Louisiana 4-H celebrates one century of helping hands
By Katherine Miller
CROWLEY – With the beginning of the new year, Louisiana 4-Hers are gearing up for the 100th birthday of their chapter. Louisiana 4-H is an educational program of the LSU Ag Center, and is part of a National organization. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the world, as well as the youth development outreach program of the largest land-grant university system in the nation.
The 4-H club is a group of youth that want to help their community and improve their heads, hands, hearts, and health by reaching out and helping others. Each member is given the opportunity to become positive, productive, capable and compassionate citizens, and become a positive role model for those in our community, as well as our world.
In the late 1890’s, 4-H originated through the coalition of people from different states who were concerned about young people. A few years later, in the year 1908, a chapter was formed in Louisiana. This chapter originated from a boys’ corn club that with growing popularity, led to the development of pig and tomato clubs, with the first girls’ club activities beginning in the year 1910.
Over the past 100 years, 4-H has come a long way. With more than 218,000 members and 9,000 volunteers statewide, Louisiana’s centennial celebration will be a big one. Louisiana is one of very few states where 4-H is a co-curricular activity and is present in every parish.
Ms. Sheena Cecil, Assistant County Agent for 4-H youth and development in Crowley, is proud to say that within the parish, there are 1258 members, who are part of 32 clubs throughout the parish. She also revealed a few of the upcoming events that will be held as part of 4-H’s Centennial Celebration.
Planning is in order for a Centennial softball tournament, including 4-H members, Alumni, and leaders. The date of the tournament, however, has not been set.
Throughout the month of April, a “Hide-n-seek” of clovers will be held. In this game, clovers will be strategically placed in areas around town. Finders of these clovers will be awarded with a special 4-H Centennial Celebration T-Shirt.
On April 5, the annual 4-H Achievement Day will be held, and planning is still underway, but there will be many centennial celebration activities on this special day. Also in April, 4-H will be celebrating 100 Years of Fashion with a revue, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 23.
The Outstanding Member Award will be given toward the end of the school year, on May 10.
These are just a few of the fun-filled activities that the parish has planned for their Centennial Celebration. For more information, you may contact the LSU Cooperative Extension office at 788-8821.