Meet the people whose dedication to youth development helped make Louisiana 4-H what it is today. Brief biographical sketches are in alphabetical order by the inductees’ last names.

2008 Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame

Walter C. Abbott Sr.
(deceased)
Ascension Parish/State 4-H Office

Walter C. Abbott contributed 52 years to the Louisiana 4-H program and served as the State 4-H Leader from 1919-49. He implemented the organization for standard 4-H clubs for both boys and girls, helped develop the Junior Livestock Shows, organized the concepts of parish Achievements Days, oversaw the building of the state 4-H camp at Camp Grant Walker, and organized the first Junior Leadership, wildlife and forestry camps. He also developed a self-financing program for educational trips that ensured trips for contest winners even during the Depression years. W.C. Abbott served on many regional and national committees and continued to serve as a 4-H volunteer after his retirement. A man of many firsts in Louisiana 4-H, Abbott became known as “Mr. 4-H.” He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2006.

Carroll Adams
(deceased)
St. John Parish

Mr. Carroll Adams started his 4-H career in 1973 and served 4-H for 34 years. He attended 4-H Camp every year and spent much of his time serving as a judge for various contests including pet shows and the Chick-N-Que Contest. He was the St. John Parish garden project leader teaching 4-H members to grow healthy plants that they would sell to the community to raise money for their 4-H club, or to help send a child to camp. Carroll Adams was a role model to many black men and donated his time not only on the parish level, but also on the regional and state levels.

Josephine Cashio André
(deceased)
Pointe Coupee Parish

Josephine Cashio André was an honored educator for 25 years who accepted the responsibility of 4-H Club Leader throughout her career. She led her members and officers through leadership training and personal guidance that helped prepare them to become successful, active members of the community today.

John D. Andrews
(deceased)
Morehouse Parish

John D. Andrews, a county agent with more than 30 years of service, provided minority youth the opportunities to learn valuable life skills as responsible adults and future leaders in their communities.

Dr. Jack Bagent
Bossier Parish / State Extension Office

Dr. Jack Bagent, retired Vice Chancellor of the LSU AgCenter and Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, made major contributions to 4-H at the local, state and national levels. During his 37-year career with the Extension Service, Dr. Bagent earned a reputation as an expert entomologist and a caring leader. He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002.

Joseph L. Baronet
Acadia Parish

Joseph L. Baronet, a 4-H alumnus, was a livestock leader for more than 43 years and was instrumental in organizing the first annual livestock sale in 1968. He was a key figure in securing support for the Acadia Parish multipurpose facility and extension office.

James Baudoin
(deceased)
Vermilion Parish

James Baudoin was hired as a 4-H agent in 1935 to help youth after the Depression. He started working in Vermilion Parish in 1938 and is credited with starting the 4-H handicraft project. He also established a 4-H safety program for rural youth. A parish award is made annually in his honor to recognize outstanding senior 4-H members.

Crawford Alexander Bishop
(deceased)
Ascension Parish

Crawford Alexander Bishop joined the 4-H Club at the age of 10 and, as an adult, was dedicated to the livestock project because it taught responsibility. He made sure that any child who wanted to participate had the opportunity to do so. He chaired the Livestock Sales Committee for more than 20 years. He received numerous awards and was instrumental in establishing the Acadiana Livestock Show.

Joanne Bolding
West Carroll Parish

Joanne Bolding, who has 42 years of involvement with 4-H, has been on the 4-H Foundation Board and 4-H Advisory Leadership Council. She has received the Louisiana 4-H Alumni Award and 4-H Good Provider Leader Award.

Mark Bonner
(deceased)
East Baton Rouge Parish

Mark Bonner, a former chairman of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees and long-time supporter and sponsor of 4-H, was executive vice president and general manager of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Through Bonner’s leadership, this association supported the 4-H Electric Program for more than 36 years. He received numerous honors including the Citation for Outstanding Service to 4-H and the State 4-H Alumni Award. A special scholarship was established in the Louisiana 4-H Foundation to honor Mr. Bonner for his many years of leadership and sponsorship of Extension and 4-H programs.

Carroll Boudreaux
Iberia Parish

Carroll Boudreaux serves as president of the Iberia Parish 4-H Foundation and was a board member of the state 4-H Foundation. He has helped obtain endowed funds for scholarships, awards and numerous events and activities. He has worked as a 4-H livestock volunteer, conducts educational clinics and hosts livestock shows.

A.J. Brackin
(deceased)
Lafayette Parish

A.J. Brackin, a former 4-H agent in Lafayette Parish, helped establish the first Junior Leadership program, empowering older 4-H members as project leaders. After retiring, Brackin continued to support 4-H and helped establish the Lafayette Parish 4-H Foundation. Outstanding record book winners are recognized with an award named in his honor.

Harriet K. Bridges
East Carroll Parish

Harriet Bridges is a retired 4-H agent with more than 30 years of service. Her work with the Louisiana State Cotton Museum continues to educate youth about the importance of agriculture.

Emma Dell Broussard
St. Mary Parish

Emma Broussard credits 4-H for what she has achieved in life. She became a 4-H member in 1949, and remains active with the organization. She serves as a judge for various parish events and has been a 4-H camp counselor.

Beverly G. Bruce
Desoto Parish

Beverly Bruce was an Extension Home Economist and later a member of the Louisiana Legislature, where she championed the 4-H character education programs. She was instrumental in establishing 4-H Day at the Capitol, which was held for the 6th year in 2008.

Brenda Bulot
Plaquemines Parish

Brenda Bulot has been a 4-H leader for 15 years. She has also served on the Plaquemines Parish Advisory Committee, assisted 4-H agents with 4-H camp and 4-H University for 10 years and provided invaluable service to the Plaquemines Parish 4-H program.

William Thomas Burton
(deceased)
Calcasieu Parish

The contributions of Mr. WT Burton, as he was known, to 4-H were enormous and considered visionary for his time. He believed in supporting youth programs and the 4-H program was one he supported dearly. He played a vital role in establishing the first livestock show and sale in Southwest Louisiana. He donated a parcel of land south of Lake Charles to build a facility to hold livestock shows. His leadership helped pave the way for Burton Coliseum and many scholarships.

Carroll Charpentier
Terrebonne Parish

Carroll Charpentier has been a leader throughout 60 years of involvement with 4-H and a firm believer in what 4-H means in developing youth to the best of their ability. He serves on the advisory committee with an emphasis on poultry at the state level. He is recognized as a poultry expert. He and his family have won many poultry awards over the years.

Kathy Colson
Richland Parish

Kathy Colson has been a 4-H volunteer for more than 20 years, engaging youth in dairy projects and contests and teaching school children that milk comes from cows.

Kermit Coulon
St. James Parish

Kermit Coulon served as a 4-H Agent, a County Agent, and the District Agent for the Cane Belt Area for many years before retiring. While he was District Agent, he had one of the best attended area 4-H Junior Leadership Conferences in the state. Mr. Coulon believes 4-H livestock projects are one of the best ways to get young people to learn and grow to develop leadership potential. Although retired, he still volunteers to assist with 4-H activities and shows.

Bobby Culpepper
Jackson Parish

Bobby Culpepper served as president of his local club in 1952-53, 1955-56 and 1957-58. He also served as reporter and song leader. He participated in the State Junior Leadership Conference for four years, 4-H Short Course for five years and the National Dairy Conference. He is an attorney in Jonesboro and continues to contribute to the sale of the local livestock projects.

Austin J. Daniel
West Feliciana Parish

Austin J. Daniel gained many experiences as a member of the 4-H program. As sheriff, he supports the 4-H program to benefit families in his parish. He provides departmental resources during the Junior Livestock Show and supports 4-H members financially through the sale of livestock animals conducted by the Livestock Club.

Beth Langlois Dawson
East Feliciana Parish

Beth Dawson has been involved in 4-H for 37 years. She has served as a 4-H Club Leader, Project Leader, Extension Adviser, Foundation Trustee, as well as a community leader. She is a member of the East Feliciana 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and has served terms on both the parish 4-H and the overall Extension Advisory Leadership councils. Dawson continues to influence youth today as a volunteer and project leader. She serves on the Parish Advisory Leadership Council and 4-H Foundation.

Charles Dill Sr.
Vermilion Parish

Charles Dill, Sr. was a charter member of the Vermilion Parish 4-H Foundation; he helped the foundation reach its $100,000 goal. He established a parish speech contest and helped gain approval for a statewide tax to build a parish office and livestock facility.

Albert Doughty
Bossier Parish

Albert Doughty started his 4-H involvement in the fourth grade and, as an adult, worked for the LSU AgCenter for 33 years. He was County Agent and Parish Chair. He is currently Mayor of Benton, La.

Sheila Farmer
Sabine Parish

Sheila Farmer has been an avid and enthusiastic 4-H volunteer for 22 years, chaperoning, planning workshops, organizing meetings and helping at Achievement Day. Her dedication has changed the lives of many youth.

George I. Fawcett
Lafayette Parish

George Fawcett became involved with 4-H as a business recruiter representing the SLEMCO utility for the parish livestock show and sale. His work yielded thousands of dollars worth of advertisements. His continuing love for the lamb project and youth is obvious as he provides the less fortunate with opportunities to participate in 4-H.

Elvadus Fields
Tensas Parish

Elvadus Fields, a retired Extension Agent with 44 years of service, collaborated with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture Loan Program for youth livestock projects in Northeast Louisiana. His leadership involvement includes the Louisiana Black Farmers and Landowners Association and Delta Livestock Enterprise.

Dr. Bobby Fletcher Sr.
(deceased)
St. Tammany Parish

After beginning his career as a 4-H Agent, Dr. Bobby Fletcher Sr. was instrumental in getting a livestock show facility built in St. Tammany Parish. He later served as a District Agent in the southeast area of the state. Dr. Fletcher also served on the Southeast District Livestock Show Committee and on the Louisiana 4-H Foundation Board. He was recently honored with the St. Tammany fairground facility being named the Bobby Fletcher Agricultural Center.

Randall Fletcher
Grant Parish

Randall Fletcher serves on the Grant Parish 4-H Foundation and is active in his community. His high standards and insights have been an inspiration to the 4-H staff, youth and adults involved in the Grant Parish 4-H program.

Sharon Fontenot
Evangeline Parish

Sharon Fontenot retired from the LSU AgCenter after working with 4-H for 32 years. She remains an active volunteer, serving as 4-H University coach, 4-H Advisory Committee member and event judge.

Virgie Foreman
Vermilion Parish

Virgie Foreman has been an outstanding volunteer for more than 50 years. She was a charter member of the Vermilion 4-H Foundation and served as its adviser. Her contributions helped established scholarships for students majoring in agriculture or home economics.

Linda Lee Franks
LaSalle Parish

Linda Lee Franks 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.

William Freshwater
(deceased)
Avoyelles Parish

William Freshwater was the Moreauville High School principal in 1908, where the first Corn Club for boys was started. Originally from Illinois, Freshwater came to Louisiana in 1902 and is credited with bringing the 4-H concept to Louisiana from his home state. The success of the Corn Club led to establishing other agricultural and domestic clubs that became collectively known as the 4-H Club.

Charles A. Fuselier
St. Martin Parish

Charles A. Fuselier is a 4-H alumnus and active supporter of the 4-H program. During his career as sheriff, he seldom encountered a former or current 4-H member in trouble. A parish scholarship was developed in his honor in 2002.

Conrad Gauthier
(deceased)
St. Martin Parish

Conrad Gauthier was one of the most influential 4-H agents in St. Martin Parish during his 25-year career. A scholarship fund, which has benefitted 98 4-H members, was established in 1977 to recognize his accomplishments.

Wayne Gilmore
St. Landry Parish

Wayne Gilmore has been an avid 4-H supporter since 1982, when he helped establish the parish 4-H Foundation; he served as chairman for 25 years. He helped fund numerous 4-H programs and has served on the Louisiana 4-H Foundation board. He also works with livestock and woodworking projects.

John C. Guidry
(deceased)
Calcasieu Parish

John C. Guidry was a 4-H volunteer for more than 45 years. His work was often behind the scenes as he worked with businesses to support youth by purchasing animals at livestock shows.

Bernie Hambrice
St. Bernard Parish

Mrs. Bernie Hambrice was a 4-H leader for 25 years who inspired 200 fourth and fifth graders to participate in school 4-H clubs. Although retired, she still returns to volunteer and bring smiles to many children’s faces.

Rick Hargis
Natchitoches Parish

Rick Hargis and his family established the Grand Champion Jersey Cow Award at the LSU Spring Livestock Show in 1995 in memory of his son Chad and they have sponsored the award since then. He has been chairman of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and actively involved in the Natchitoches Parish 4-H Foundation since it was created serving as Vice President and Treasurer. He was also instrumental in providing funds to build a 4-H exhibit building and livestock facility in Natchitoches Parish.

Gary Hebert
Iberville Parish

Gary Hebert was a 4-H member in the 1940s and held every club office possible. An avid writer, he honed his skills through reading everything that the Extension Service published about writing. He and his wife began a weekly newspaper in 1957, which provided extensive coverage of 4-H news. Gary Hebert won the 4-H Alumni Recognition Award in 1961.

Laverne D. Hightower
Claiborne Parish

Laverne Hightower has been a volunteer for 24 years. She has conducted record book workshops, served on the State 4-H Advisory Council and was a delegate to Washington, D.C., for the Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Ambassador Program. She was a charter member and treasurer of the Claiborne 4-H Foundation.

Lan Hoang
Orleans Parish

Lan Hoang is the first Asian 4-H Leader in Orleans Parish. She has added diversity to the existing 4-H program and helps Asian youth to gain access to programs. Ms. Hoang is president of the Orleans 4-H Foundation and serves on the 4-H Advisory Committee.

Robert Hoffpauir
(deceased)
Jefferson Davis Parish

Robert Hoffpauir, a former 4-H agent in Jefferson Davis Parish, was a leading force in developing the first parish livestock show. He established a recognition program for outstanding 4-H clubs that continues today.

Melvin “Kip” Holden
East Baton Rouge

Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden has participated in the 4-H program as a club member, volunteer, benefactor, and advocate for over 40 years. He has served several terms on the East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H Advisory Council, and he has awarded a mini grant to the East Feliciana 4-H program to support school enrichment promoting science. Mayor-President Holden began his leadership development in 4-H and since has risen to become a nationally recognized leader and public servant.

Delos Jones
Tangipahoa Parish

Delos Jones worked as a 4-H agent from 1946-55 and trained agents like Edgar Boone, who went on to become the Director of Extension in North Carolina.

Stella Jones
(deceased)
State 4-H Office

As a youth in 1912, Stella Jones was involved in the various agricultural and domestic clubs that became known later as 4-H. As an adult, she dedicated 43 years of service to the 4-H program from 1925-67. From 1961-67, she worked at the state 4-H office on records, demonstrations, parish fairs, and developing enrollment and new programs. She was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2005.

Donna Beth Adams Karl
St. Helena Parish

Donna Beth Karl has been involved with 4-H for 15 years and has volunteered on both the parish and district levels. She is the president of the St. Helena 4-H Educational Foundation, secretary of the Livestock Advisory Committee and leader of the Rolling Hills 4-H Community Club. She began St. Helena’s first poultry club and has served on the Parish Advisory Committee and the 4-H Advisory Committee.

Ann Keene
Madison Parish

Ann Keene, who has 31 years of volunteer service to 4-H, is a 4-H Foundation past chair. She has received the Louisiana 4-H Alumni Award, 4-H Attorney General’s Livestock Leader Award and State Fair of Louisiana Volunteer Leader of the Year award.

Kate Kilpatrick
(deceased)
Ouachita Parish

Kate Kilpatrick dedicated more than 50 years of her life to the 4-H program. Her work and leadership led to a parish 4-H Leader Award, which is presented annually in her memory.

Rena Labat
Terrebonne Parish

Over the past 20 years Rena Labat has served in a variety of roles in the 4-H program. She is currently serving on the Louisiana 4-H Foundation Board, the Louisiana 4-H Camp Grant Walker Educational Center Advisory Board, and a coordinator for the 4-H University Fashion Revue Ready-to-Wear Contest. On the regional level, she conducts clothing construction workshops and assists with the Area 4 Commodity Cookery Contest. Mrs. Labat serves on the Terrebonne 4-H Advisory Council and works with the parish VFC group to provide scholarships and awards for the parish program.

Dalton Landry
Lafourche Parish

Dalton Landry began his 4-H career in 1955. He became the County Agent of Lafourche Parish in 1973 and has trained many of the agents that have made the parish successful in 4-H. He established the Sugar and Seafood contest, was manager of the Lafourche Parish Fair Association and the president of the Lafourche 4-H Foundation Board. Since his retirement, he has assisted in the training of 4-H University contestants and judges parish 4-H contests.

Elliot E. Letlow
Bienville Parish

Elliot Letlow was a 4-H and County Agent with 38 years of service beginning in 1951. His accomplishments include working with the Junior Leadership Club, gardening contests and providing peaches for many educational demonstrations.

Lou Ella Lognion
St. Landry Parish

Lou Ella Lognion started her work with 4-H as a volunteer and a supportive mother and grandmother. She was an organizational club leader at Port Barre High School. Her interests were clothing, food and nutrition.

Jon V. Lowe
Caddo Parish

John Lowe was a 4-H Agent and Parish Chair who spent countless hours mentoring 4-H youth and their families. He serves on the Ark-La-Tex Agricultural Council, Caddo Parish Farm Bureau and State Fair of Louisiana board of directors and remains active in 4-H events and contest judging.

Joan McCrory
Acadia Parish / State 4-H Office

Joan McCrory has touched the lives of many 4-H’ers throughout Louisiana since she began her career as a 4-H Agent in 1969 until her retirement in 2005 as a Professor in the LSU AgCenter’s Department of 4-H Youth Development. She developed publications and guidelines for several significant Louisiana 4-H programs and was continually committed to fostering life skills in youth. She continues to volunteer with the 4-H program and was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2007.

Mary McMachon
Calcasieu Parish

Mary McMachon has been involved in 4-H for more than 35 years. Her work started as a school club leader and evolved into numerous positions at the parish and state levels. She volunteers at statewide environmental camps, coordinates a parish environmental club and serves as a state fishing sports instructor. She was nominated for the National Wildlife Leader Award in 2005.

Dr. Charles Miller
Iberia Parish

Dr. Charles Miller started his involvement in 4-H as a member in the 1930s. His career as a 4-H Agent began in 1948, and he retired in 1993. He remains an avid 4-H supporter.

Lina Ruth Miller
Beauregard Parish

Lina Ruth Miller has served as a 4-H volunteer for more than 40 years. Her roles have ranged from organizational club leader, advisory committee member and parish junior 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.

William Ulrich “B.U.” Miller
Concordia Parish

B.U. Miller 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. He often would cover the cost of the project for youth unable to afford the expenses. He always said he was rewarded beyond his dreams through the accomplishments of his children and the youth he worked with through 4-H.

Jean E. Mitchell
Catahoula Parish

Jean Mitchell has served as a 4-H organizational leader and volunteer, touching the lives of many youths. She instilled a tradition of 4-H that increased enrollment and participation in 4-H in her parish. In encouraging youth, she always provides them with experiences that are fun and educational and emphasize demonstration skills.

Michelle Price Mitchell
Vernon Parish

Michelle Mitchell 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 supporter 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 statewide recognition.

Louis Mouch Jr.
West Baton Rouge Parish

Louis Mouch Jr. served over 60 years with West Baton Rouge 4-H. He is the Fair Board President and assists the planning and running of the West Baton Rouge Fair and rodeo each year.

Dr. C.J. Naquin
East Baton Rouge / State 4-H Office

Dr. C.J. Naquin dedicated his career to the 4-H program and served as the first Louisiana 4-H Foundation Director. He was promoted to the State 4-H office with the responsibilities of the 4-H leadership program. He developed parish Junior Leader Clubs throughout the state and was responsible for naming a Louisiana room at the National 4-H Center. He started the first LABO exchange program and organized a 4-H camp for disabled youth at Camp Grant Walker. Dr. Naquin also served on several regional and national committees.

Nancy Nettles
Red River

Nancy Nettles has been involved with 4-H for 42 years. She has received the State Alumni Award, the Attorney General’s Livestock Leader Award, the Outstanding Leadership Award and has served on the 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.

Maxine Olinde
Pointe Coupee Parish

Maxine Olinde was a 4-H Agent who implemented a variety of programs on home economics, community development and leadership development. She is a National Association of Extension Home Economists lifetime member and was rewarded with their Distinguished Service Award. She was also recognized by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with the Home Economics Alumni Award in recognition of her contribution to 4-H club work and service to other programs.

Clara O’Sullivan
Jefferson Parish

Clara O’Sullivan was a 4-H leader at elementary schools in Jefferson Parish. She served as a teacher representative on the Jefferson 4-H Foundation Board and on the Jefferson 4-H Advisory Council. She had the highest number of youth who stayed in 4-H beyond elementary school. She has received numerous awards from the Jefferson Parish 4-H Foundation.

Adella Paul
Concordia Parish

Adella Paul 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.

Durell Peloquin
(deceased)
Allen Parish

Durell Peloquin was an active supporter of the Allen Parish 4-H program and was president of the Allen Parish Fair Association. He also served on the Southwest District Show Committee and the scholarship committee.

Carolyn Reber Phillips
Winn Parish

Carolyn Reber Phillips served as a Home Economist/4-H agent for 30 years. She was instrumental in the development of the Winn Parish 4-H Woodsman’s Skills Competition as a youth event in conjunction with the Louisiana Forest Festival. She serves on the Winn Parish Advisory Committee and judges 4-H activities.

Mary Poe
Lincoln Parish

Mary Poe promotes 4-H through the air waves and Web page of The Radio Center where she is employed as public service director. She serves on the Lincoln Parish Advisory Council and volunteers as a judge for contests.

Joe Don Powell
Red River

Joe Don Powell, a former County Agent, devoted 30 years to educational programs on entomology, livestock, plant science and wildlife. With integrity, tirelessness and humor, he encouraged his 4-H’ers to work, to take chances, and to discover and believe in their abilities. He was a mentor to new 4-H agents and brought together community leaders, 4-H parents, and politicians to organize the Red River Livestock club, an organization that supports local 4-H projects.

Bill Querrey
Madison Parish

Bill Querrey has been a 4-H volunteer for 40 years. As the past president of the parish Farm Bureau and member of Louisiana Angus Association, he supported youth through field days and district and regional livestock shows.

Cecil Ramagos Sr.
Iberville Parish

Cecil Ramagos Sr. became involved in 4-H at the age of nine and remained active long after high school. He volunteered his time, money, energy and expertise to help any 4-H’er in need for more than 30 years. His tireless efforts helped elevate the Iberville 4-H livestock project to one of the most quality programs in the state.

Willard Rambo
Grant Parish

Willard Rambo was the state senator responsible for legislation that appropriated $75,000 to build Camp Jesse Harrison in Grant Parish for 4-H’ers in the 1950s.

Catherine Richard
(deceased)
St. Charles Parish

Catherine Richard was a 4-H Leader in St. Charles Parish for 55 years. Her students won numerous State and Blue Ribbon awards at 4-H Short Course at LSU. She served as a chaperone for the Jr. Leaders Camp and for the District Wildlife Trip.

Enaux Rivere
Assumption Parish

Enaux Rivere began his 4-H career as a 4-H’er in 1959 and continues to volunteer and support today. He is a livestock project leader and a member of the Assumption 4-H Advisory Committee. Each year, 2000 youth and adults visit his Dairy Educational Display at Ag Day.

H.P. “Sleepy” Roberts
Union Parish

H.P. Roberts, a retired 4-H agent who served from l954 to 1988, influenced the lives of many 4-H’ers and went out of his way to make each one feel important. Terry Dumas, LSU AgCenter animal sciences specialist and former student of Roberts, describes him as a teacher, leader and “one of us” at the same time.

Stephanie Rodrigue
Cameron Parish

Stephanie Rodrigue was an active 4-H member and volunteer in Lafourche and Cameron parishes. She is the superintendent of the Cameron Parish school system and also serves on the parish 4-H Foundation, 4-H Regional Advisory Committee, and as announcer at many 4-H livestock events.

Raphael Rodriguez
St. Mary Parish

Raphael Rodriguez has been active in community organizations for over 40 years and supports 4-H, volunteering for numerous projects. He was a key figure in establishing the St. Mary Parish Fair Association which has a strong relationship with the 4-H program and livestock projects. His involvement with the program continues with his children and grandchildren.

Victor Leander Roy Sr.
(deceased)
Avoyelles Parish / State 4-H Office

Victor Leander Roy Sr,, considered Louisiana’s “Father of 4-H”, as Superintendent of Avoyelles Parish Schools in 1908, organized the first Boys Corn Club. He collaborated with the local railroad to transport boys to the first meeting held at Moreauville High School. The success of this first Corn Club led to establishing other agricultural and domestic clubs that became collectively known as 4-H Clubs. 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 led to the creation of the 4-H Club organization. He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004.

Patricia Russell
Caldwell Parish

Patricia Russell, a 4-H volunteer for 21 years, has served on the 4-H Foundation Board and 4-H Advisory Leadership Council. She has trained 4-H University youth in nutrition and entomology projects. Russell has received the Louisiana 4-H Alumni Recognition Award.

Willie Waggoner Russell Jr.
Franklin and Ouachita Parishes

Willie Russell is a former 4-H Agent and member of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association and Louisiana Catfish Association, which provides $300 annually to the area 4-H cookery contest. He received the National County Agents Association Distinguished Service Award.

Clay Matthews Samson
(deceased)
East Feliciana Parish

Clay Samson served the LSU AgCenter as a trainee, assistant, associate, and County Agent with 33 years of service. His involvement with 4-H was extensive as he worked with many 4-H families with livestock projects. He began a “Poultry Chain” project to give youth with limited resources the means to participate in a livestock project. He served on numerous 4-H statewide committees related to camp and livestock shows.

Tom H. Scott
(deceased)
Franklin Parish

Among Tom Scott’s many contributions to 4-H, he founded the Scott Truck and Tractor Scholarship for graduating 4-H members. Annual scholarships have been awarded for the past 19 years. Presently, each parish receives $1,500 for deserving 4-H members.

Jim Shipp
Evangeline Parish

Jim Shipp has been associated with 4-H for more than 30 years in a variety of assignments, including program sponsor and camp volunteer. He has been active in livestock programs, and he was instrumental in establishing a shooting sports program in the parish, securing national support and funding.

Calvin Stewart Shirley
(deceased)
Beauregard Parish / State 4-H Office

Calvin Stewart Shirley began his 33 year career as a field agent in Bossier and Caddo parishes from 1943-1955. He became a State 4-H Agent in 1955 and served in that capacity for 21 years until his retirement in 1976. Mr. Shirley continued to work at youth development through his work in church, community and the 4-H program in his home parish of Beauregard.

George Simoneaux
East Baton Rouge Parish

While a 4-H agent in St. James Parish, George Simoneaux became known as the man of new ideas. In 1956, he and his coworkers developed a safety program involving volunteer leaders, business leaders and 4-H Clubs. In 1960, he transferred to East Baton Rouge Parish joining the parish extension staff as a 4-H agent. Over past 52 years, Mr. Simoneaux has served 4-H youth in the capacity of 4-H Agent, Parish Chair, volunteer, East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H Foundation president, and 4-H advocate.

Idell W. Snowden
Natchitoches Parish

Idell Snowden, an extension agent for 34 years, continues to show support to the Natchitoches parish 4-H youth development program. When she was employed by the LSU AgCenter, she worked closely with black youth. Throughout her career she created an atmosphere in the parish 4-H organization that allowed all races to interact comfortably, thus making all youth feel welcome.

Margaret Lass Sorenson
Livingston Parish

Margaret Sorenson began her 4-H career at the age of 10 years old. During her 30 year career as a 4-H club leader, she received the Leader of the Year Award numerous times, and was also awarded the 4-H Alumni Award during Short Course. Margaret also served as an adviser to the State 4-H Fashion Board, and was instrumental in starting a 4-H Fashion Board in Livingston Parish in 1995.

Mattie Rae Strong
West Carroll Parish

Mattie Rae Strong has supported 4-H for 44 years. She received the Louisiana 4-H Alumni Recognition Award and served on the 4-H Advisory Leadership Council.

James Templet
Assumption Parish

As an active volunteer for over 40 years, James Templet has made many contributions to 4-H. He was instrumental in establishing the first 4-H Family Day and assisted with 4-H University trainings. Today he serves on the South Central District Livestock Board representing Assumption Parish. He is also a big part of the Assumption 4-H Ag Day, in which he exhibits “Agricultural History” by performing demonstrations with antique farm equipment.

Jimbo Thiels
Rapides Parish

Jimbo Thiels began 4-H work as a child and as an adult he 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, secures buyers for the the livestock and is the host of the live TV broadcast of the sale of champions.

Sally Thomas
Washington Parish

Sally Thomas was one of the first female County Agents in the state. She began her career by working with the LSU AgCenter in the mid 1970s. She worked with the 4-H program and the livestock program in Washington Parish and has been a consistent volunteer for her parish 4-H program for almost 30 years.

Rufus Walker
Grant Parish

Rufus Walker was responsible for donating and selling the first land to form Camp Grant Walker in the 1930s. The camp’s name is representative of Walker’s last name and Grant Parish. His land was the site of the very first 4-H Camp in Louisiana in 1922 where the youth camped out in tents.

Joe T. Walters Jr.
Franklin Parish

Joe Walters, a 4-H volunteer with over 19 years of service, is a past chair of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation Board and has received the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Award.

Ivory Lee Williams
Iberville Parish

Ivory Williams committed herself to the 4-H program for 29 years. She is the five time recipient of the parish’s Outstanding 4-H Leader Award, has served as president of the Iberville Parish 4-H Foundation for three years and is currently on the 4-H Advisory Committee. She has volunteered as an adult leader at 4-H Camp Grant Walker for several years as well as helped prepare youth for contests held at 4-H Short Course.

Mary McKee Williams
Caddo Parish

Mary McKee Williams began serving as a 4-H leader and volunteer in 1956, helping many youth prepare demonstration projects and assisting with parish and state 4-H events. She has been honored as the Louisiana Outstanding 4-H Club Leader and attended the club Congress in Chicago, In the 1970’s she received the Good Provider Award, the 4-H Alumni Award and the Attorney General Award.

Wayne Williams
Webster Parish

Wayne Williams, Superintendent of Webster Parish schools, has witnessed the effect of the 4-H program on his son who was President of the State 4-H Executive Board. He welcomes LSU AgCenter staff to school board and principal meetings and grants permission for 4-H Fun Day to be held during a school day.

S.L. Winston
(deceased)
Concordia Parish

Winston was known as “Big Tam” for his generosity in helping 4-H livestock exhibitors learn life skills and for setting an example of 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.