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

Rose Anne St. Romain
4-H Museum Coordinator
Louisiana 4-H Museum
8592 Highway 1, Suite 2
Mansura, LA 71350 
Phone: (318) 964-2245
Cell: (225) 937-2114
Fax: (318) 964-2259
 www.lsuagcenter.com/4Hmuseum

We look forward to hearing from you!

For group tours of Avoyelles Parish, contact the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism. Their friendly staff is always on hand with "a bottomless cup of hospitality."

• Historical Attractions
• Other Attractions

Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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