St. Martin 4-H Celebrates 100 Years

St. Martin Parish Nominees to the Louisiana 4-H hall of Fame were Charles Fuselier, Sydnie Mae Durand and Conrad Gauthier (family member representative)

St. Martin 4-H Celebrates 100 years

St. Martin Parish 4-H members, their families, 4-H leaders, and supporters of the 4-H program gathered at Breaux Bridge High School gymnasium on May 13, 2008 to honor the newly named parish Hall of Fame nominees and to commemorate the centennial existence of this youth program. Those nominated to the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame from St. Martin Parish were Conrad Gauthier, Charles A. Fuselier, and Sydnie Mae Durand.

Even though Conrad Gauthier was not the first 4-H county agent in St. Martin Parish, he certainly was the most influential due to his 25 years of service to the 4-H program. He also improved the quality of the livestock projects by introducing pure-bred animals to improve the grade of dairy and beef cows, swine, and horses. He participated in numerous livestock judging contests and encouraged many young men to become farmers. The Conrad Gauthier Memorial Scholarship began in 1977 in honor of his dedication to the St. Martin Parish 4-H program. To this date, 100 deserving 4-H seniors have benefited from this scholarship. Members of Gauthier’s family accepted the plaque honoring him.

Sydnie Mae Durand has been involved with the St. Martin Parish 4-H program for 50 years. Sydnie Mae’s love of 4-H began many years ago when she became an active 4-H member. Her love of 4-H continues today as an avid supporter of the parish’s 4-H program. As a legislator, Representative Sydnie Mae Durand has authored and co-authored legislation affecting 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service for 16 years. She has been an active and avid supporter of the St. Martin Parish livestock program for the past 28 years. She has served as a judge for St. Martin Parish’s 4-H Achievement Day and has also judged other 4-H regional contest

Members of Conrad Gauthier's family accepted a plaque in his honor.

s. Mrs. Durand proudly accepted her award.

Former St. Martin Parish Sheriff, Charles A. Fuselier was an active 4-H member from 1952 until 1959 when he graduated from St. Martinville High School. He has often stated “4-H builds character, responsibility, and self-discipline which are all very important skills in life.” Former Sheriff Fuselier still reflects on the seven years he spent devoted to 4-H as a youngster. The values attained through 4-H greatly contributed to the success in Fuselier’s life and helped him become the man he is today. In 1981, the Charles Fuselier Livestock Award was created in memory of his father. This award is presented annually to a 4-H livestock member who excels in the livestock program. Since the creation of this award, 27 4-H members have received this honor. The Charles Fuselier Scholarship was established in 2003 to reward an outstanding, hard working 4-H member wanting to further his/her education. To date, five 4-H members have received this scholarship. Charles Fuselier graciously accepted his award.

Also honored during the centennial celebration were the youngest and the oldest living 4-H members who were present. Jhalon Gasper, a student at Liberty Christian School, and 85 year old Josie Hebert were each presented with a 4-H afghan for being the youngest & oldest members in attendance.

The evening’s ceremony also recognized 245 outstandi

St. Martin Parish Farm Bureau represented by Jackie Theriot and Allen Theriot, was presented a plaque for their generous sponsorship or our centennial celebration.

ng club members from the parish’s 31 local clubs. Several 4-H organizational leaders were recognized for their years of service. State and local scholarship winners were also announced. All in attendance were treated to birthday cake and Louisiana 4-H Centennial ice cream, along with sandwiches and other treats.

This centennial celebration would not have been possible without the generous financial contribution of our sponsor, St. Martin Parish Farm Bureau.

The event was planned by the following members of the St. Martin Parish 4-H Advisory Leadership Council: Vickie Albert, Liz Angelle, Annette D. Baudoin, Clair Angelle Blanchard, James Blanchard, Etta Brew, Rebecca Clark, Len Eisenstein, Gabrielle Guidry, Richard Lavergne, Donna Latiolais, Linda Nguyen, Jackie Simon, Melinda Tauzin, Odel Trahan, and Hannah Thibodeaux.