| [Image: Thad Bailes] |
| [Image: Centennial] |
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The Vernon Parish 4-H Program will celebrate the Louisiana 4-H Centennial with a banquet and social on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Celebrations in Leesville. All 4-H alumni are invited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the banquet and festivities begin at 7 p.m. The event will feature a sit-down meal of ribeye steaks cooked by the Louisiana Cattleman’s Association; slide shows from 4-H activities from the past 50+ years; testimonies of how 4-H influenced lives; a live auction featuring a guided duck hunt, a guided Toledo bend fishing trip, a handmade quilt and more; raffles and a time to share your favorite 4-H memories. After the banquet, the floors will be cleared for 4-H alumni to enjoy the memories of the 4-H dances.
Proceeds from the banquet will go to establish a scholarship fund to honor Thad Bailes. The scholarship fund will recognize graduating 4-H members who have excelled in the areas of leadership, community service/service learning and 4-H achievement.
Thad Bailes was a true example of what 4-H stands for and though he was taken from this world in the prime of his life, he will forever be in the hearts of many. As a 4-H alumni he shared his talents, energy and enthusiasm and love for youth as leader with the livestock program and the 4-H Teen Leader Club, chaperoned dances and trips, served as a judge for the 4-H Food Festival and the 4-H Demonstration Day, served on the 4-H Advisory Committee and so much more. Thad was recognized for his efforts with the Louisiana 4-H Alumni Award, the Vernon Parish 4-H Hall of Fame Award and the Vernon Parish Friend of 4-H Award. Thad’s wife, Robbie, brother, Rusty, and many other family members and friends will be at the banquet to help celebrate his memory. Robbie and their daughter Polly, who is currently in college in West Virginia, will also help recognize the scholarship recipients at graduation ceremonies in May. Rusty Bailes, 4-H alumni and Master of Ceremonies for the banquet said, “What an honor to dedicate an evening to celebrate all 4-H has done for the community and to establish a scholarship fund for deserving 4-H seniors in honor of my brother, Thad Bailes, and his relentless efforts to empower youth through 4-H.”
The evening will also recognize each of the 4-H Centennial Award winners. Award recipients were recognized at a 4-H event each month and included Mrs. Michelle Mitchell. Mrs. Judy Weisgerber, Mrs. Randi Schamerhorn Gleason, Mr. Dondi Alford, Mr. Andy Addison, Sheriff Sam Craft, Mr. Rusty Bailes, Senator John Smith, Meredith Durrett and Mrs. Sandy Odom. The final recipients will be recognized during the banquet.
Tickets can be purchased at $25 a person or $40 a couple and anyone wishing to purchase a ticket can do so by contacting the 4-H Office or one of the following committee members:
4-H Office – 239-3231
Randi S. Gleason – 397- 8861
Tiffany Franklin – 208-6697
Rusty Bailes – 424-1178
Leslie Ortiz – 392-1880
Kem Johnson – 208-2058
Chad Hagan – (318) 613-6195
Corporate sponsors are Farm Bureau of Leesville, Gene Haymon – State Farm Insurance,Sheriff Sam Craft, Jason Mount, the Vernon Parish 4-H Teen Leader Club and Chad Adams. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the banquet or scholarship fund may do so as a corporate sponsor, can donate a raffle or auction item or can make a donation to the scholarship fund in any size. Contact the 4-H Office for questions or donations.