William Freshwater was the Moreauville High School principal in 1908, where the first Corn Club for boys was started. Originally from Illinois, Freshwater came to Louisiana in 1902 and is credited with bringing the 4-H concept to Louisiana from his home state. The success of the Corn Club led to establishing other agricultural and domestic clubs that became collectively known as the 4-H Club.

Victor Leander Roy Sr., considered Louisiana’s “Father of 4-H,” as superintendent of Avoyelles Parish Schools in 1908 organized the first Boys Corn Club. He collaborated with the local railroad to transport boys to the first meeting held at Moreauville High School. The success of this first Corn Club led to establishing other agricultural and domestic clubs that became collectively known as 4-H Clubs. In recognition of his work, he became the first state agricultural agent stationed at LSU. He worked with Dr. Seaman A. Knapp and attended the Washington, D.C., conference that led to the creation of the 4-H Club organization. He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004.