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- Sagrera, Mary Ann
Ms. Mary Ann Sagrera began her 4-H career as a Vermilion parish 4-H member at Mouton Cove Elementary. She excelled in the project areas of clothing and canning. During college at SLI (now ULL), she participated in an apprenticeship in the Lafayette Parish Extension Office. After graduating from SLI in home economics, extension and 4-H found her and she began her career in Tangipahoa parish as a youth development agent. In 1959, she moved closer to home and began an extensive career in Acadia Parish. She devoted 36 years of service as a home economist with the extension service with 27 of those years spent doing 4-H club work. Her club in Acadia was recognized as the best 4-H program in the state and she regularly dominated both short course (4-H U) and state records contests. She initiated the Labo and National Exchange Programs where youth from Asian countries would get the chance to experience 4-H in Acadia parish by staying with families of the Labo Exchange Program. In turn, Acadia youth were provided the opportunity to travel within the United States through National Exchange Programs. Ms. Mary Ann says that working with youth is her pride and joy and that’s evident in her many accolades including: distinguished service awards, county agent’s association team award, first Mississippi corporation award, achievement day and rice festival cookbook honoree, and 25 years meritorious service award. It’s evident that Ms. Mary Ann is always a step ahead of her time. Her contributions are still felt today. She developed Acadia’s first successful 4-H Advisory Committee with rotation and tenure. This structure is still in place 58 years later. She further developed the program by establishing the Acadia parish Junior Leadership Club along with Mr. Paul Seilhan. Since her retirement, she continues to serve as a judge for the Sew with Cotton and fashion review contests, demonstration and achievement days, and parish and commodity cookery contests. Even at 85, she is always willing to offer her expertise and guidance. Her induction to the hall of fame is well-deserved!