RESERVE — Patti Rodrigue has been an instrumental leader coordinating and implementing Youth Hazard Mitigation Project afterschool classes at East St. John Freshman Success Academy.

Designed in the aftermath Hurricane Isaac, the program promotes greater understanding of the vulnerabilities and risks associated with natural disasters.

As a 4-H volunteer, state leaders praised Rodrigue for recruiting students, speaking to government officials about the project, organizing field trips and guest speakers, providing snacks and working to engage students.

The effort has not gone unnoticed, as Rodrigue was awarded the Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Power of Youth Award this month.

Rodrigue, a 30-year 4-H volunteer, is a teacher’s assistant at the Freshman Academy.

Through the afterschool classes, Rodrigue helps participants learn about natural hazards and how to protect structures from future damage.

Students worked with parish officials, engineers and LSU AgCenter faculty to develop a cost estimate for a parish first responders’ safe room to be built at the site of the current emergency operations center.

Students then researched construction techniques and completed an official FEMA grant application.

This grant application and their findings were presented to the parish president, emergency preparedness manager and numerous other parish and school officials.

Rodrigue was recognized for contributions Nov. 14 during a Louisiana 4-H Volunteer Leader Association conference at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock.

Dr. Janet Fox, 4-H Youth Development Department Head, spoke at the luncheon, thanking volunteers for their commitment to the 4-H.

“Our program would not be possible without the tireless dedication of volunteers like you,” Fox said.

“Your accomplishments are inspiration to myself and others to keep making the best better.”

Conference workshops were led by VLA members and included topics volunteers could bring back to their parish programs such as robotics, grant writing and sewing projects that relate to service learning.

Conference participants also attended “Make and Take,” an opportunity to try hands-on ideas for their clubs.