DH: 4‑H was very instrumental in molding me into who I am today. My interest in many things started at home; however, 4‑H was where I learned more, and it helped me build my confidence to participate in the many projects. It helped me build the confidence to become a leader, first by participating at the local level, then to participate at the state level. 4‑H helped me to find what my interests were and to grow those interests. It helped me become who I am today. I can say that without 4‑H, I never would have had the confidence to speak before a group. It was the start of a passion I have today, and that is to educate youth and adults about how their food is grown.
Are you still involved with 4‑H now?
DH: I am still involved with 4‑H today. I don’t know if there was a time that I wasn’t involved in 4‑H in some form. I was heavily involved while my children were growing up through 4‑H. Later, assisted the 4‑H agents whenever they needed help after they graduated because my youngest never stopped working with 4‑H’ers either. I then formed a non-profit, the Fast Food Farm, where I work with 4‑H’ers and FFA students. The goals of the Fast Food Farm are: to educate consumers of all ages about how their food is grown; create innovative educational materials to which teachers and students can relate; teach the importance of agriculture to our daily lives and to the economy; provide mentoring opportunities for all students; and provide leadership opportunities for 4‑H, FFA, and Pro-Start students. The students are trained to be peer teachers for the two large events we have at the farm each year. I serve on the St. James Parish 4‑H Foundation Board, as well as the Louisiana 4‑H Foundation Board.
From 4‑H to Farm Bureau: 4‑H was Where I Learned More
