Operation COOK Project Club had another exciting year, full of new recipes and fitness activities, according to Adriana Drusini, associate extension agent and St. Mary Parish 4-H youth development coordinator with the Louisiana State University AgCenter.

On Aug. 8, the group of “chefs” attended the last class of the year and received a certificate of completion and medal. Participants also earned a personalized, embroidered apron and chef’s hat as part of their graduation.

Louisiana 4-H was one of 15 states selected to receive Phase 2 of the Wal-Mart Foundation grant. The grant, titled “Fit 4 the Future: Youth Choice Youth Voice,” provided resources and opportunities for youth and their families to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles, which ultimately result in youth voice advocating for a fit future, Drusini said.

The state received $55,000 for this grant and has offered it out to parishes in mini-grants. St. Mary Parish 4-H received a small amount of this grant to be utilized in furnishing kitchen supplies and exercise tools to be used during the classes.

Anyone interested in signing up for the 2012-13 Operation COOK Project Club should attend a school 4-H Club meeting to get an enrollment form or visit www.lsuagcenter.com and search for a 2012 St. Mary newsletter to find a registration form.

With pride Drusini said, “Congratulations to our new chefs!”