On January 24, 2008, LSU AgCenter held it’s Northeast District Livestock Show Supporter Recognition and 4-H Hall of Fame Banquet.
Our Hall of Fame recipient this year was Joe T. Walters, Jr. from Franklin Parish. He was one of 100 people inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Mr. Walters has been a 4-H volunteer for over 30 years. He has been involved in parish and area level leadership. He has served on the parish 4-H Foundation Board as Treasurer, and on the 4-H Advisory Leadership Council. He is a Shooting Sports Program Coordinator. He has helped with Achievement Days, Challenge Camp, 4-H University, and has been a parish contest judge. He is the past Chair of the LA 4-H Foundation Board, and a member of LA 4-H Volunteer Association. He has received two National 4-H awards; the Salute to Excellence Award and the Wild Woods Wondering National 4-H Wild Life Award.
Another Hall of Fame recipient recognized was Willie Waggoner “Bill” Russell, Jr., 4-H alumni, 4-H/county agent/parish chairman, 4-H parent and grandparent for over s
ixty-seven years. Parish level involvement and leadership as a former superintendent of the livestock shows, support for 4-H University (Short Course) participants with Farm Bureau. Served as district and state 4-H livestock show manager. Member of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association and Louisiana Catfish Association that provides $300 annually to the area 4-H cookery (catfish division) contest through his efforts. Received the National County Agents’ Association Distinguished service Award.
Entered into the State 4-H Hall of Fame was Mr. Tom H. Scott, Founder of the Scott Truck & Tractor Scholarship for graduating 4-H members. For the past nineteen years annual scholarships have been awarded. Presently every parish receives $1500 (96,000/annually) for presentation to deserving members. Mr. Scott’s Business accomplishments have impacted the agricultural industry for over 68 years through the continued growth of the company. In 1999, his willingness to support agriculture and the LSU AgCenter was evident with the donation to build a Research & Extension Center in Winnsboro. The Scott Research & Extension Center houses several regional positions including 4-H. The site is utilized for 4-H programs and events that impact 4-H youth, volunteers and parish 4-H agents.