(08/20/19) BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU AgCenter youth development professionals were recognized for achievement in service at the Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents annual meeting held Aug. 13-16 in Baton Rouge.

The annual convention offers youth development training and updates, leadership development and collaborative support for AgCenter extension agents conducting 4-H programming in all 64 Louisiana parishes.

The Louisiana 4-H program currently supports nearly 286,800 youth members in grades K-12 and 8,961 youth and adult volunteers.

This year’s keynote address was given by Louisiana’s first lady, Donna Edwards, who spoke about the educational quality in the state.

“Edwards inspired the group with her youth development message of reaching all audiences and focusing on the quality of education that we’re able to offer,” said Janet Fox, department head of LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth and Family Development.

Seven association members received awards at the convention for outstanding service.

Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents Achievement in Service awards went to Jessica Stroope, state office nutrition research associate; Megan Plattsmier, of St. Landry Parish; and Kimberly Deville, of Evangeline Parish.

The Achievement in Service Award recognizes association members who have served with the AgCenter for three to seven years.

The Distinguished Service Award, which acknowledges members with more than seven years of service, was presented to Chris Pearce, of Sabine Parish; Stephanie Gravois, of Ascension Parish; and Veronica Del Bianco, of East Baton Rouge Parish.

AgCenter 4-H regional coordinator Renee Castro received the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to one member per year selected from previously recognized Distinguished Service Award recipients.

Two employees who received the 25 Years of Service Award were Toby Lepley, associate vice president and program leader for youth development, and Joanna Pesson, 4-H agent in Tangipahoa Parish.

During the annual meeting the association elected its 2019-2020 executive board, which includes Jeannie Crnkovic, president; Lakeisha Lucas Powell, president elect; Kimberly Jones, past president; Adriana Drusini, vice president; Dawn Culbreath, secretary; Megan Plattsmier, treasurer; Ashley Punch, reporter; Tanya Giroir, state office representative and Brandon Reeder, Northeast Region representative.

The Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents elected the 2019-2020 executive board during their annual meeting held Aug. 13-16 in Baton Rouge. New officers include Jeannie Crnkovic, president; Lakeisha Lucas Powell, president elect; Kimberly Jones, past president; Adriana Drusini, vice president; Dawn Culbreath, secretary; Megan Plattsmier, treasurer; Ashley Punch, reporter; Tanya Giroir, state office representative; and Brandon Reeder, Northeast Region representative. Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter