The Washington Parish Fair Association has announced the dedicatiion of the 2009 Fair to Michael E. “Mike” Henley in appreciation of his many years of volunteer leadership and service.

Henley is a native of Bogalusa and a long-time resident of Franklinton. His work with the fair began in 1974 when he became a member of the Fair Association Board of Directors.

His accumulated years of service has produced a long list of landmark accomplishments. After being a member of the board for nine years, he branched out into chairman of the Mystery Person Committee and then to executive positions of vice-president and then president in 1984 and 1985.

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During his tenure he oversaw the construction of much needed restroom facilities near the stage area. He had the floor cemented in the Country Market Building and negotiated the first contract with WCI for inmate work on the fairgrounds.

Henley created and designed the fair flag and continues to serve as flag chairman. He helped secure corporate sponsorship for the stage and since 1986 he has served on or chaired numerous ad hoc committees for the fair. He has been serving as chairman of the Hospitality Committee, which handles all the arrangements for the annual banquet for volunteers held just prior to the fair. They are also called on from time to time to serve at other functions during the year.

One idea that Henley had which came to fruition was his idea to organize the Fair Past Presidents Club. This distinguished organization has proven to be an outstanding group with significant contributions to the fair.

Besides his Fair activities, he has played an active role in educational, civic and church activities during his entire adult life.

A graduate of Bogalusa High School and of Southeastern Louisiana University with advanced degrees in educational administration and supervision, he began his teaching career at Mt. Hermon High School and served 20 years as a high school principal at Varnado High School and Franklin-ton High School.

Henley has actively participated in sports activities locally and statewide such as the Southeast Louisiana Sports Officials Association, of which he was president for seven years, and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association where he served on several classification committees.

His leadership skills were developed through his participation in many professional and civic organizations. His civic involvements include president of the Franklinton Rotary Club during which time he played the leading role in establishing Rotary-sponsored Interact Clubs at Franklinton High School and Bowling Green High School.

He also served as chairman of the Washington Parish Service Center of the Southeast Chapter of the American Red Cross and chaired the education committee of the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce. For the past 14 years he has thoroughly enjoyed helping Lt. Col. Robert Miller, USMC, Ret. with Explorer Post 313 in all of their activities as bus driver and cook (mainly breakfast he says).

Henley is proud of his 23 years service in the Louisiana National Guard. For the last 15 years he was the Battalion Operations Sergeant for the National Guard Battalion with headquarters in Bogalusa. At retirement he held the rank of Master Sergeant. Among the distinguished commanders he served under were Brig. Gen. Coleman Knight, Col. Jewel Blair and Col. James Bailey.

He is a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Franklinton, where he serves on the church finance committee.

Mike’s daughter Sara, sons Lelan and Bud and granddaughters Reese, April and Toni, join the Fair Association in recognizing and appreciating his many accomplishments.