, individual members received parish, district, state and national awards. Mr. Robbins led members in service projects including making toys and repairing bicycles for special needs children and senior citizens. He would hatch baby chicks and provide them to poultry project members. This distinguished 4-H volunteer was recipient of the 4-H Good Provider Award, the Attorney General’s Livestock Leader Award and the Leader’s Award to National 4-H Congress. In 1983, the Capital City Kiwanis Club honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in agriculture. He graduated from high school at the age of 15 and from LSU at the age of 19 with a degree in chemical engineering. He was employed by Exxon for 38 years, obtaining nine U.S. patents and several foreign patents.

For more than 50 years (1960-2011), Stephen Young has served Bienville Parish as a 4-H organizational and project leader. He trained numerous youth in the poultry and the dairy projects to judge, groom and show poultry and dairy animals. Several of his members have received state awards. His club members excelled at winning the best fitted dairy animal contest. One member earned this honor more than 20 times. At livestock show time, Mr. Young would volunteer to conduct livestock grooming clinics throughout the parish. His expertise was not limited to livestock, as he is recognized as an outstanding chef, specializing in making cakes, and he often volunteers to judge cookery contests. In 1988, he was named recipient of the Louisiana 4-H Attorney General’s Award for leadership and service to the livestock programs.

Mary Triche’s first experiences in 4-H began as a club member for eight years. She has been a dedicated volunteer in St. Charles Parish for 32 years as leader of the 4-H Junior Leader Club (1978-2011) and six years as an organizational leader for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Club. Mrs. Triche has chaperoned a variety of 4-H events including Junior Leadership trips and retreats, 4-H University, camps and shooting sports events. Her expertise with 4-H record keeping has been utilized to train members and leaders. Another of her leadership roles is serving as an activity leader for the bicycle program where she conducts a parish bicycle rodeo and trains members for competitive events. Her talent as a judge has been invaluable at various 4-H events including cookery, public speaking, grooming contests and activity days. As a charter member of the Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Association, she has attended state and regional conferences and received the “Hard Worker” award at the 2008 Southern Regional Leader Forum in Georgia. Additionally, she has been recognized as outstanding 4-H leader in St. Charles Parish, has received the Ruby, Diamond and Pearl volunteer awards for years of service and was named a blue ribbon winner for the state 4-H Alumni Award contest.

William Schehr has played a major role in the St. Bernard 4-H program since 2003. He began volunteering for 4-H as a construction captain for the St. Bernard Parish Community Playground. Mr. Schehr’s commitment to 4-H and the LSU AgCenter is evident by his willingness to serve on the 4-H Advisory and the Extension Advisory Leadership Councils for the past six years. After Hurricane Katrina, he was instrumental in helping reestablish the St. Bernard Parish Extension Office by serving on recovery committees. He has been a strong advocate for the LSU AcCenter to local and state governing officials, and he volunteers for 4-H Day at the Capitol. As a 4-H activity leader, he has helped conduct bicycle rodeos, petting zoos and environmental programs and has judged cookery contests. He has volunteered to supervise special needs children at camp that are affected by autism, Down Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. Additionally, he assists with hunter safety and canoeing activities at camp. For his extraordinary contributions to 4-H youth development, he was recognized as an Honorary Citizen of St. Bernard.

Catherine Pedescleaux dedicated 29 years of service (1978-2007) as a 4-H leader and teacher at West St. John Elementary School. During her tenure as a volunteer, she touched the lives of more than 2,500 4-H youth by teaching them the importance of education, hard work and developing life skills. For Ms. Pedescleaux, 4-H work was not limited to school hours; during summer vacation, she would conduct educational workshops for club members in clothing, foods, grooming and career exploration. Her club members were noted for their community service and citizenship projects. She would attend 4-H camp, leadership conferences and leader training meetings. Her philosophy was to teach by example, and she was a positive role model for countless at-risk youth. She received numerous awards for exemplary leadership and volunteer service to the St. John 4-H program.

William Schehr has played a major role in the St. Bernard 4-H program since 2003. He began volunteering for 4-H as a construction captain for the St. Bernard Parish Community Playground. Mr. Schehr’s commitment to 4-H and the LSU AgCenter is evident by his willingness to serve on the 4-H Advisory and the Extension Advisory Leadership Councils for the past six years. After Hurricane Katrina, he was instrumental in helping reestablish the St. Bernard Parish Extension Office by serving on recovery committees. He has been a strong advocate for the LSU AcCenter to local and state governing officials, and he volunteers for 4-H Day at the Capitol. As a 4-H activity leader, he has helped conduct bicycle rodeos, petting zoos and environmental programs and has judged cookery contests. He has volunteered to supervise special needs children at camp that are affected by autism, Down Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. Additionally, he assists with hunter safety and canoeing activities at camp. For his extraordinary contributions to 4-H youth development, he was recognized as an Honorary Citizen of St. Bernard.

Mary Triche’s first experiences in 4-H began as a club member for eight years. She has been a dedicated volunteer in St. Charles Parish for 32 years as leader of the 4-H Junior Leader Club (1978-2011) and six years as an organizational leader for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Club. Mrs. Triche has chaperoned a variety of 4-H events including Junior Leadership trips and retreats, 4-H University, camps and shooting sports events. Her expertise with 4-H record keeping has been utilized to train members and leaders. Another of her leadership roles is serving as an activity leader for the bicycle program where she conducts a parish bicycle rodeo and trains members for competitive events. Her talent as a judge has been invaluable at various 4-H events including cookery, public speaking, grooming contests and activity days. As a charter member of the Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Association, she has attended state and regional conferences and received the “Hard Worker” award at the 2008 Southern Regional Leader Forum in Georgia. Additionally, she has been recognized as outstanding 4-H leader in St. Charles Parish, has received the Ruby, Diamond and Pearl volunteer awards for years of service and was named a blue ribbon winner for the state 4-H Alumni Award contest.

Leroy Robbins served in East Baton Rouge Parish as a club and project leader for more than 50 years (1953-2003). He began his volunteerism as a parent interested in the sheep project. Over the years, he served the program in many leaderships capacities: as president of the parish 4-H foundation, chairman of the parish 4-H livestock sales committee, and advocate and sponsor for the sheep project in many parishes throughout the state. He and his wife served as co-leaders of the Riverside 4-H Club and offered their home as a meeting place for meetings and workshops. As a result of the time dedicated to 4-H members, the Robbins’ home became known as “Robbins Roost.” The Riverside 4-H Club was honored with many awards including Best Community Club, Best-Organized Club and Best Club Meeting. Additionally, individual members received parish, district, state and national awards. Mr. Robbins led members in service projects including making toys and repairing bicycles for special needs children and senior citizens. He would hatch baby chicks and provide them to poultry project members. This distinguished 4-H volunteer was recipient of the 4-H Good Provider Award, the Attorney General’s Livestock Leader Award and the Leader’s Award to National 4-H Congress. In 1983, the Capital City Kiwanis Club honored him with the Distinguished Service Award in agriculture. He graduated from high school at the age of 15 and from LSU at the age of 19 with a degree in chemical engineering. He was employed by Exxon for 38 years, obtaining nine U.S. patents and several foreign patents.

Merlin Jackson served as a 4-H organizational leader at St. Rose Elementary in St. Charles Parish for 32 years (1970-2002). He also served on the parish 4-H advisory committee and was the first president of the St. Charles 4-H Foundation. Mr. Jackson provided club members opportunities to develop life skills by conducting a wide variety of workshops and clinics. His club was awarded first place at Achievement Day for 32 consecutive years. St. Rose received numerous state and national awards for community service, health and safety programs. One of the more noteworthy community projects his club implemented was an annual Christmas social for senior citizens. The program continues today with 300-400 participants. Mr. Jackson’s jovial personality, concern for his students and dynamic personality made him a positive role model for his students. He was named outstanding St. Charles leader and was awarded a trip to Washington D.C. as winner of a state leader award.

For more than 50 years (1960-2011), Stephen Young has served Bienville Parish as a 4-H organizational and project leader. He trained numerous youth in the poultry and the dairy projects to judge, groom and show poultry and dairy animals. Several of his members have received state awards. His club members excelled at winning the best fitted dairy animal contest. One member earned this honor more than 20 times. At livestock show time, Mr. Young would volunteer to conduct livestock grooming clinics throughout the parish. His expertise was not limited to livestock, as he is recognized as an outstanding chef, specializing in making cakes, and he often volunteers to judge cookery contests. In 1988, he was named recipient of the Louisiana 4-H Attorney General’s Award for leadership and service to the livestock programs.

Catherine Pedescleaux dedicated 29 years of service (1978-2007) as a 4-H leader and teacher at West St. John Elementary School. During her tenure as a volunteer, she touched the lives of more than 2,500 4-H youth by teaching them the importance of education, hard work and developing life skills. For Ms. Pedescleaux, 4-H work was not limited to school hours; during summer vacation, she would conduct educational workshops for club members in clothing, foods, grooming and career exploration. Her club members were noted for their community service and citizenship projects. She would attend 4-H camp, leadership conferences and leader training meetings. Her philosophy was to teach by example, and she was a positive role model for countless at-risk youth. She received numerous awards for exemplary leadership and volunteer service to the St. John 4-H program.

Deborah Dees first became involved in the DeSoto 4-H program in 1983 when her two children became members. And she is still active today. After the children's graduation, she remained active as a volunteer advisory and 4-H Foundation Committee member, a 4-H Exchange Trip host and an advocate for securing local governing support for the LSU AgCenter. Mrs. Dees has been extremely successful in helping raise funds for livestock project members and serves as treasurer of the Ark-La-Tex Ag Council that sponsors the sale of champions at the State Fair of Louisiana. She is one of the creators of the DeSoto Parish Livestock Club’s Auction of Goods and Services/Barbeque Dinner, which is a fundraiser to support youth whose animals do not make the sale of champions. More than $56,000 has been raised at this event the past 14 years. Mrs. Dees has combined a successful business as a CPA with civic and community work with the Chamber of Commerce and as chariman of the DeSoto Regional Medical System Foundation. A tree was planted in her honor for her untiring support of DeSoto 4-H at the 2007 Arbor Day program.

Angie Fusilier hass been a 4-H leader in Evangeline Parish since 2001 and has served in many ways during the past 10 years. Her expertise as a leader has been utilized on advisory committees and to train parish 4-H community service officers. She has also presented a community service program for new Extension agents. She is a volunteer for 4-H University and Ag Magic. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer for the state 4-H Executive Board and is the Central Region board representative for the leader association. In 2008, Mrs. Fusilier served as co-chairman of the host committee for the Southern Regional Leader Forum and currently serves on the program planning committee. For her untiring efforts and contributions to the 4-H program, she was named outstanding leader in Evangeline Parish 2007 and was awarded a trip to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Georgia.

Merlin Jackson served as a 4-H organizational leader at St. Rose Elementary in St. Charles Parish for 32 years (1970-2002). He also served on the parish 4-H advisory committee and was the first president of the St. Charles 4-H Foundation. Mr. Jackson provided club members opportunities to develop life skills by conducting a wide variety of workshops and clinics. His club was awarded first place at Achievement Day for 32 consecutive years. St. Rose received numerous state and national awards for community service, health and safety programs. One of the more noteworthy community projects his club implemented was an annual Christmas social for senior citizens. The program continues today with 300-400 participants. Mr. Jackson’s jovial personality, concern for his students and dynamic personality made him a positive role model for his students. He was named outstanding St. Charles leader and was awarded a trip to Washington D.C. as winner of a state leader award.

James Dardeau’s 29-year extension career began in 1964. He served the LSU AgCenter as 4-H agent in Cameron, Natchitoches and Vermilion parishes, was county agent and parish chairman in Vermilion Parish and district agent in the Southwest District. His first involvement in 4-H was as an active club member in Evangeline Parish, attending camps, demonstration contests, achievement days and livestock shows. As a 4-H agent, he organized a club for special needs children, implemented a beef grazing program and started award trips for junior leaders. As parish chairman, he spearheaded a successful campaign to pass a sales tax to fund a new extension office and barn. In 1983, he helped establish the Vermilion 4-H Foundation to provide financial support to members. In his tenure as an administrator, he was a strong advocate of the advisory committee process and encouraged total staff involvement in major 4-H events and activities. While serving as district agent, he planned and executed a two-day retreat for 4-H agents and their spouses to discuss benefits, insurance and personnel matters. Mr. Dardeau is active in school, civic and church organizations and served as school board member for Mount Carmel and Vermilion Catholic High School. He was recipient of many distinguished service awards. In 1989, the Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day was dedicated to Mr. Dardeau, a recognition program he helped establish in the parish.

Harry G. Chalkley Jr.
Calcasieu Parish
(Deceased)
Year Inducted: 2011

Angie Fusilier hass been a 4-H leader in Evangeline Parish since 2001 and has served in many ways during the past 10 years. Her expertise as a leader has been utilized on advisory committees and to train parish 4-H community service officers. She has also presented a community service program for new Extension agents. She is a volunteer for 4-H University and Ag Magic. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer for the state 4-H Executive Board and is the Central Region board representative for the leader association. In 2008, Mrs. Fusilier served as co-chairman of the host committee for the Southern Regional Leader Forum and currently serves on the program planning committee. For her untiring efforts and contributions to the 4-H program, she was named outstanding leader in Evangeline Parish 2007 and was awarded a trip to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Georgia.

Deborah Dees first became involved in the DeSoto 4-H program in 1983 when her two children became members. And she is still active today. After the children's graduation, she remained active as a volunteer advisory and 4-H Foundation Committee member, a 4-H Exchange Trip host and an advocate for securing local governing support for the LSU AgCenter. Mrs. Dees has been extremely successful in helping raise funds for livestock project members and serves as treasurer of the Ark-La-Tex Ag Council that sponsors the sale of champions at the State Fair of Louisiana. She is one of the creators of the DeSoto Parish Livestock Club’s Auction of Goods and Services/Barbeque Dinner, which is a fundraiser to support youth whose animals do not make the sale of champions. More than $56,000 has been raised at this event the past 14 years. Mrs. Dees has combined a successful business as a CPA with civic and community work with the Chamber of Commerce and as chariman of the DeSoto Regional Medical System Foundation. A tree was planted in her honor for her untiring support of DeSoto 4-H at the 2007 Arbor Day program.

James Dardeau’s 29-year extension career began in 1964. He served the LSU AgCenter as 4-H agent in Cameron, Natchitoches and Vermilion parishes, was county agent and parish chairman in Vermilion Parish and district agent in the Southwest District. His first involvement in 4-H was as an active club member in Evangeline Parish, attending camps, demonstration contests, achievement days and livestock shows. As a 4-H agent, he organized a club for special needs children, implemented a beef grazing program and started award trips for junior leaders. As parish chairman, he spearheaded a successful campaign to pass a sales tax to fund a new extension office and barn. In 1983, he helped establish the Vermilion 4-H Foundation to provide financial support to members. In his tenure as an administrator, he was a strong advocate of the advisory committee process and encouraged total staff involvement in major 4-H events and activities. While serving as district agent, he planned and executed a two-day retreat for 4-H agents and their spouses to discuss benefits, insurance and personnel matters. Mr. Dardeau is active in school, civic and church organizations and served as school board member for Mount Carmel and Vermilion Catholic High School. He was recipient of many distinguished service awards. In 1989, the Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day was dedicated to Mr. Dardeau, a recognition program he helped establish in the parish.

Harry G. Chalkley Jr.
Calcasieu Parish
(Deceased)
Year Inducted: 2011

For more than 50 years, Jack Dillard has been an extension agent and a 4-H parent, grandparent and volunteer as well as ambassador of the 4-H program in northwest Louisiana and East Texas. After serving as county agent for two years, he became farm director of KWKH Radio. In addition to his radio duties, he began a weekly news column in The Shreveport Times promoting agriculture and the 4-H program. Mr. Dillard has served as the chief auctioneer for the State Fair of Louisiana Ag Council Junior Livestock Sale for 44 years. This sale has generated millions of dollars for youth. He has volunteered his time to help with parish fundraising auctions and to speak at Junior Leader meetings, award banquets and numerous other 4-H events. He serves on the Ark-La-Tex Ag Council Board which sponsors scholarships to outstanding 4-H members. He is a charter member of the Ark-La-Tex Agricultural Council, and his leadership helped this organization initiate the Junior Livestock Sale. Jack Dillard has also attended the International Livestock Show and National 4-H Congress.

Dr. Katherine Beier, of Ascension Parish, was inspired to become an avid volunteer of 4-H work because of all she learned as a nine-year 4-H member. She has been extremely successful in balancing a thriving veterinary practice while sharing her time, resources and expertise helping 4-H’ers for 13 years. Dr. Beier is always available to help where needed. She founded the 4-H Home Grown Club for home-schooled youth and children in schools without clubs. She has coordinated a broad range of programs ranging from commodity cookery contests, ambassador contests, clothing, quiz bowls and livestock programs. Dr. Beier’s expertise in presentation and speaking skills helped many youth attain local, state and national awards. She has served as superintendent of the 4-H Rabbit Shows for 12 years and implemented the parish premier rabbit exhibitor contest. She has also helped parish 4-H members prepare for 4-H University/Short Course, with 36 members winning blue ribbons, seven state winners and one national winner. Each year she donates her time and veterinary skills to test animals and issue health certificates for 4-H livestock projects. In 2008, Dr. Katherine Beier was awarded the LSU AgCenter Award of Excellence for volunteer efforts.

Dr. Katherine Beier, of Ascension Parish, was inspired to become an avid volunteer of 4-H work because of all she learned as a nine-year 4-H member. She has been extremely successful in balancing a thriving veterinary practice while sharing her time, resources and expertise helping 4-H’ers for 13 years. Dr. Beier is always available to help where needed. She founded the 4-H Home Grown Club for home-schooled youth and children in schools without clubs. She has coordinated a broad range of programs ranging from commodity cookery contests, ambassador contests, clothing, quiz bowls and livestock programs. Dr. Beier’s expertise in presentation and speaking skills helped many youth attain local, state and national awards. She has served as superintendent of the 4-H Rabbit Shows for 12 years and implemented the parish premier rabbit exhibitor contest. She has also helped parish 4-H members prepare for 4-H University/Short Course, with 36 members winning blue ribbons, seven state winners and one national winner. Each year she donates her time and veterinary skills to test animals and issue health certificates for 4-H livestock projects. In 2008, Dr. Katherine Beier was awarded the LSU AgCenter Award of Excellence for volunteer efforts.

Alice LeJeune, a retired school teacher in Rapides Parish, has served as a 4-H organizational leader for seven years in five elementary 4-H Clubs. She is coordinator of the Cloverbud program, which comprises 10 clubs with 150 members in grades K-3. A trademark of her clubs is community project work with veterans and youth. She coordinates the parish “pull tab” program through which clubs collect soft drink tabs for St. Jude Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Monroe, La. Her club members conduct drives to collect personal hygiene products, snacks and magazines for the local VA hospital. Ms. LeJeune is known throughout the school system as the “expert” on parliamentary procedure and flag etiquette. She also coordinates the 4-H educational stations at the local Children’s Museum known as the “Tree House.” For her untiring efforts, Alice LeJeune has been the recipient of the 4-H Continued Excellence Award and the Distinguished Service Award for volunteers.

Johnny May’s 71 years of contributions to DeSoto Parish 4-H have been memorable and lasting. He was a 4-H member and a 4-H parent, leader and fundraiser. Mr. May is best known for his work on the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce 4-H Committee, through which he raised the awareness of merchants and citizens of the importance of the 4-H youth program. Over the years, his advocacy has provided more than $500,000 for the 4-H Livestock Sale at the Louisiana State Fair, enabling many DeSoto Parish 4-H’ers to continue participation in the livestock projects. Mr. May was honored by the Ark-La-Tex Council with the annual Buyer’s Award in 2008. Mr. Johnny L. May also received the Emeritus Award from the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes citizens or institutions that have made lifetime contributions to improve business and civic life in DeSoto Parish.

Mamie McMillion has been involved with the St. Charles 4-H program since 1973, and she is still active today. She has served as an organizational and project leader, a 4-H Advisory Committee member, a Leadership Advisory Council member, a Junior Leadership Club Leader and parish 4-H foundation treasurer and board member. As clothing leader for 20 years, she has presented more than 40 workshops to 4-H members. Thirty St. Charles Parish club members with whom she worked have been awarded blue ribbons at 4-H University/Short Course in the fashion revue contests. Ms. McMillion is a charter member of the Louisiana Volunteer Leader Association and has regularly attended annual group meetings. Over the years, she has participated in the Southern Regional Leader Conference in Georgia and presented 10 workshops there. Ms. McMillion has supervised 4-H members at summer camps, Challenge Camp, Wild Wood Wanderings Camp, Junior Leadership Conferences and trips. For her dedication and contribution to the 4-H program, Ms. Mamie McMillion has received the Outstanding Parish 4-H Leader Award multiple years and has been recipient of the state Good Provider Leader Award and also the Louisiana Leader Awards trip to Washington, D.C.

Mamie McMillion has been involved with the St. Charles 4-H program since 1973, and she is still active today. She has served as an organizational and project leader, a 4-H Advisory Committee member, a Leadership Advisory Council member, a Junior Leadership Club Leader and parish 4-H foundation treasurer and board member. As clothing leader for 20 years, she has presented more than 40 workshops to 4-H members. Thirty St. Charles Parish club members with whom she worked have been awarded blue ribbons at 4-H University/Short Course in the fashion revue contests. Ms. McMillion is a charter member of the Louisiana Volunteer Leader Association and has regularly attended annual group meetings. Over the years, she has participated in the Southern Regional Leader Conference in Georgia and presented 10 workshops there. Ms. McMillion has supervised 4-H members at summer camps, Challenge Camp, Wild Wood Wanderings Camp, Junior Leadership Conferences and trips. For her dedication and contribution to the 4-H program, Ms. Mamie McMillion has received the Outstanding Parish 4-H Leader Award multiple years and has been recipient of the state Good Provider Leader Award and also the Louisiana Leader Awards trip to Washington, D.C.

With his positive “can do” attitude, Dr. Stanley Lamendola has been a pillar in the 4-H community since he was an eight-year club member in St. James Parish. His extension career spanned 36 years from 1960-1996. His career began in Avoyelles Parish as a 4-H agent. Later he served as area 4-H and community resource development agent, a district agent and as assistant firector for field operations and 4-H youth development. He accepted an international assignment in Malaysia for two and a half years to establish agricultural and youth programs there. Dr. Lamendola served as the first president of the Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents. Under his leadership, the association organized the first annual staff development meeting featuring concurrent sessions presented by agents and leaders. The format was extremely successful and served as a model for other state professional groups. As assistant director, he led an extensive remodeling project of Camp Grant Walker, including the addition of sidewalks, an outdoor speaker system, landscaping, acquisition of 1.5 acres of property and converting the old cafeteria into three educational rooms. He also hired a year-round kitchen staff to expand the use of the camp facility. His wit, humor and knowledge of 4-H made Dr. Lamendola a popular speaker at 4-H events. Dr. Stanley Lamendola held membership in 15 professional organizations and has received numerous distinguished service awards.

Dr. Denver T. Loupe’s dedication to 4-H began when he was a 4-H member in Ascension Parish, where he served as the first president of the Ascension Parish 4-H Executive Committee. As an adult, Dr. Loupe served 41 years with the LSU AgCenter from 1952-1993. He worked as a St. James Parish 4-H agent, a sugarcane specialist and a division leader. He also served as Vice Chancellor and Director of the LSU AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Service for 15 years. During this time, Dr. Loupe made many lasting contributions to Louisiana 4-H. One of his most prominent legacies to 4-H was establishing the Louisiana 4-H Foundation in 1978. He also worked tirelessly to secure state funds to assure that every parish had at least two 4-H staff members. Because of his work with Dr. John Bertrand and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Louisiana 4-H was declared a co-curricular activity in schools. Under his leadership, major renovations were made at Camp Grant Walker, and the 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee process was changed to funnel recommendations through district committees. As sugarcane specialist, he served as a superintendent of the 4-H Plant Science Contest and authored numerous publications. Dr. Loupe served on the National 4-H Council Board of Directors and has made many distinguished contributions to state, national and international organizations. Dr. Denver Loupe still serves as secretary-treasurer of the American Sugarcane Technologists.

Dr. Denver T. Loupe’s dedication to 4-H began when he was a 4-H member in Ascension Parish, where he served as the first president of the Ascension Parish 4-H Executive Committee. As an adult, Dr. Loupe served 41 years with the LSU AgCenter from 1952-1993. He worked as a St. James Parish 4-H agent, a sugarcane specialist and a division leader. He also served as Vice Chancellor and Director of the LSU AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Service for 15 years. During this time, Dr. Loupe made many lasting contributions to Louisiana 4-H. One of his most prominent legacies to 4-H was establishing the Louisiana 4-H Foundation in 1978. He also worked tirelessly to secure state funds to assure that every parish had at least two 4-H staff members. Because of his work with Dr. John Bertrand and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Louisiana 4-H was declared a co-curricular activity in schools. Under his leadership, major renovations were made at Camp Grant Walker, and the 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee process was changed to funnel recommendations through district committees. As sugarcane specialist, he served as a superintendent of the 4-H Plant Science Contest and authored numerous publications. Dr. Loupe served on the National 4-H Council Board of Directors and has made many distinguished contributions to state, national and international organizations. Dr. Denver Loupe still serves as secretary-treasurer of the American Sugarcane Technologists.

Alice LeJeune, a retired school teacher in Rapides Parish, has served as a 4-H organizational leader for seven years in five elementary 4-H Clubs. She is coordinator of the Cloverbud program, which comprises 10 clubs with 150 members in grades K-3. A trademark of her clubs is community project work with veterans and youth. She coordinates the parish “pull tab” program through which clubs collect soft drink tabs for St. Jude Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Monroe, La. Her club members conduct drives to collect personal hygiene products, snacks and magazines for the local VA hospital. Ms. LeJeune is known throughout the school system as the “expert” on parliamentary procedure and flag etiquette. She also coordinates the 4-H educational stations at the local Children’s Museum known as the “Tree House.” For her untiring efforts, Alice LeJeune has been the recipient of the 4-H Continued Excellence Award and the Distinguished Service Award for volunteers.

Johnny May’s 71 years of contributions to DeSoto Parish 4-H have been memorable and lasting. He was a 4-H member and a 4-H parent, leader and fundraiser. Mr. May is best known for his work on the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce 4-H Committee, through which he raised the awareness of merchants and citizens of the importance of the 4-H youth program. Over the years, his advocacy has provided more than $500,000 for the 4-H Livestock Sale at the Louisiana State Fair, enabling many DeSoto Parish 4-H’ers to continue participation in the livestock projects. Mr. May was honored by the Ark-La-Tex Council with the annual Buyer’s Award in 2008. Mr. Johnny L. May also received the Emeritus Award from the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce, which recognizes citizens or institutions that have made lifetime contributions to improve business and civic life in DeSoto Parish.

With his positive “can do” attitude, Dr. Stanley Lamendola has been a pillar in the 4-H community since he was an eight-year club member in St. James Parish. His extension career spanned 36 years from 1960-1996. His career began in Avoyelles Parish as a 4-H agent. Later he served as area 4-H and community resource development agent, a district agent and as assistant firector for field operations and 4-H youth development. He accepted an international assignment in Malaysia for two and a half years to establish agricultural and youth programs there. Dr. Lamendola served as the first president of the Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents. Under his leadership, the association organized the first annual staff development meeting featuring concurrent sessions presented by agents and leaders. The format was extremely successful and served as a model for other state professional groups. As assistant director, he led an extensive remodeling project of Camp Grant Walker, including the addition of sidewalks, an outdoor speaker system, landscaping, acquisition of 1.5 acres of property and converting the old cafeteria into three educational rooms. He also hired a year-round kitchen staff to expand the use of the camp facility. His wit, humor and knowledge of 4-H made Dr. Lamendola a popular speaker at 4-H events. Dr. Stanley Lamendola held membership in 15 professional organizations and has received numerous distinguished service awards.

For more than 50 years, Jack Dillard has been an extension agent and a 4-H parent, grandparent and volunteer as well as ambassador of the 4-H program in northwest Louisiana and East Texas. After serving as county agent for two years, he became farm director of KWKH Radio. In addition to his radio duties, he began a weekly news column in The Shreveport Times promoting agriculture and the 4-H program. Mr. Dillard has served as the chief auctioneer for the State Fair of Louisiana Ag Council Junior Livestock Sale for 44 years. This sale has generated millions of dollars for youth. He has volunteered his time to help with parish fundraising auctions and to speak at Junior Leader meetings, award banquets and numerous other 4-H events. He serves on the Ark-La-Tex Ag Council Board which sponsors scholarships to outstanding 4-H members. He is a charter member of the Ark-La-Tex Agricultural Council, and his leadership helped this organization initiate the Junior Livestock Sale. Jack Dillard has also attended the International Livestock Show and National 4-H Congress.

Sharon Chatagnier has been an active volunteer at Mulberry Elementary School in Terrebonne Parish for 20 years. Her club members are noted for their fundraising efforts for the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and community service-learning projects such as the annual Veterans Day programs held at the Terrebonne Civic Center. This program is recognized as the premier veterans event in the parish and has involved Congressmen, state and local officials, military officers, color guards and 4-H members. Because of her enthusiasm and leadership in the parish, she and her 4-H Club officers are often invited to share their successful programs at leader and officer training meetings. Sharon Chatagnier continues to constantly market the programs and is a terrific ambassador for 4-H.

For more than 50 years, Jack Dillard has been an extension agent and a 4-H parent, grandparent and volunteer as well as ambassador of the 4-H program in northwest Louisiana and East Texas. After serving as county agent for two years, he became farm director of KWKH Radio. In addition to his radio duties, he began a weekly news column in The Shreveport Times promoting agriculture and the 4-H program. Mr. Dillard has served as the chief auctioneer for the State Fair of Louisiana Ag Council Junior Livestock Sale for 44 years. This sale has generated millions of dollars for youth. He has volunteered his time to help with parish fundraising auctions and to speak at Junior Leader meetings, award banquets and numerous other 4-H events. He serves on the Ark-La-Tex Ag Council Board which sponsors scholarships to outstanding 4-H members. He is a charter member of the Ark-La-Tex Agricultural Council, and his leadership helped this organization initiate the Junior Livestock Sale. Jack Dillard has also attended the International Livestock Show and National 4-H Congress.

Sharon Chatagnier has been an active volunteer at Mulberry Elementary School in Terrebonne Parish for 20 years. Her club members are noted for their fundraising efforts for the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and community service-learning projects such as the annual Veterans Day programs held at the Terrebonne Civic Center. This program is recognized as the premier veterans event in the parish and has involved Congressmen, state and local officials, military officers, color guards and 4-H members. Because of her enthusiasm and leadership in the parish, she and her 4-H Club officers are often invited to share their successful programs at leader and officer training meetings. Sharon Chatagnier continues to constantly market the programs and is a terrific ambassador for 4-H.