HR 9101

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution recognizing the contributions of the Florida
3	4-H Youth Development Program and commemorating the
4	program's 100th anniversary.
5
6	WHEREAS, in 1909, under the direction of the University of
7	Florida's Dean of Agriculture, J. J. Vernon, the 4-H program was
8	established in Florida through the organization of boys' corn
9	clubs in Alachua, Bradford, and Marion Counties, where boys
10	learned improved methods for producing corn on their farms, and
11	WHEREAS, in 1912, Agnes Ellen Harris of the Florida State
12	College for Women, known today as Florida State University,
13	established tomato clubs, Florida's first 4-H programs for
14	girls, in 11 counties throughout the state, and these clubs
15	inspired girls' interest in home activities and provided extra
16	income through the sale of canned tomatoes, and
17	WHEREAS, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
18	established 4-H programs for African American boys and girls in
19	the state in 1915, providing instruction to boys and girls in
20	growing vegetable gardens and raising poultry to supplement
21	their family diets, and
22	WHEREAS, the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, as it
23	is known today, evolved out of these and other programs,
24	adopting the motto "To Make the Best Better" and promoting the
25	principles of training in the four "H's": Head, Heart, Hands,
26	and Health, and
27	WHEREAS, through its 100 years of activity in Florida, the
28	Florida 4-H Youth Development Program has reached more than 1
29	million girls and boys with educational and developmental
30	programs that have contributed significantly to the quality of
31	the lives of these young people and their families, and
32	WHEREAS, today, Florida 4-H is the youth development
33	program of the Florida Cooperative Extension System, is
34	administered by the University of Florida's Institute of Food
35	and Agricultural Sciences Extension, and boasts approximately
36	234,000 current members, NOW, THEREFORE,
37
38	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
39	Florida:
40
41	That the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program is
42	recognized for its 100 years of helping youth develop leadership
43	skills, self-confidence, and a love for lifelong learning; is
44	commended for the continued dedication of its 234,000 current
45	members and of the employees of the Florida Cooperative
46	Extension; and is applauded for the time and energy contributed
47	by more than 10,900 adult and teen volunteers who help make
48	Florida 4-H a truly great organization.
49	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
50	presented to the Florida 4-H Foundation as a tangible token of
51	the sentiments expressed herein.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.