Left to right bottom row, Janelle Carrier, Charles Campbell, Sheri Patout, Robbie Bailes for Thad Bailes, Nikie Patin for Cecil McCrory; back row, Martha Latimer, David McCrory for Cecil McCrory, Dot Veillon, Rebecca Clark, Woody Reed for Sherian Reed, Amanda Taylor Roberts, LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson, and Ann Powell. (Click on image for downloadable version. Photo by Bruce Schultz)

News Release Distributed 05/13/13

MANSURA, La. – A dozen new inductees into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame were recognized at a ceremony at the 4-H Museum here on May 11 for their work with 4-H clubs across the state.

“This is my academy award ceremony,” remarked inductee Janelle Carrier of Livingston Parish.

Another new Hall of Fame member, Charles Campbell, of St. Charles Parish, recalled his enjoyment at seeing the surprise on 4-H members’ faces when they won awards. “I hope in some way, I have helped kids become better citizens.”

Martha Latimer, of Livingston Parish, said working with 4-H kept her energized. “These young people renew your energy and keep you laughing.”

The 4-H Hall of Fame now has 160 honorees on its roll since it began in 2008 when 100 were selected.

Bill Richardson, LSU AgCenter chancellor, said the inductees exemplify the leadership qualities promoted in the 4-H program.

“The 4-H program in this state is truly exceptional,” he said. “It is one of the strongest in the U.S.”

Mark Tassin, LSU AgCenter 4-H and youth program director, said the inductees are being honored for the dedication and volunteerism.

The inductees were:

· The late Sherian Reed of Avoyelles Parish had the unique ability to motivate people, especially youth. Her husband Woody represented her at the ceremony. During her 53 years of 4-H involvement, she was a member, club officer, 4-H agent, home economist, parish chairman and volunteer. Under her guidance, Avoyelles had numerous state officers, including consecutive state presidents, and one received the Presidential Tray, 4-H's highest national award. She was involved in Extension professional associations and received Distinguished Service Awards from the state and national 4-H and home economist associations.

· Amanda Roberts was a state and national award winning 4-H member from Natchitoches Parish. Amanda was a member for 9 nine years. As a registered dietician, she has worked with youth in the foods and nutrition program including coaching demonstrations, perfecting recipes for contests, teaching at Kids Chef Camp, and spearheading local and regional culinary contests. She has served as overnight chaperone at Fashion Camp and conducted sewing classes and projects. As advisor for the Junior Leader Club she guides youth in identifying and executing community service learning projects. Amanda also serves as captain of the 4-H Relay for Life Team.

· The late John Cecil McCrory’s 30-year involvement in the 4-H program included member, parent, agent, and parish chairman (1955-2003). He was a charter member of the Louisiana 4-H Agent Association serving as president and treasurer. As a Vermilion 4-H agent, he increased participation in the sheep, swine, and teen leadership programs. He received numerous awards including the state and national 4-H County Agent Association Distinguished Service awards. Sixteen memorials were established in his honor including naming of the J. Cecil McCrory Activity Building, two scholarships, and a number of 4-H awards. He was represented at the ceremony by children David McCrory, Nikie Patin and Lindsay Hoyt.

· Ann Powell has served in Madison Parish 4-H as an organizational leader for more than 30 years. She has served as workshop presenter, facilitator, and trainer for wetland and environmental youth programs. After retirement, she started the first 4-H Cloverbud Club in Madison Parish in 2005. She was instrumental in writing and obtaining a grant to start the first outdoor education classroom and school garden at Tallulah Elementary in 1996, a program still maintained today. She was named Madison Parish Elementary teacher of the year and the Louisiana Science Teacher Association Outstanding Teacher. She attended several Southern Regional 4-H Leader Forums at Rock Eagle.

· Janelle Carrier of Livingston Parish helped 4-H members excel. She introduced the clothing projects to many students by teaching them to use a sewing machine. The clubs received numerous parish, area, and state awards for their community service and study programs. Her expertise in youth development was used on 4-H advisory committees, as a contest judge, and chaperone at Camp Grant Walker. As school principal, she continued support for the leader and club members. She was named as state winner of the State 4-H Alumni Award in 1977.

· Linda Theriot of St. Martin Parish has dedicated 46 years of service as a volunteer leader. She serves on the 4-H Advisory Committee and mentor for new leaders. One of her greatest accomplishments each year is that all members completed their projects and submitted portfolios. She helps organize a school food drive and field trip to the collection site allowing youth to sort the donated items. She has served as a presenter at regional 4-H leader training and was named Teacher of the Year in 2000.

· Charles Campbell began his 4-H experience in the Gueydan Elementary School in 1945. As a member of the New Orleans Area Chamber of Commerce 4-H Good Provider Committee, he traveled the state for two years interviewing youth for the awards. He continues to serve the St. Charles program as a judge for parish Achievement Day programs and livestock contests. He has been recognized as a state 4-H alumni winner in 1977 and was recipient of the St. Charles Parish Volunteer Leader Award.

· Sheri Patout has served the 4-H program as a member, organizational and activity leader, chaperone, advisory and foundation board member, advocate, and donor. As founder of the Iberia Parish 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology club she develops and teaches monthly lessons. She is a member of Louisiana Volunteer 4-H Leader Association and has attended the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum. Sheri was named an outstanding state 4-H leader in 2011 and awarded a trip to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.

· Dot Veillon has played numerous roles during her involvement in the Calcasieu 4-H Program as a member, organizational leader, livestock and clothing project leader and advisory committee member. She became a volunteer leader when her children joined 4-H and enrolled in the sheep project. She was an instrumental leader in the development of the parish premier sheep exhibitor program and helped set up the contest, conduct the skill-a-thon session, and secured awards. As a clothing project leader, she teaches members how to sew, conducts workshops and serves as a judge. For her distinguished service to youth, she was recognized as Honorary Living Sales Chairman for the 2011 Calcasieu Parish Livestock Show.

· Martha Latimer of Livingston Parish has served as a member, club leader, project leader, advisory council board member, Camp Grant Walker, Louisiana 4-H Foundation, and Livingston Foundation board member. She is currently president of the Livingston Foundation Board. Martha attended a seminar on Character Counts! After attending service out-of-state seminars, she piloted this program in Livingston schools.

· Rebecca Clark attributes her 8 years of involvement in St. Martin Parish as the foundation for her volunteer work. She has served the 4-H program as an organizational leader, advisory committee member, chaperone, and Junior Leader volunteer. Rebecca’s club consistently has the largest parish enrollment. She established school gardens at Parks Middle School. She has been recognized as Middle School Teacher of the Year at Parks Middle, and in St. Martin Parish, and the 2005 Wal-Mart Teacher-of-the-Year.

· The late Thad Bailes was in the Vernon Parish 4-H Program as a member, volunteer, livestock leader and advisory committee member. He worked with the livestock program and helped establish the first 4-H Livestock Club for parents and youth. Vernon Parish 4-H recognized him with the first annual Friend of Extension Award and was the first inductee in the Vernon Parish 4-H Hall of Fame. The annual Thad Bailes Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament is conducted to support two scholarships in his honor. Representing him was his wife, Robbie, and daughter, Polly B. Smith.

Bruce Schultz