Sonia Perez, AT&T president of Louisiana operations, sixth from left, presents a check to Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor of extension, to help fund construction of a multi-purpose pavilion at the LSU AgCenter 4-H Camp Grant Walker near Pollock. Also pictured are, left to right, Grant Parish 4-H students Hallee Collins and Gabby Rutter, LSU AgCenter 4-H Agent Danielle Cormier, Grant Parish 4-H Foundation President Randall Fletcher, Coreil, Perez, Camp Grant Walker Interim Director Christine Bergeron, 4-H students Mallory Crawford and Sarah Merrell, state Rep. Terry Brown of Colfax, Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain and state District Judge Danny Willett. Photo by Bruce Schultz

Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, shares a lighthearted moment Oct. 25 with Sonia Perez, president of AT&T operations in Louisiana, during the presentation of a $25,000 check from the corporation to help build a multipurpose building at 4-H Camp Grant Walker. Construction is expected to begin in early 2013. Photo by Bruce Schultz

Grant Parish 4-H students express their thanks on Oct. 25 to AT&T for donating $25,000 to help build a multipurpose building at the LSU AgCenter 4-H Camp Grant Walker near Pollock. From left to right are Hallee Collins, Gabby Rutter, Mallory Crawford and Sarah Merrell. Photo by Bruce Schultz

News Release Distributed 10/26/12

POLLOCK, La. – A donation by AT&T will help fund the first phase of construction of a multipurpose center at the LSU AgCenter 4-H Camp Grant Walker.

Sonia Perez, AT&T president for Louisiana operations, presented a $25,000 check to Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, on Oct. 25 at a ceremony at the camp.

Coreil said the camp needs the facility to allow all campers to assemble together for educational programs in one building, with the additional benefit of having a building where campers can gather for safety when stormy weather threatens during outdoor educational activities.

"We are appreciative that AT&T is helping to make that happen," Coreil said. "This is the second check for $25,000 that they have given us for this building."

"AT&T is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives in Louisiana, and we are proud to support the 4-H Foundation and the Grant Walker Educational Center," Perez said.

With the donation, construction of the first phase of the 9,800-square foot structure will start in early 2013, and a functional building, although incomplete, will be ready for summer camp, Coreil said. The building will be adjacent to the dining hall.

Coreil thanked several individuals for supporting Camp Grant Walker, including State Rep. Terry Brown of Colfax, who said 4-H camp was an important part of his life.

“I spent my first time away from home at Camp Grant Walker,” Brown said. "Throughout Louisiana in towns big and small, thousands of children participate in 4-H. Skills learned through 4-H help our children become more engaged in our communities, and I am honored to support this important cause."

State Sen. Bob Kostelka of Monroe also voiced his support for 4-H.

"For more than 100 years, children have joined 4-H to learn life skills and how to be good citizens," Kostelka said. "I'm proud to support 4-H and look forward to seeing future generations utilize the new educational building at Camp Grant Walker."

Coreil said the camp helps children learn about being a good citizen, contributing to the community, character, nutrition, health and the sciences. Campers are required to sweep floors and make their beds, develop independence and be responsible.

Four Grant Parish 4-H students – Hallee Collins, Mallory Crawford, Sarah Merrell and Gabby Rutter – thanked AT&T, and they described the effects 4-H and the camp has made on their lives.

“This place has made me a much better person,” Rutter said.

The multipurpose center is part of a master plan for Camp Grant Walker. The second phase of the project will enclose the pavilion and equip it with air conditioning. The third phase will involve construction of a stage, a new camp store, restrooms and storage space.

Bruce Schultz