Guillory’s love for 4-H took root in childhood

“With the wide variety of activities offered through 4-H, students can easily find something of interest to them,” says retired 4-H Youth Development Agent Tina Guillory. “4-H provides so many wonderful experiences and opportunities for the youth of the community. Through 4-H, children are motivated to learn valuable life skills and see what the world is like, good or bad, and how to deal with it.”
After nearly 20 years working with the youth of the parish through her work as 4-H Youth Development Agent with the LSU AgCenter, Guillory retired at the end of October.
Guillory’s love of 4-H began while a young student active in the 4-H club. She was inspired and motivated by her 4-H agent at Ville Platte High School, Sharon Fontenot, who encouraged her to do all she could do within the 4-H club. She worked hard on her record books and eventually won a trip to Chicago and then on to the national competition with her work. She says she was very timid about public speaking in school and, of course, she was chosen to speak at the convention to thank General Motors, who sponsored the trip.
Once she began teaching, she used that story to motivate shy children to be more vocal and less afraid of public speaking. She adds, “It becomes part of your job so you get used to it.”
As a teacher, she got involved with 4-H as a leader at her first school in Melville. When she moved to a school in Church Point, she became a 4-H leader there as well. Finally, she moved to Ville Platte High School and became 4-H leader there until she left in 1998, when she had the opportunity to work full-time with 4-H as the Evangeline Parish 4-H Youth Development Agent.
As the parish 4-H agent, Guillory enjoys watching the youth of the parish grow and learn through their participation in the 4-H organization. She admits, “Seeing children have a good time at camp and 4-H University and watching them succeed helps me to know I am doing the right thing.” She encourages the students that, “You can do it. You can do it if you put your mind to it and just do your best.”
While she enjoys every facet of 4-H, Guillory says that the cookery contests and sewing activities are a part of her background and important skills to learn. “The clothing contest is important because sewing is a skill that we cannot let die.”
Evangeline Parish, Guillory shares, is more traditional when it comes to 4-H. However, the local 4-H has kept up with the times, and science, engineering and technology activities are growing within the clubs. Guillory says the Evangeline Parish 4-H has several 4-Hers on state boards.
Guillory plans to keep busy during her retirement by spending time with her husband, Raymond, exploring areas of Louisiana that they have always wanted to visit but never had the chance to do so yet. And she will also be spending time with her children and grandchildren.
To the community of students and parents she has worked so closely with over the years, Guillory said, “I have enjoyed working with the youth and adults of the parish doing something I love and believe in. Their acceptance of me has been a blessing. That is what I will miss the most. There is no better job than being a 4-H agent in Evangeline Parish.”