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‘It’s about the kids’
Published May 14, 2009
When campers arrive at the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood this summer, they will see a familiar name on one of the dorms — Laurinda Boyd, Kerr County extension agent.
Boyd, who has held the job for the past 15 years, was nominated for the honor in April and discovered she had been selected as one of the “Top Ten” earlier this month.
“It’s very, very humbling, it’s a huge honor,” she said. “I appreciate the recognition, but it is all about the kids.”
Boyd, who “grew up in 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America),” knew she wanted to work with children. Becoming the Kerr County extension agent was, in her words, “the best job scenario.”
She described her work as a county extension agent as “a golden job,” despite the stress, summertime travel and long hours — as much as 70 hours a week at times. But it’s the “shaping of lives” that make the hard times worth it.
“It fits me perfectly,” she said.
Obviously her fans agree.
Candace and Jimmy Poole were among the people who wrote letters nominating Boyd for the dorm-naming program.
In their letter, the Pooles wrote, “Laurinda is selfless when it comes to the 4-H kids. We have traveled with the wool and mohair judging team and have been amazed at Laurinda’s ability to organize. She is on time, runs everything with precision, knows exactly where and when to go, and she has 15 kids with her. Amazing!”
Kari Potter’s letter read, “Laurinda is such a tremendous asset to our county. She never lets a good deed go unnoticed. She sends notes to the kids to let them know that she is proud of them and encourages those who need a little extra boost.”
Potter also noted, “She makes each child feel welcome and a part of something. She realizes that each child has different goals and needs. She always greets them with a smile and a hug.”
Mary Muehlstein, a Kerr County 4-H leader and parent wrote, “The Mission Possible camp for youth with diversities would probably not even exist without Laurinda’s insistence that the Kerr County 4-Hers get involved.
“Each year, she brings eight to 10 mentors from the county to help during the week-long camp. I know from my own children’s experience that this program has benefited the mentors, as much or more than it has the campers themselves.”
Also, Muehlstein commended Boyd on bringing the National Health Rocks program to the Texas 4-H Center.
The program teaches youth the skills to make healthy choices and to avoid peer pressure.
“Laurinda traveled out of state for two summers to train alongside the 4-H ambassadors chosen to promote this program,” Muehlstein wrote. “Through this important program, Laurinda has since coordinated training of over 30 new ambassadors across Texas, who in turn have trained over 1,200 youth in our county alone in the curriculum.”
Boyd also was credited for creating an ongoing mentoring relationship between the Salvation Army and Kerr County 4-H that resulted in “The Dream Team,” a special 4-H Club for disadvantaged youth.
Other projects Boyd developed for the local 4-H program include shooting sports, food and nutrition, veterinary science, livestock, photography and leadership.
Boyd is especially proud of the Kerr County Junior Council and Senior Ambassadors, young leaders who host the Any Baby Can Christmas Party, a summertime fishing derby and 4-H mini camps.
But Boyd said the success of the local 4-H chapter could not have been attained without the help of her co-workers, Roy Walston and Rene Walls, and all of the volunteers who assist with the organization’s projects and programs.
In referring to the adult leadership, Boyd said, “This is not about us. It is about the kids. We provide the vehicle. It’s up to them to drive it to their goals.”
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