News Release Distributed 11/25/09

Tom H. Scott, a fixture in Louisiana agriculture and long-time support of 4-H during his lifetime, was inducted posthumously into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for 2009.

Scott was one of 15 individuals across the country inducted. His daughter, Betty Cummins of Mangham, accepted the honor for the family. Scott died in 2001.

Scott has a long history of providing support to Louisiana 4-H clubs, according to Mark G. Tassin, director of the 4-H and youth development for the LSU AgCenter. A scholarship established by him provides each of the state’s 64 parishes with a $1,500 4-H scholarship annually. His foundation also provides support for the Northeast District Livestock show each year held in Delhi, La.

“Mr. Scott’s dedication to 4-H has made a difference in the lives of 4-H participants across our entire state. His 4-H scholarship alone now provides $96,000 annually to graduating seniors. This program began in 1989 so many 4-H’ers have benefitted from his generosity,” Tassin said.

Scott’s dedication to 4-H began as a college student when a 4-H agent provided him with a job working in a dairy barn and cafeteria. The agent’s continued encouragement and mentoring helped shape Scott’s future ambitions.

In 1939, Scott opened his first Scott Truck and Tractor dealership. Scott Equipment now offers agriculture, construction and industrial equipment in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

Because of Scott’s contribution, the LSU AgCenter named a conference and office building in Winnsboro, La., the Scott Research & Extension Center, which houses the regional 4-H coordinator who serves thirteen parishes.

National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees are nominated by their home states based on their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international level. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002. For more information about National 4-H Hall of Fame events and past recipients, visit www.nae4ha.org/hof.