Scott Angelle, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and former Louisiana lieutenant governor, has received the national Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Friend of Extension Award for his support and promotion of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program.

This national ESP honor goes to a nonextension individual, business or organization to recognize truly outstanding support and personal involvement in extension efforts, said Diane Sasser, professor of human ecology and awards chairman of ESP’s Alpha Alpha Chapter in the AgCenter.

From his early years of public service as president of a parish policy jury to lieutenant governor and twice secretary of DNR, Angelle carries with him an appreciation for Louisiana 4-H, Sasser said.

At 30, Angelle was elected president of the St. Martin Parish Police Jury, making him the youngest person in parish history to hold that title. It was at that time Angelle began his involvement with the Extension Service and 4-H, Sasser said.

Angelle developed a special affinity for the 4-H program and its efforts in wetlands protection and conservation, Sasser said.

During his first stint as secretary of DNR, Angelle was instrumental in securing funds to initiate the 4-H Youth Wetlands Program. A three-year grant of $500,000 a year provides opportunities for 4-H’ers throughout Louisiana to learn firsthand about conserving Louisiana’s coast and becoming good stewards of the state’s natural resources.

Angelle saw the promise of 4-H youth and how they could extend DNR’s work through being good citizens and conservators of Louisiana, Sasser said.

Mary Ann Van Osdell

This article was published in the fall 2010 issue of Louisiana Agriculture Magazine.