(Photo by Bruce Schultz) (Click on image to download larger version.)

News Release Distributed 04/23/08

ALEXANDRIA – Fifteen individuals from Central Louisiana were honored April 17 as inductees to the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame.

“Here are the heroes we should be emulating,” said Dr. Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, about the honorees, who join 85 others as the first members of the Hall of Fame during 2008 – the centennial year for the 4-H organization in Louisiana.

Coreil said they have carried on a tradition of contributing time and effort to better their community, and he said the success of 4-H relies on its volunteers. “4-H could not be what it is without these people.”

Coreil also stressed the importance of 4-H shouldering much of the task to educate the public about the origin of food. “The majority of our children don’t have a clue where their food comes from.”

As an example, Coreil said he was at an event recently where the milking of a cow was demonstrated, and a teacher asked why the fresh milk wasn’t cold.

“So 4-H has to be involved in closing the science gap between the importance of food and fiber to our day-to-day quality of life,” he said. “The mission for 4-H is more relevant than it’s ever been.”

Volunteers recognized were:

– Jean E. Mitchell, Catahoula Parish, has served as a 4-H organizational leader and volunteer, touching the lives of more 1,000 youths. She has provided youngsters with a tradition of 4-H that has resulted in increased enrollment and participation. In encouraging youth, she always provides youth with experiences that are fun and educational and emphasizes demonstration skills.

– B.U. Miller of Concordia Parish worked with students in the 4-H livestock program. He served on the 4-H advisory board and also worked with the fundraising committee for the livestock project. Oftentimes, he would cover the cost of the project for youth unable to afford the project. He always said he was rewarded beyond his dreams through the accomplishments of his children and the youth he worked with through 4-H. His wife, Jean Miller, accepted the award.

– Adella Paul of Concordia Parish has provided enthusiasm as a volunteer for more than 700 4-H students. She said what she is most proud of is that she had a part in developing so many youth at an early age and seeing them become successful leaders in their communities. Many feel that she exemplifies the 4-H pillars of character and is a true leader.

– S.L. Winston of Concordia Parish was known as “Big Tam” for his generosity at helping 4-H livestock exhibitors learn life skills and set an example for all that knew him in helping others throughout his life. Through his determination and leadership, the Concordia Parish Livestock Program at one point exhibited more than 80 cattle at the district and state shows. Accepting the recognition for Winston was his grandson, Jake Winston, currently a member of Concordia 4-H.

– Randall Fletcher of Grant Parish serves on the parish 4-H Foundation. Fletcher has high standards and has been an inspirational adviser to the 4-H program and the youth and adult involved.

– Rufus Walker of Grant Parish was responsible for donating and selling the first land to form Camp Grant Walker. The camp’s name is representative of Walker and Grant Parish. He was represented by his son-in-law, Charles Till.

– Willard Rambo of Grant Parish was the state senator responsible for legislation that appropriated $75,000 to build the black 4-H boys and girls camp in Grant Parish, which was called the Jessie Harrison Camp. His honor was accepted by his eldest daughter, Kitty Rambo Calabrese.

– Linda Franks of LaSalle Parish has had a love of 4-H for more than 50 years, volunteering for three generations of youths. Even though fully employed as a tax preparer and bookkeeper, Franks always finds time to assist with 4-H programs that help youth to develop the qualities necessary to be successful.

– Durell Peloquin was an active supporter of the Allen Parish 4-H program, and he was president of the Allen Parish Fair Association. He also served on the Southwest District Show Committee and the scholarship committee. He was represented by his wife, Elaine Peloquin.

– William Freshwater of Avoyelles Parish was Moreauville High School principal in 1908, when the first Boys Corn Club was started. Originally from Illinois, he came to Louisiana in 1902 and is credited with bringing the 4-H concept to Louisiana from his home state.

– Victor Leander Roy Sr., as superintendent of Avoyelles Parish Schools, organized the first parishwide Boys Corn Club. He collaborated with the local railroad to transport boys to the first meeting held in 1908. Fifteen other parishes soon followed Roy’s example. 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 lead to the creation of the 4-H Club organization.

– Lina Ruth Miller of Beauregard Parish has served as a 4-H volunteer for more than 40 years. Her roles have ranged from club organizational leader, advisory committee member and parish junior leader club leader to judge for various 4-H events. She has received the 4-H Alumni Award and was instrumental in establishing a parish scholarship for 4-H club members.

– Calvin Stewart Shirley of Beauregard Parish was active in 4-H as an extension agent for 33 years, and he continued his service after retirement. He was represented by his wife Helen Ruth Shirley.

– Jimbo Thiels of Rapides Parish has made a tremendous impact on the 4-H program at the parish and state levels. He served numerous roles on parish level committees and as president of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation. He currently is chairman of the Central District Livestock Show Committee.

– Michelle Price Mitchell of Vernon Parish is often referred to as the “4-H Mom” by youth in the Vernon Parish program. She was an active 4-H participant as a child and continues to be an active part of the program. She has served in numerous roles from teen organizational leader and coach of 4-H University to state 4-H Day at the Capitol committee member. One of her most noteworthy projects is her work in a hurricane relief service project that gained recognition statewide.

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Contact: Paul Coreil at (225) 578-6083, or pcoreil@agcenter.lsu.edu

Writer: Bruce Schultz at (337) 788-8821, or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu