CROWLEY – Twenty-two individuals from 11 parishes in southwestern Louisiana were inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame at a ceremony held here April 15.

The ceremony was one of several being held across the state to recognize 100 former members, volunteers and retired LSU AgCenter employees for their outstanding service to the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program during its centennial celebration.

Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, said the inductees played a significant role in the development of youths. “We should all emulate what they have done in giving back to their communities.”

He said 225,000 boys and girls are currently involved in the Louisiana 4-H program, which relies heavily on community support and volunteerism.

Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter Southwest Region, said today’s 4-H members are outstanding individuals because of their leadership and maturity. “It never ceases to amaze me. It gives me optimism for the future of this country.”

Members in Acadia Parish who were inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame were:

• Joe Baronet of Acadia Parish, a former 4-H member, was a livestock leader for more than 43 years and was instrumental in organizing the first annual livestock sale in 1968. He was a key figure in securing support for the Acadia Parish multipurpose facilty and extension office.

• Joan McCrory of Acadia Parish has touched the lives of many in Acadia Parish and throughout Louisiana. She has been an outstanding role model in her hometown of Iota. She began her 4-H career as a member in Acadia Parish, and she retired in 2005 as a 4-H youth development professor. She continues to volunteer with the 4-H program, and she has been inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

After the honorees were recognized, Rodrigue told the gathering that 4-H students and leaders were among the first to help Cameron Parish recover from Hurricane Rita. Coreil was among the first to call on her to offer help, and Lafayette 4-H junior leaders provided assistance to displaced students.

“Cameron Parish will never forget what a difference 4-H has made in our recovery,” she said.

Fawcett urged everyone to persuade local businesses to support 4-H. He showed a poster design that will be used by SLEMCO electric to help the 4-H program. He also said more should be done to keep adults active in 4-H even after their children graduate from school.