[Image: L to R: Dwight Landreneau, Rick Hargis (4-H Hall of Fame Inductee), Laura Brumbaugh, Hubert A. Wilkerson, II, Dr. Mark Tassin]Rick Hargis and Idell Snowden, 4-H Hall of Famers
Eleven people from Northwest Louisiana were inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame here on March 7 including two inductees from Natchitoches Parish, Rick Hargis and Idell Snowden.
The inductees and their parishes are Albert Doughty and Dr. Jack Bagent, Bossier; John Lowe and Mary Williams, Caddo; Beverly Bruce, DeSoto; Rick Hargis and Idell Snowden, Natchitoches; Nancy Nettles, Red River; Sheila Farmer, Sabine; and Wayne Williams, Webster.
Joe Don Powell of Red River was inducted posthumously.
The honorees were nominated by parish and regional staff of the LSU AgCenter. The 11 will join 89 other candidates being inducted statewide this year. The 100 honorees will be featured in the state 4-H Museum in Avoyelles Parish when it opens in December as one of the culminating activities of 4-H’s centennial in Louisiana.
Rick Hargis, Natchitoches Parish tax assessor, has been part of the 4-H youth development organization for over 45 years in capacity of club member, leader and foundation member. During his nine years as a club member, Rick was active in the Dairy Project and later in the Junior Leadership project. He competed successfully on the parish, district, state and even national level. During his adult 4-H career, he and his father provided animals for those 4-H’ers who were unable to afford them. The 4-H Livestock program benefited greatly from his fundraising efforts as well as the organization as a whole. In honor of his deceased son, Rick established and sponsored the Dairy Showmanship Award at the district and state livestock show for many years. Rick has been actively involved in the Natchitoches Parish 4-H Foundation since it was created and has served as Vice President and Treasurer. He has also represented Northwest Louisiana on the state 4-H Foundation. Rick has also been instrumental in providing funds to build a 4-H Exhibit Building and Livestock Facility and has volunteered [Image: L to R: Dwight Landreneau, Hubert A. Wilkerson, II, Idell Snowden (4-H Hall of Fame Inductee), Laura Brumbaugh, & Dr. Mark Tassin]time and efforts to actually construct part of the buildings. His support and counsel are invaluable to the staff of the Natchitoches Parish Extension Office, 4-H Youth Development Program and the LSU AgCenter.
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, her primary audience was black youth, she worked diligently throughout her career with the AgCenter to create an atmosphere in the parish 4-H organization that allowed all races to interact comfortably, thus making all youth feel welcome. After her retirement she did not let her love and passion for the organization end. She continues to serve as a 4-H Foundation trustee and member of the Natchitoches Parish 4-H and FCS Adviosry Councils. Her 20 years of volunteer service within this community earned her the Diane Chandler Award for Most Volunteered Woman of Louisiana. She is also responsible for shaping the lives of many former 4-H’ers including those currently in the positions of: Sheriff of Natchitoches Parish, Natchitoches Tax Assessor, Clerk of Court, Caddo Parish County Agent and numerous teachers, principals, ministers and community leaders.
During the ceremony, Dwight Landreneau, LSU Agcetner associate vice chancellor and Dr. Mark Tassin, 4-H Youth Development Department Head presented both Rick Hargis and Idell Snowden with a plaque and centennial lapel pin while Hubert A. Wilkerson, II, County Agent spoke about each recipient. “4-H is strong and well because of the efforts of those of you seated here tonight,” said Dwight Landreneau, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor. “Louisiana is on the rise in enrollment in 4-H, and that is not necessarily true in our neighboring states. We need volunteers, their support, help and guidance. You are all special to us.”